**Contemplations 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 engulfed in nerves, uncertainty, and apprehension about what was to come. I was on the verge of embarking on my first year studying [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 and reserved, entering this new phase felt daunting. Now, upon reflection, I recognize a year marked by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
A significant challenge I encountered at the beginning of my university journey was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student, this may be a concern for you as well. I recall moving into my residence a few days prior to the term and spending an entire day in my room, too anxious to venture outside and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve cultivated a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversations with others who were similarly situated.
So, what did I discover? First, taking that first step is always rewarding. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease immediately, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet others. Second, the most important thing you can do is to remain true to yourself. With such a varied student population, you are sure to find individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant obstacle was adjusting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear increase in difficulty from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and question your capabilities, particularly when you observe others studying and appearing more self-assured.
What aided me during this was the understanding that everyone else is experiencing similar feelings. If you don’t grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are struggling too. The essential step is to seek help—be it from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to reach out for support early in your first year is one of the most beneficial skills you can acquire.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
This leads me to another vital insight: the staff in the Materials department are remarkably supportive. They genuinely care about student success and comprehend the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and offered invaluable advice.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of pastoral support until the year’s end, I regret not doing it earlier. One of my best choices was becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to interact with faculty members, which turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My main takeaway? Utilize the support that’s accessible to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during my university journey was often unwarranted. There are numerous support systems available, from staff to fellow students, to help you tackle any difficulties. Most importantly, I’ve realized that I’m never alone and that it’s entirely feasible to enjoy university life even amidst the stress of exams and deadlines.
If you’re on the brink of starting your university adventure, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and fully embrace the experience. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated, and you might even discover a second home along the journey.