**Reflections 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and self-doubt regarding what the future held. I was about to embark on 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. Being someone who has always been somewhat introverted, entering this new phase felt daunting. Now that I reflect on it, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and remarkable experiences. So, what insights have I gathered, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
A significant challenge I encountered at the start was the quest to make friends. If you’re an incoming student, this may be on your mind as well. I recall my first day in student housing, where I spent time cloistered in my room, intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, as the months went by, I established some of the most profound friendships I’ve ever known. Imperial has turned into a second home, and it only required a few friendly exchanges with those in the same boat.
What did I discover? Taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you’re feeling uncertain, fret not—numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others will arise. Above all, be authentic. With a rich tapestry of students, you’ll surely find kindred spirits.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
The shift from A-levels to university coursework posed another challenge. The increase in workload and complexity was considerable, especially between the first and second terms. It’s easy to feel daunted when witnessing peers studying and starting to doubt one’s capabilities. However, I soon understood that everyone was experiencing similar struggles. If I grappled with a topic, it was likely others did as well.
My best advice? Seek assistance. Whether approaching peers or instructors, asking for help is essential. Learning to seek support was one of the most valuable lessons I gained during my first year.
### Assistance from Faculty and Well-Being Support
One of the most comforting elements of my program has been the outstanding support from the faculty. They genuinely desire student success and remain receptive to our feedback. Throughout the year, they kept in close contact with us, ensuring our issues were acknowledged.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of well-being support until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. At the year’s onset, I took the plunge and became a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to interact with staff, and engaging can significantly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Utilize all available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Conclusion
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the fears and worries I held before starting university were largely baseless. With solid support from staff and fellow students, I was able to face challenges and genuinely relish my time at Imperial. Most importantly, I learned that I am never truly alone, and that despite the pressures of exams and deadlines, there’s always space for enjoyment and personal growth.
If you’re about to begin your university experience, embrace it, take risks, and remember—assistance is always within reach when you need it.