**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I experienced a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, and doubt regarding what awaited me. 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. As someone who has always been introverted and quiet, entering this new phase felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the primary obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student, this might also be a concern for you. I vividly recall my first day settling into my student accommodation—I was so daunted that I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly affirm that I’ve made some of the most remarkable friends I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was pushing myself outside my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with others in similar situations.
So, what have I understood? Taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease initially, don’t stress—there are numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, remain true to yourself. With such a varied student body, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the subject matter. The transition from A-levels to university was considerable, and the leap from the first semester to the second was even tougher. It’s easy to feel inundated when you observe your peers studying and begin to doubt your own skills.
What aided me in navigating this was recognizing that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you find a concept difficult, it’s likely that others are too. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—either from classmates or instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the essential skills you can cultivate during your first year.
### The Significance of Requesting Support
One of the greatest advantages of studying Materials Science at Imperial is the outstanding support provided by the staff. They truly care about the success of students and are always receptive to feedback and conversations regarding any difficulties we encounter.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to establish connections with faculty members, which turned out to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My main takeaway? Make the most of the support on offer—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Looking back on my first year, I’ve come to realize that many of the worries I had prior to starting university were unfounded. An abundance of support exists, both from faculty and fellow students, to help navigate through challenges. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that I’m never alone. University has equipped me with the ability to manage stress from exams and deadlines while still relishing the experience.
If you’re about to embark on your adventure at Imperial, my guidance is straightforward: take that leap, seek assistance when necessary, and fully embrace the experience. You will grow 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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