**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was enveloped in nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting my journey 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 had always leaned towards being shy and introverted, stepping into the unknown felt overwhelming. Reflecting on it now, I see a transformative academic year that was not only filled with challenges but also abundant in personal development, fresh experiences, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and how do I view my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the commencement of university was the task of forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you may resonate with these feelings. On my first day in student accommodation, just a few days shy of the term’s start, I spent the entire day retreating in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to my peers. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced.
At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family—friends who share similar life experiences and stand by me through various challenges. What enabled me to break the ice? Engaging in simple, small talks with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
The primary takeaway from this experience is that taking a chance early in the process pays off. Even when you don’t feel prepared, there will be ample icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. And above all, be true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to discover individuals who align with your interests and principles.
### Addressing Academic Obstacles
Adapting to the academic demands and heightened difficulty of university-level material was another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the switch from the first term to the second intensified further. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or question your competence, especially when observing others study and fearing you may be lagging behind.
What assisted me in navigating these challenges was acknowledging that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you’re finding something hard to grasp, likely, others are too. The crucial step is to seek assistance—be it from your fellow students or from teaching staff. Cultivating the ability to request support is arguably the most vital skill to develop in your first year.
### The Significance of Supportive Educators
On the subject of support, the staff within the Materials department are genuinely outstanding. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and exhibit understanding towards the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, responding to our concerns and providing valuable guidance.
I must confess that I didn’t fully take advantage of the available pastoral support until the later part of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took an initiative by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which proved to be tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and establishing those connections can significantly enhance your university experience. My insight? Make full use of the resources and support systems at your disposal—you can never receive too much help.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I felt—both prior to starting university and during the year—was often unfounded. With a plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students alike, I was never genuinely alone. This year has imparted lessons on balancing exam stress and deadlines with moments filled with joy and excitement.
As I progress onward, I am thankful for the hardships I’ve encountered and the personal growth they have facilitated. For anyone preparing to embark on their university adventure, my simple counsel is: take that leap, welcome the support surrounding you, and have faith that you will discover your niche.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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