**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 anxiety, uncertainty, and doubt about the upcoming journey. I was about to commence 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 someone who has always been introverted, entering this new phase felt daunting. Reflecting on it now, I see a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and countless unforgettable moments. So, what have I discovered, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the primary hurdles I encountered initially was forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be a major source of apprehension for you too. On my first day in student housing, I was so daunted that I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to approach anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can say with confidence that I’ve built some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating small talks with others in similar situations.
The vital takeaway? Make that move early on. Even if you’re hesitant, there will be numerous ice-breakers and social gatherings to facilitate connections. Most importantly, just be authentic—Imperial is a melting pot of diverse individuals, and you will undoubtedly discover those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adjusting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the volume of work and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was considerable, and moving from the first to the second term felt even more demanding. It’s easy to become daunted when observing others studying and to start questioning your own capabilities.
What enabled me to persevere was understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. The best course of action is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or professors. Learning to ask for help is among the most rewarding skills you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
One aspect I came to truly value was the amazing support from the Materials Science department. The staff genuinely care about student success and are always receptive to suggestions. They recognize the difficulties we encounter and actively strive to assist us.
Though I didn’t fully engage with pastoral support until later in the academic year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. Early on, I stepped up as a year well-being representative, which facilitated the building of relationships with the staff. Familiarizing yourself with your professors and support personnel can be extremely advantageous, and I highly advise leveraging the available assistance. You can never have excess support!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the past year, I’ve learned that the nerves and concerns I harbored before embarking on university were mostly unfounded. There are so many support mechanisms—from other students to staff—that no one needs to traverse this path in isolation. I’ve also discovered how to balance academic demands with enjoying university life, even during challenging periods like exams and submissions.
If you’re on the brink of starting your own university adventure, my guidance is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help whenever necessary, and seize every opportunity that arrives. You’ll experience more growth than you ever anticipated.