**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism about what was to come. I was on the cusp of beginning my first year studying [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 a bit introverted, embarking on this new journey felt quite daunting. Reflecting now, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and remarkable experiences. So, what lessons have I absorbed, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting elements of starting university revolved around forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may resonate with those feelings. On my first day in student housing, I remained in my room for the entire day, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. However, fast forward to now, and I can wholeheartedly declare that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.
I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with simple conversations with others who felt similarly. My main takeaway? Take that plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Above all, be true to yourself. With such a varied student population, you’re sure to encounter individuals who reflect your interests and values.
### Coping with Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was quite considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to second-guess yourself when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What proved most beneficial for me was acknowledging that everyone grapples with similar difficulties. If you find something confusing, chances are that others are struggling too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or your instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the most important abilities you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Faculty Support
One of the standout aspects of my experience has been the fantastic support from the Materials Science department. The staff truly cares about student success and welcomes feedback. They recognize the hurdles we face and actively strive to assist us.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the support services available until later in the year, but I wish I had sought help sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a proactive step and became a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to foster relationships with staff members, which turned out to be incredibly rewarding. There are myriad ways to engage with faculty, and those connections can greatly enhance your university journey. My recommendation? Make the most of the available support—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this past year, I have realized that the fears and anxieties I possessed before starting university were mostly baseless. There is an abundance of support accessible, from both the staff and fellow students. I’ve come to understand that I’m never isolated in my challenges and that it’s feasible to juggle academic pressures while enjoying the university experience.
For anyone about to begin their own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: take that leap, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you require it, and seize every opportunity that arises. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated, and before long, you’ll be reminiscing about a year filled with amazing memories.