**Thoughts on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and doubts about the road ahead. I was on the verge of commencing 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 a person who has always been introverted, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I realize it has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
A significant struggle I encountered early on was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student, this is likely one of your primary concerns as well. On my initial day in student accommodations, just prior to the semester commencing, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too scared to venture outside and introduce myself. Yet, looking at where I am now, I can proudly say that I’ve established some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. Imperial has truly become my second home, and all it required was a little casual conversation with individuals who were experiencing the same feelings as I was.
So, what did I take away from this? Taking that first step is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breakers and social gatherings to facilitate your interactions with others. Above all, just be yourself. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to find people who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adjusting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, and the leap from the first to the second term was even greater. This can sometimes shake your confidence, particularly when you notice others diligently studying and begin to question your own skills.
What aided me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding a topic difficult, it’s likely that others are too. The best course of action is to seek help—whether from classmates or instructors. Cultivating the habit of reaching out for support is one of the most beneficial abilities you can cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
This brings me to another important lesson: the exceptional support from the Materials Science department. The faculty genuinely desires for students to thrive and recognizes the hurdles we encounter. They maintain open lines of communication throughout the academic year and are consistently ready to assist.
I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. One of the smartest choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Take full advantage of the support available—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced prior to starting university—and even during the year—was often unwarranted. There are countless support systems in place, from faculty to fellow peers, ensuring that no one has to endure isolation. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to juggle academic demands while savoring university life.
For anyone on the brink of beginning their adventure at Imperial, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, ask for assistance when necessary, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll evolve in ways you’ve never anticipated.