**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of starting my experience as a first-year student in [Materials Science and Engineering](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/materials-science-engineering-meng/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=mra-blogs&utm_content=link) at Imperial College London. For someone who has always been introverted and reserved, immersing myself in such a fresh and demanding atmosphere was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and unforgettable moments of happiness. So what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. For many incoming students, this is one of the primary worries at the beginning of university, and I was no different. On my initial day in student housing, just days before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. The individuals I’ve encountered here have become like a second family, both within my program and the broader university community. All it required was a sprinkle of small talk and the bravery to connect with others who were experiencing similar situations.
What did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a bold step early on is crucial. If you’re not ready or feeling brave initially, that’s perfectly fine—there are plenty of icebreaker activities and chances to engage with others throughout the year. Most significantly, I realized that being authentic is the best route to take. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find people with shared interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major obstacle was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the materials. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the leap from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It wasn’t always simple to maintain confidence in such a demanding setting, particularly when I compared myself to peers who appeared to have everything under control.
What aided me in overcoming these challenges was the understanding that everyone was grappling with similar issues. If I found something perplexing, it was likely that others were struggling too. The key was mastering the art of asking for help—a skill that became invaluable throughout my first year. Whether reaching out to classmates or seeking advice from faculty, requesting support made an incredible difference.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how remarkable the Materials Science team is. They genuinely care about students’ success and are fully aware of the hardships we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, providing compassion and solutions to our issues.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of the support services until later in the year, I wish I had utilized them earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to form connections with staff members, which proved to be tremendously advantageous. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My most significant insight? Don’t hesitate to leverage the resources and support available to you—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Looking back on this year, I’ve come to realize that much of the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was unwarranted. The support systems established, from faculty to fellow students, made a substantial difference. I’ve learned that I’m never completely alone, and I’ve found a way to balance enjoying myself with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
This year has been a transformative experience, and I’m thankful for the hurdles, growth, and friendships it has offered. For anyone gearing up to begin their own university journey, my advice is straightforward: take the leap, be true to yourself, and don’t shy away from asking for assistance. You can do this!
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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