**Reflections on My Initial Year in Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and self-doubt as I geared up to embark 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. Venturing into the unknown felt intimidating, especially for someone who had always been introverted and reserved. Now, reflecting on this past year, I recognize a journey filled with significant personal development, challenges, and extraordinary experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forging new friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this may also be a concern for you. I recall my first day moving into housing—I was so apprehensive that I remained in my room all day, too anxious to interact with anyone.
Fast forward to today, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations and shared experiences. My key takeaway? Take that initial step at the start of the year. If you’re feeling uncertain, don’t worry—there will be ample icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. In such a diverse student body, you’re sure to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating Academic Obstacles
Another major challenge was acclimating to the heavy workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was definitely significant, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even more overwhelming. There were moments when I questioned my capabilities, particularly when observing others studying and feeling like I wasn’t keeping pace.
What saw me through was understanding that I wasn’t alone—many of my peers were facing similar difficulties. If you don’t grasp a concept, rest assured others likely don’t either. The best course of action is to seek assistance, whether from classmates or instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the most crucial skills you can acquire in your first year.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
Speaking of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly care about student success and are always receptive to feedback and concerns. While I didn’t fully take advantage of pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had utilized it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster relationships with staff members, which turned out to be greatly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Make the most of the available support—you can never have too much help.
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting back, my first year has illuminated the fact that many of the apprehensions I had—both before and during my time at university—were largely unwarranted. There are extensive support structures in place, from staff to fellow students, to aid you in navigating challenges. Most importantly, I’ve realized that I’m never truly isolated and that it is feasible to balance academic demands with a rewarding and enjoyable university experience.
If you are on the verge of commencing your journey at Imperial, embrace the challenges ahead, seek support when necessary, and seize every opportunity. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated!