**Reflections 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 nerves, uncertainty, and self-doubt as I prepared to embark on my inaugural 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 naturally shy and reserved, entering this new phase felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year now, I recognize a period rich with personal development, challenges, and remarkable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and where am I today?
### Conquering the Fear of Making Connections
One of the significant hurdles I encountered early on was forming friendships. If you are a prospective student, you might be experiencing similar feelings of anxiety. On my first day at student accommodation, I felt so intimidated that I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to introduce myself to anyone. However, fast forward to now, and I am proud to say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had.
I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating conversations with others who were situated similarly to me. My key lesson? Take that jump at the beginning of the year. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous icebreaker events and opportunities to meet new people. Most importantly, be yourself—Imperial is a melting pot of diverse individuals, and you’re sure to find friends who share your interests.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the coursework. The transition from A-levels was considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and question your capabilities, particularly when observing others studying, leading you to assume they have it all figured out.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone encounters struggles at some stage. If something isn’t clear to you, it’s likely that others are grappling with the same issues. The key is to seek assistance—be it from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to pursue support is one of the most crucial skills you can acquire during your first year.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
Speaking of assistance, one of the most notable aspects of studying Materials Science at Imperial is the exceptional staff. They genuinely invest in students’ success and well-being, fostering open lines of communication throughout the year. Although I didn’t fully benefit from the pastoral support until later, I regret not having utilized it sooner.
As the year began, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position facilitated building connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Make the most of the support available—you can never have too much help.
### Final Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the fears and apprehensions I harbored before starting university were mostly unfounded. With the right backing from staff and fellow students, those concerns became manageable. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance academic demands while enjoying my time at university.
If you are about to commence your journey at Imperial, understand that obstacles will present themselves, but incredible opportunities for growth will also arise. Take that step, seek help when necessary, and above all, relish the experience.