**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 overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the brink 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. Being someone who has always been on the shy side, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and unforgettable moments. But what have I gleaned from this experience, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Connections
One of the greatest obstacles I encountered at the onset of university was the quest to form friendships. If you are an incoming student, this may be among your top concerns as well. On my first day at student housing, I was so daunted that I spent the whole day shut in my room, too anxious to reach out to anyone. However, here I am today, and I can say with full confidence that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had.
What was the crucial insight for me? Make that initial move early. Even if you feel you’re not quite prepared, there will be countless icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, just be yourself—Imperial is a melting pot of diverse personalities, and you’re likely to connect with others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the heavier workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more challenging. It can be easy to feel inundated or doubt your capabilities when you observe peers studying, but it’s essential to keep in mind that everyone is navigating the same waters.
If something confuses you, it’s probable that others are puzzled too—so don’t shy away from seeking assistance. Developing this skill in your first year is invaluable. Whether connecting with classmates or reaching out to instructors, asking for support can be incredibly impactful.
### The Value of Staff Support
One of the most commendable aspects of studying Materials Science at Imperial is the dedicated staff. They truly care about student success and recognize the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept channels of communication open and provided invaluable insights.
While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, I wish I had approached it sooner. Early on, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative, which helped me form connections with staff members. Establishing relationships with your lecturers and academic advisors can be tremendously advantageous, and there are numerous avenues to do this. My key lesson? Make the most of the assistance available—you can never have too much support.
### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt before embarking on my university journey was largely unfounded. There are numerous support frameworks in place, from staff to fellow students, ensuring that no one needs to tackle the experience in isolation. Most importantly, I’ve discovered how to navigate academic demands while also finding joy, enabling me to maximize my university experience despite the hurdles.
If you’re on the verge of starting your own journey in higher education, my guidance is straightforward: embrace the adventure, seek help when necessary, and don’t hesitate to take that first step. You may just find yourself growing 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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