**Reflections on My Initial Year Exploring Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what the future held. I was about to begin 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 has always been introverted and quiet, taking the plunge into such a significant life transition felt quite daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and memorable experiences. So, what precisely has this year imparted to me, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the task of befriending new people. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely one of your biggest concerns as well. On my first day in student housing, just days before the term officially commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Fast forward to the present, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve met here have become like a second family to me. All it required was to step outside my comfort zone and engage in casual conversations with others who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what did I take away from this? First, it’s essential to take that initial leap of faith early on. If you’re apprehensive or uncomfortable, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Second, simply be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to find individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another considerable hurdle was acclimating to the workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more challenging. It’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when observing peers who appear to be studying and thriving effortlessly.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial part is to seek assistance—be it from fellow students or academic staff. This might be one of the most vital skills to cultivate during your inaugural year.
### The Significance of Support
Speaking of staff, I cannot stress enough how exceptional the Materials department personnel are. They genuinely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open lines of communication with us and were consistently ready to address our issues.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support offered until the latter part of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Serving as a year well-being representative was one bold step I took at the beginning of the year, and it proved to be a rewarding choice. It facilitated the establishment of relationships with staff members, which has been invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My primary insight here? Utilize the support that’s available to you—you can never have an excess of help.
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that the apprehension I experienced prior to university—and even during my time here—was mostly unfounded. With the abundance of support accessible from both staff and fellow students, I was never truly on my own. I’ve learned to manage the stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of happiness and enjoyment, and I’ve grown in ways I never expected.
If you’re about to commence your own university adventure, know that feeling nervous is perfectly normal. But also understand that there’s a community ready to support you at every turn.
—
**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/)*