**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, uncertainty, and apprehension about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my inaugural 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 somewhat shy and introverted, entering this new phase felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period characterized by personal development, obstacles, and remarkable experiences. So, what have I gleaned, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Creating Friendships
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered at the beginning of university was establishing friendships. If you’re an incoming student, you might share this concern. I recall my first day moving into halls—I spent the entire day in my room, feeling too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. However, as I reflect on my journey today, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships of my life.
Imperial has transformed into a second home for me, and all it took were a handful of brief conversations with others who were similarly new. My key takeaway? Take that plunge at the start of the year. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, be authentic—Imperial is home to a wide array of individuals, and you’re sure to encounter kindred spirits.
### Adapting to Academic Expectations
Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels was major, and the leap from the first to the second term was even more rigorous. It’s common to feel overwhelmed or doubt your capabilities, especially when observing peers who seem to have everything under control.
What aided me most was the realization that everyone faces similar challenges. If something confounds you, it’s likely others are struggling too. The best course of action is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty members. Learning to ask for support is one of the most crucial abilities you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Pursuing Assistance
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department are exceptional. They sincerely wish for students to succeed and comprehend the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open lines of communication and offered a variety of support systems.
Though I didn’t fully engage with pastoral support until late in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. One of my best choices was to take on the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to establish connections with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Make the most of the available support—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
As I reflect, this year has taught me that the fears and trepidations I held before embarking on my university journey were mostly baseless. With the right encouragement from staff and peers, those issues became manageable. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly isolated and that it is feasible to juggle academic demands while enjoying a fulfilling university life.
For anyone poised to commence their adventure at Imperial, my counsel is straightforward: welcome the challenges, seek assistance when necessary, and don’t hesitate to take that initial step. You never know what extraordinary experiences and friendships lie ahead.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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