**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 engulfed in feelings of anxiety, apprehension, and doubt about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing 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). As someone who has always been a bit shy and introverted, venturing into the unknown was not something I was accustomed to. Now, as I look back on the previous academic year, I recognize it as a time of tremendous personal development, challenges, and numerous joyful moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most challenging hurdles I encountered was establishing friendships. If you’re a future student, this is likely one of your primary worries as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, mere days before classes officially began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, and within my program, I’ve discovered a second family.
The pivotal moment? It commenced with light conversation and connecting with others who shared my situation. My major lesson? Take that plunge at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t believe you’re ready, fear not—there will be ample social events and chances to meet new people. Most crucially, just be authentic. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re likely to encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Transition
Another major obstacle was adapting to the demands of the coursework and the heightened complexity of the subjects. The shift from A-levels to university was stark, and the transition from the first term to the next felt even more significant. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities, particularly when observing others study and assuming they have everything under control.
What enabled me to overcome this was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely others are too. The essential strategy is to seek assistance—whether from your classmates or the faculty. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most critical skill you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Significance of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to succeed and understand the obstacles we face. Throughout the academic year, they maintained transparent communication with us and were always eager to address our concerns.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. Taking that initial leap of faith led me to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to form meaningful relationships with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to leverage these opportunities. My key takeaway? Never hesitate to utilize the resources and support at your disposal—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was often unfounded. With the abundant support from staff and fellow students, I was never truly alone. I learned how to manage the stress of exams and deadlines while also enjoying moments of happiness and fun.
Ultimately, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a life-changing adventure. It has been a period of growth, learning, and forging lifelong connections. If you’re about to embark on a similar journey, remember that although the challenges may appear daunting, the rewards are exceptionally worthwhile.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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