**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty about what was in store. I was on the brink 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 quiet, plunging into university life seemed formidable. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with growth, hurdles, and memorable moments, I can’t help but think of how much I’ve acquired and the distance I’ve traveled.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting elements of beginning university was forming friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings. On my first day in student housing, just days prior to term commencing, 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 forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced—friends who feel like family.
What shifted? It all began with casual conversations. I recognized that everyone was navigating the same uncertainty, feeling just as apprehensive as I was. Taking that first step to engage with others made a significant impact. If you’re feeling hesitant or unprepared, don’t fret—there are countless icebreaker events and occasions to meet new people. My most important lesson? Just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and ideals.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Adapting to the academic expectations of university was another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university coursework was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more profound. It’s simple to feel inundated or doubt your skills when you see others appearing to flourish.
What assisted me in pushing through was the awareness that I wasn’t singular in my struggles. If I encountered confusion, it was likely that others were facing the same difficulties. The essential thing is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. Learning to ask for help was one of the most important insights I gained during my first year.
### Compassionate Staff and Pastoral Support
The faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our issues and providing direction.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support system until the conclusion of the year, I wish I had reached out earlier. Becoming a year well-being representative was a bold step for me, but it ended up being one of the most fulfilling choices I made. It enabled me to cultivate robust connections with staff members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and I highly recommend making the most of these opportunities. The support is available—don’t hesitate to use it.
### Insights Gained
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt—both prior to and during university—was mostly misplaced. With the abundant support available from faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve discovered how to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and laughter.
University is a path of self-discovery, and while it can feel overwhelming at times, the challenges you encounter will mold you into a more resilient and self-assured individual.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*