**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was about to begin my path 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 timid and introverted, plunging into this new experience felt daunting. Looking back now, I recognize a year defined by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what lessons did I learn this year, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting parts of entering university was the task of making new friends. If you are an incoming student perusing this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day in the student residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. These bonds have turned into my second family, both within my program and at the university as a whole.
What aided me? Taking that first step. It wasn’t straightforward, but engaging in light conversation with others who were experiencing similar feelings made a significant difference. If you’re not prepared to immerse yourself immediately, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker events and ways to connect with others. The most crucial takeaway I found is to always stay true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Adapting to the academic demands and the heightened difficulty of the material was another major hurdle. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the leap from the first term to the following one felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your capabilities, especially when it appears that others are managing effortlessly.
What helped me during this period was the understanding that we’re all in the same situation. If you’re finding something challenging, it’s likely that others are as well. The secret is to seek help—be it from your peers or the teaching staff. This is arguably the most important skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The lecturers and tutors truly want students to flourish and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year and are always eager to assist.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s end, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. At the beginning of the year, I bravely stepped into the role of a year well-being representative. This position offered me the chance to connect with faculty members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key insight? Utilize the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
This year has revealed to me that much of the anxiety I felt prior to and during my time at university was often unwarranted. With the extensive array of support available from both staff and fellow students, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned to balance enjoyment with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
Reflecting on my journey, I take pride in how far I’ve progressed. University is a journey of transformation, and while it comes with its obstacles, it’s also abundant with chances to flourish. If you’re on the brink of starting your own adventure, take that plunge—you might just surprise yourself.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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