**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, apprehension, uncertainty, and skepticism surrounded me as I prepared to start 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 a naturally shy and introverted person, embarking on this new journey felt quite daunting. However, reflecting on the year now, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and lots of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Building Friendships
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered at the start was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be a concern for you as well. On my first day in student housing—just days prior to the official start of the term—I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet new people.
Now, looking back, I can proudly announce that I’ve forged some of the most amazing friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging in dialogue with others who were also seeking connection.
So, what have I learned? Firstly, making that first move is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared, don’t stress—there will be numerous icebreaker functions and chances to meet others. Secondly, the best advice is to remain true to yourself. With such a varied student population, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimatizing to the level of coursework and its complexity. The transition from A-levels to university was quite substantial, and moving from the first to the second term proved even tougher. It’s natural to feel daunted or question your capabilities when observing others studying rigorously.
What aided me during this time was the realization that everyone faces difficulties at some stage. If you find yourself struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. The essential takeaway is to request assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. This became perhaps the most crucial lesson of my first year: always feel free to seek help.
### Valuing Staff Engagement
A highlight of my experience has been the exceptional support provided by the department staff. They are genuinely invested in our success and aware of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication, addressing our issues and offering valuable insights.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, I wish I had reached out earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a step and became a well-being representative for my class. This position allowed me to build rapport with staff members, which turned out to be immensely advantageous. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My greatest lesson? Make the most of the support offered—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
Upon reflection, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during my university journey was often unwarranted. There’s ample support from both faculty and fellow students, and I’ve realized that I’m never truly on my own. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to balance academic demands with enjoying my university experience.
For anyone about to embark on their own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: embrace risks, seek help, and fully engage in the experience. You’ll grow in ways you never imagined.