**Thoughts 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 filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and apprehension about what was to come. 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 reserved, venturing into this new chapter felt quite daunting. Reflecting on the past year now, I recognize it was packed with personal development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
A significant challenge I faced when beginning university was the task of forming new friendships. If you are an incoming student, this may be a concern for you as well. On my first day in student housing, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to step outside and meet people. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I could have hoped for. Imperial has truly become a second home, and all it required was for me to step beyond my comfort zone and engage in casual conversations with others who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what insight did I gain? Taking that initial step early is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and opportunities to connect. Most importantly, be authentic. With such a varied student population, you’re certain to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant barrier was adjusting to the academic workload and the elevated complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was quite substantial, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even more challenging. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when you observe others studying with confidence. Nevertheless, one crucial lesson I learned was that everyone faces similar challenges. If you find a topic difficult, it’s likely that others do too. The best course of action is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or instructors.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
This leads me to my next point: the fantastic support network within the Materials Science department. The team genuinely aspires for students to thrive and is always receptive to input and communication. While I didn’t fully utilize pastoral support until later in the academic year, I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s beginning, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position facilitated the development of connections with staff, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and this interaction can substantially enrich your university journey. My most significant takeaway? Take full advantage of the resources at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before entering university was mostly unfounded. There are abundant support mechanisms available, both from faculty and fellow students, to help ease the transition. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly on my own and that balancing academic pressures with an enjoyable university experience is indeed achievable.
If you’re about to embark on your path at Imperial, my guidance is straightforward: seize the opportunities that come your way, seek help when necessary, and above all, be true to yourself. University is a period of development, and with the right attitude, it can be an extremely fulfilling experience.