**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed by nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of initiating 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 had always been introverted and cautious, plunging into this new phase felt overwhelming. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with development, obstacles, and an abundance of enjoyment, I recognize how much I’ve absorbed and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Difficulty of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting facets of commencing university was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it could be among your primary concerns too. On my initial day in student housing, a few days prior to the official start of term, I secluded myself in my room the entire day, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had—friends who have become like family.
What enabled me to arrive at this point? Taking that initial step of faith. Engaging in conversations with individuals in similar situations was transformative. If you are feeling uncertain or reluctant, rest assured—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to mingle with others. The most crucial lesson I learned was to be authentic. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re sure to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Another major obstacle was acclimating to the workload and academic intensity. The leap from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more formidable. It’s simple to second-guess yourself when observing your peers studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind.
What helped me navigate those times was the realization that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, others are likely facing the same challenge. The essential takeaway is to reach out for assistance—whether from classmates or faculty members. Learning to ask for help has been one of the most invaluable lessons I gained in my first year.
### The Significance of Support
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is remarkable. The instructors and tutors truly care about student success and are understanding of the obstacles we encounter. They foster open lines of communication throughout the year and are always willing to assist.
Although I didn’t make the most of the pastoral support accessible until later in the year, I wish I had engaged with it earlier. Early on, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative, which allowed me to cultivate connections with staff members. This ended up being tremendously advantageous. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and I strongly encourage taking advantage of these resources. The support you can receive is invaluable, and you can never have an excess of it!
### Insights Gained
In retrospect, this year has revealed to me that the unease I experienced—both before entering university and during the initial weeks—was predominantly unfounded. With the abundant support from staff and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. I’ve learned to navigate the stress from exams and deadlines while also savoring moments of happiness and fun, and I’ve evolved in ways I never envisioned.
For anyone gearing up to commence their university adventure, remember that feeling nervous is perfectly normal. Take those leaps of faith, embrace the support surrounding you, and trust that you will carve out your niche.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*