**Reflecting 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 consumed by feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and hesitation about the future. I was on the brink of beginning 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 Imperial College London. As someone who has always been introverted and reserved, this new phase felt very daunting. Now, reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and remarkable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
Among the most intimidating parts of entering university was the task of forming friendships. If you’re a soon-to-be student, this could be one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day in student housing, right before the term kicked off, I spent a whole day in my room, far too nervous to venture out and make introductions. Yet, as I sit here today, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known. Imperial has truly become a second home for me, and all it required was a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances.
So, what did I discover? Making that initial move at the start of the year is vital. If you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With a student body as diverse as this one, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the heightened workload and complexity of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more rigorous. It’s natural to feel swamped or question your skills when witnessing others study with assurance. However, I realized that everyone encounters difficulties at various stages. If something confounds you, it’s likely that many others are experiencing the same thing. The most effective course of action is to seek help—whether from classmates or faculty.
### The Significance of Finding Support
Regarding faculty, the support network within the Materials Science department is outstanding. The instructors are genuinely invested in student success and remain open to input. They recognize the challenges we confront and actively strive to mitigate them. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, I wish I had sought it out earlier.
At the year’s commencement, I stepped out of my comfort zone by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with academic staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Tap into the support available to you—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
This year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university was largely unfounded. There are numerous support systems available, both from faculty and fellow students, to help you navigate this transition. Most crucially, I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone. Even amidst the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines, I’ve discovered ways to enjoy my time at university, and I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything.
If you’re on the brink of starting your journey at Imperial, my advice is straightforward: embrace the obstacles, seek out support when you require it, and don’t hesitate to take that first leap. You’ll be astonished by the growth you experience along the way.