**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 about what the future held. I was on the verge 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. For someone who had always been introverted and timid, venturing into the unknown felt intimidating. Reflecting on the year now, I can see an academic period filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained from this experience, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I confronted was the task of making friends. Beginning university can be a nerve-wracking experience, and if you’re a future student reading this, you probably share this concern. On my first day in student housing, just a few days ahead of classes, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to emerge and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, both within my program and across the broader university community. All it required was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating simple conversations with others who were also feeling the same way.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year truly pays off. If you’re not ready or don’t feel at ease right away, don’t stress—numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with people are available. Most importantly, I learned that embracing your true self is essential. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was getting acclimated to the increased workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was quite stark, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being in such a rigorous academic setting can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others actively studying while you feel like you’re lagging.
What assisted me during these times was realizing that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, odds are that others are as well. The best course of action is to seek help—whether it’s from your classmates or faculty. This has undoubtedly been one of the most valuable lessons I took away from my first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The professors and support staff genuinely aim for student success and are acutely aware of the hurdles we encounter. They are compassionate and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year to address any issues that arise.
Though I didn’t fully take advantage of the available pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had engaged with it earlier. At the start of the year, I took a chance by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to form connections with staff members, which ended up being immensely beneficial. There are many opportunities to connect with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway here is to make the most of the support and resources at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced prior to beginning university—and even throughout the year—was frequently unwarranted. There’s a plethora of support accessible from both staff and peers to guide you through any difficulties. I’ve understood that I’m never completely on my own and that it’s feasible to relish university life even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.
Looking back, I take pride in the progress I’ve made. From conquering my early fears to seizing the opportunities around me, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a life-changing journey.
—
*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/)*