**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of 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 previously been shy and introverted, venturing into the unknown felt incredibly intimidating. Now, reflecting on this academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and numerous moments of happiness. So, what have I discovered, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered early on was establishing friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may experience similar feelings of anxiety. On my first day at student accommodation, just before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known.
The pivotal moment came when I acknowledged that everyone else was also looking to connect. A bit of casual conversation with fellow students in the same predicament blossomed into friendships that now feel like a second family. My suggestion? Make that effort at the beginning of the year. Even if you’re not completely ready to engage right away, don’t stress—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to meet others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With the vibrant community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant challenge was adapting to the heightened workload and the intricacy of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the transition from the first semester to the second felt even more pronounced. Maintaining confidence was sometimes difficult, particularly when I compared myself to peers who appeared to have everything under control.
What supported me the most was the realization that I wasn’t the only one struggling. If I was confused about something, it was likely others were as well. The important lesson was learning to reach out for assistance—whether it be from classmates or faculty. This proved to be the most critical takeaway from my first year: don’t hesitate to look for help.
### The Compassionate Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department has been remarkable. They genuinely care about student success and are fully aware of the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication and demonstrated empathy regarding our challenges.
Though I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was a bold choice for me, but it ultimately became one of the best steps I took. It provided me with opportunities to connect with faculty members, which turned out to be invaluable. Engaging with the faculty, whether through formal roles or casual interactions, is one of the wisest choices you can make. My most significant takeaway? Make the most of the support at your disposal—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
In hindsight, this year has shown me that much of the apprehension I felt before starting university—and even throughout the year—was often misplaced. With the abundant backing from staff and peers, I came to realize that I was never truly alone. I also learned how to manage stressors such as exams and deadlines while also enjoying moments of fun and relaxation.
As I progress, I’m thankful for the challenges and development I have encountered during this inaugural year. To anyone preparing to embark on their university adventure: embrace the feelings of nervousness, take the plunge, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’ll be surprised by how far you can go.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*