### Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering
*By Dawson La, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, uncertainty, and self-doubt regarding what the future held. I was about to embark on 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 had always been introverted, stepping into this new journey felt daunting. In hindsight, I recognize that this year has been one of significant personal development, filled with challenges and unforgettable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
#### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the major hurdles I encountered at the beginning of university was forming friendships. If you’re a future student, this might be a concern for you as well. On my first day in student housing, I was so intimidated by the thought of meeting new people that I spent the whole day in my room, steering clear of social encounters.
However, as the weeks progressed, I slowly began to venture outside of my comfort zone. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all it took was initiating small chats with fellow students in a similar situation.
So, what’s the takeaway? First, making that initial move is always worthwhile. If you’re not quite ready yet, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Secondly, just be yourself. With a student body as diverse as this one, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
#### Adapting to Academic Obstacles
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the demanding workload and the elevated complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was quite substantial, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. There were moments when I questioned my capabilities, especially when I observed others studying and felt like I was lagging behind.
What assisted me through this phase was realizing that everyone was grappling with similar challenges. If something was unclear to me, likely, others were also having difficulties. The best decision I made was to seek assistance—be it from my peers or the faculty. If there’s one piece of guidance I’d offer to first-year students, it’s this: don’t hesitate to ask for help!
#### Assistance from Staff and Well-Being Programs
A standout aspect of my first year was the exceptional support from the Materials Science department. The staff truly desire for students to thrive and are consistently receptive to feedback. They recognize the hurdles we encounter and actively strive to assist us.
While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had engaged with it sooner. Early on, I boldly took on the role of a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with lecturers and support staff, and utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your university experience. My largest takeaway? Leverage the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
#### Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve realized that the anxiety I felt before starting university was entirely typical—and often unwarranted. There exist extensive support systems, from staff to fellow students, ensuring that no one need feel isolated. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to navigate academic demands while still savoring the university experience.
If you’re gearing up to start your own journey at Imperial, my suggestion is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and seize every opportunity that arises.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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