### Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was inundated with anxiety, trepidation, and ambiguity regarding the path ahead. I was on the brink of commencing 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. Transitioning from being a shy and introverted person to embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year now, I recognize a period rich in personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what have I discovered, and how do I feel today?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the primary obstacles I encountered early on was the challenge of forging friendships. If you’re a potential student, this concern may resonate with you as well. I vividly recall my first day moving into student housing—I felt so apprehensive about introducing myself that I ended up spending the entire day confined to my room.
Fast forward to the present, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was stepping outside of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with others in similar situations.
So, what have I gleaned? First, taking that crucial first step is always worthwhile. If you’re not immediately comfortable, don’t fret—plenty of icebreaker activities and chances to meet others are available. Secondly, the best approach is to be authentic. With such a varied student demographic, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Challenges
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the volume of work and the heightened complexity of material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first term to the subsequent one felt even more pronounced. It was easy to feel daunted, especially when I compared myself to peers who seemed to understand concepts with greater ease.
What helped me navigate this experience was realizing that everyone faces difficulties at some point. If something feels unclear, it’s likely others are experiencing similar challenges. The crucial thing is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or lecturers. Learning to seek out support is among the most valuable abilities you can cultivate during your first year.
### The Significance of Support from Faculty
On the subject of support, the teaching staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely care about students’ success and are consistently receptive to feedback. Throughout the year, they maintained ongoing communication with us, addressing any worries we had.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available 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 year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with staff members, which turned out to be tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the resources and support available—you can never have too much assistance.
### Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to realize that many of the anxieties I had—both prior to and during university—were unfounded. There are abundant support frameworks in place, from staff to fellow classmates, to aid you in navigating challenges. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I am never truly alone.
This year has taught me to juggle academic demands with personal enjoyment. Despite the unavoidable pressure from exams and deadlines, I’ve discovered ways to fully experience my university journey. If you’re about to embark on your own path, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and seize every opportunity that presents itself.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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