**Contemplating My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelming with nerves, uncertainty, and apprehension regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing 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 university, and stepping into the uncertain was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, hurdles, and numerous unforgettable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered early on was forming friendships. If you are a prospective student perusing this, you might be experiencing similar feelings of anxiety. I certainly did—on my inaugural day in student housing, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Yet, sitting here now, I can assertively declare that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever encountered.
Imperial has truly become a second home for me, and all it required was starting small conversations with others in the same situation. My key piece of advice? Take that first step at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared, don’t fret—there will be ample icebreaker events and opportunities to engage with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied student community, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the heightened workload and complexity of university-level materials. The transition from A-levels was substantial, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to lose confidence when you see peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in pushing through was understanding that everyone is in a similar situation. If something isn’t clear to you, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The best course of action is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or academic staff. Requesting help is one of the most essential skills you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of support, the staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to flourish and comprehend the challenges we confront. Throughout the year, they upheld open lines of communication with us and offered guidance whenever necessary.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the academic support available until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. At the year’s outset, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which turned out to be extremely advantageous. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Make the most of the support available—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has illuminated the fact that the fears and anxieties I harbored prior to embarking on my university journey were largely misplaced. With the right backing from both staff and fellow students, I was able to tackle the challenges and evolve both academically and personally. Most importantly, I’ve come to realize that I am never truly alone, and that it’s entirely feasible to balance diligent work with enjoyment—even amid exams and deadlines.
If you’re on the cusp of starting your university adventure, embrace the journey, take risks, and don’t hesitate to seek support. You’ll be astonished at the extent of your growth along the way.