**Reflections on My Inaugural 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, uncertainty, and hesitance about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my first year 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, and venturing into the unknown felt intimidating for my previously shy and introverted self. Now, as I reflect back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most significant hurdles I encountered early in the journey was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student, this may resonate with your biggest worries as well. On my initial day in student housing, I stayed in my room all day, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. Yet, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. Imperial has truly become a second family for me, and all it took was venturing beyond my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversations with fellow students facing similar situations.
What’s the lesson? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared, relax—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet peers. Most importantly, be true to yourself. With such a varied student body, you’re certain to encounter individuals who share your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Pressures
Another considerable challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more demanding. At moments, observing others study made me doubt my capabilities.
What got me through was realizing that everyone was experiencing similar struggles. If I faced difficulties understanding a concept, it was likely that others were too. The crucial lesson? Seek assistance. This is one of the vital skills to cultivate in your first year—whether it’s getting help from classmates or reaching out to instructors.
### The Value of Seeking Guidance
On the topic of support, the Materials Science department at Imperial is remarkable. The lecturers truly wish for students to succeed and understand the challenges we encounter. They foster open communication throughout the year and provide various forms of assistance.
I didn’t fully exploit the pastoral support system until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. One of the best decisions I made was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which has been immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to build relationships with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the support available to you—you can never have too much help.
### Final Thoughts
When I reflect on this year, it’s clear that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unwarranted. There is a vast array of support from both staff and fellow students. I’ve come to understand that I’m never genuinely alone and that it is feasible to manage academic challenges while enjoying my university life.
For anyone about to embark on their journey at Imperial, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated.
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**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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