**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 in feelings of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting 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. As a person who had typically been shy and reserved, diving into such an experience was uncharacteristic for me. Reflecting on this past academic year, I recognize it as a period rich in personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Challenge of Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered when starting university was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, you might share similar feelings of apprehension. On my first day of moving into accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to go out and introduce myself to others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family—friends who understand my experiences and provide support throughout this journey. What made the difference? It all began with casual conversations and realizing that everyone else was experiencing similar feelings.
So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s crucial to take that initial leap of faith at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling up to it just yet, don’t stress—there will be plenty of opportunities and icebreakers to help you connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that being authentic is the best strategy. With such a diverse group of people at university, you’re sure to find those who vibe with you.
### Navigating the Academic Transition
Another major obstacle was adapting to the increased workload and the complexity of the course materials. The transition from A-levels to university was apparent, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It was often challenging to maintain confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling like I was lagging behind.
What supported me during this time? A reminder that we were all in the same situation. If I struggled to grasp a concept, it was likely that others were too. The key lesson here is to seek help—whether it’s from classmates or professors. This is perhaps the most vital skill to cultivate during your initial year.
### Assistance from the Staff
Speaking of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The lecturers and tutors truly care about our success and are understanding of the various challenges we encounter. They consistently maintain open lines of communication with us, addressing our worries and offering assistance.
I’ll confess that I didn’t fully take advantage of the available pastoral support until later in the year, and I wish I had sought it out sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to forge meaningful relationships with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and I highly encourage seizing these chances. My main takeaway? Don’t shy away from utilizing the support resources offered—you can never have too much help!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, it has imparted valuable lessons. The anxious feelings I had before and during the year were often unnecessary. With the vast array of support systems from both staff and peers, I found that I was never truly alone.
Above all, I learned to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment. University is a period of growth, and while challenges are a given, they also present opportunities for learning and flourishing.
To anyone embarking on this adventure: take the plunge, be yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. You’re capable of achieving this!
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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