**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 apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was ready to commence my adventure 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 been timid and introverted, plunging into university life felt intimidating. Now that I reflect on the past year, I recognize a period filled with personal development, hurdles, and memorable experiences. What lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Building Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Entering university can be quite overwhelming, and if you happen to be a prospective student reading this, you may be experiencing similar worries. On my first day in student housing—just a few days before the term officially commenced—I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet new faces.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most profound friendships of my life. My classmates have become a second family, both within the university and my program. All it took to achieve this was pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and initiating casual conversations with others who were also navigating this new experience.
So, what insights did I gain? I discovered that taking the plunge at the start of the year is undeniably rewarding. If you find yourself feeling unprepared or uneasy initially, that’s completely understandable—there will be ample icebreaking events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I realized that authenticity is essential. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you will undoubtedly find individuals who resonate with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was clear, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when you see others studying and wonder if you’re measuring up.
What assisted me in those difficult moments was understanding that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re finding it tough to grasp something, chances are others are too. The best you can do is seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty members. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year.
### Assistance from Faculty
On the topic of support, the faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely aspire for students to thrive and are understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained transparent communication with us, addressing our issues and providing direction.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I wish I had recognized its value sooner. Early in the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year group. This role allowed me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be an invaluable experience. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My most important takeaway here? Make the most of the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Key Takeaways
Looking back on this year, I’ve realized that much of the anxiety I experienced—both prior to starting university and throughout my time here—was often unfounded. With the abundant support provided by staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. This year has equipped me with the skills to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while also embracing moments of joy and self-exploration.
As I gaze toward the future, I feel thankful for the growth and connections I’ve fostered during my first year. To anyone preparing to embark on their university journey: take the plunge, welcome the challenges, and remember that support is always at hand.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*