**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 anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the path ahead. I was about to commence my adventure 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 cautious, venturing into the unknown was quite daunting. Now, as I reflect on an academic year brimming with growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments, I can assert that it’s been a life-changing experience. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Fear of Making Connections
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, you might share similar feelings. On my first day in student housing, just prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too frightened to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced. These connections have become my second family, both in my course and throughout the university.
What aided me? Taking that crucial first step. Initiating conversations with others who were just as apprehensive as I was turned out to be essential. If you’re not ready to jump in right away, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I learned to embrace my true self. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who align with your interests and ethics.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Adapting to the workload and rigor of the course was another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when you witness others studying and appearing to have everything sorted.
What helped me navigate those periods of self-doubt was the understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find it tough to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. The best course of action is to seek assistance—regardless of whether it’s from your classmates or faculty. Learning to reach out for help is one of the most important lessons I’ve gleaned from my first year.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department have been remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and show empathy towards the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open channels of communication with us and were consistently available to address our queries.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the end of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. One of the significant steps I took early on was becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster relationships with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are several avenues to connect with staff, and I strongly encourage utilizing these opportunities. My biggest lesson? Don’t hesitate to tap into the resources and support systems available to you—you can never receive too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I’ve learned that the anxiety I experienced—both before starting university and throughout the year—was often unwarranted. With the backing of staff, peers, and the broader university community, I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly alone. I’ve also learned how to navigate the stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of happiness and enjoyment.
In conclusion, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a journey of personal growth, resilience, and connection. If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, know that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious. Take that plunge, be authentic, and welcome the support surrounding you. You’ll be astonished at how much you can evolve.
*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/)*