**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 engulfed in anxiety, uncertainty, and second-guessing regarding what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting 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 who has always been on the quieter side, entering this new phase felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year now, I can see a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most significant challenges I encountered at the outset was building friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this could be one of your primary worries as well. On my first day in student housing, I was so overwhelmed that I remained in my room all day, too apprehensive to meet new people. Yet here I am today, proudly saying that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life.
Imperial has turned into my second home, and all it required was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating small chats with others in similar situations. My key takeaway? Make the effort early. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be a myriad of icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself—Imperial is filled with a diverse array of individuals, and you’ll naturally find those who share your passions.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant obstacle was getting used to the course’s workload and complexity. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more challenging. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your skills when observing others study, but I discovered an essential truth: everyone is navigating their own struggles.
If something confuses you, there’s a good chance others are facing similar challenges. The best course of action is to seek assistance—whether it’s from classmates or instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the most important skills you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Requesting Assistance
On the topic of support, the personnel in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about student success and are always receptive to feedback and dialogue. Although I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had reached out sooner.
At the year’s outset, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to build connections with faculty members, which proved to be incredibly advantageous. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My suggestion? Utilize the support available—you can never have too much aid!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that many of my early fears were unfounded. The hurdles of university life—be they academic or social—are surmountable with the right support network. This year has shown me that I’m never truly alone and that it is possible to balance hard work with enjoyment, even during high-pressure periods like exams and deadlines.
For anyone preparing to embark on their journey at Imperial, my advice is straightforward: embrace the experience, seek help when necessary, and don’t hesitate to take that initial step. You’ll be surprised at how much you evolve along the way.