**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and doubt about what awaited me. I was on the brink of beginning 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. Being someone who has typically been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new environment felt intimidating. Reflecting on the year now, I recognize a period filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous joyful experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
A daunting challenge I encountered at the beginning of university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might have similar concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation—just days before classes officially commenced—I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and engage with others.
Now, looking back, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. My coursemates and colleagues have morphed into a second family, and all it required was to break out of my comfort zone and initiate casual chats with others who were equally anxious.
What lesson did I derive from this experience? Embrace the leap early on. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be abundant icebreaker events and chances to bond with others. Most crucially, be authentic. With such a diverse population at Imperial, you’re sure to discover those who share your interests and values.
### Addressing Academic Hurdles
Another major challenge was adapting to the demands of the coursework and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university studies was stark, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Staying confident was often a struggle, particularly when observing others seemingly flourishing while I battled to keep pace.
What aided me in navigating this was the recognition that everyone was experiencing similar challenges. If you’re puzzled by a topic, it’s likely that many others are too. The essential part is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or professors. This might be the most vital lesson I absorbed during my first year: don’t be reluctant to ask for help.
### The Value of Supportive Staff
In terms of support, the staff in the Materials department have been outstanding. They truly desire for students to excel and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept lines of communication open, addressing our worries and providing guidance.
I must confess that I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available to me until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing so sooner. One of the wisest choices I made was to step into the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support systems at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Insights Gained
In reflecting on the past year, I’ve come to realize that the anxiety I felt—both prior to starting university and during my first term—was frequently misplaced. With the extensive support accessible from staff and peers, I was never truly alone. This year taught me how to juggle the stress stemming from exams and deadlines while enjoying moments of fun and relaxation.
For anyone about to embark on their university adventure: embrace the obstacles, take those courageous steps, and remember that assistance is always close at hand.
*By Dawson La*
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