**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey as a first-year student 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. For someone who had consistently been introverted and cautious, embracing the unfamiliar was certainly outside my comfort zone. Now, as I reflect back, I recognize an academic year that was life-changing—brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what lessons did this year impart, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered initially was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you might be grappling with similar concerns. On my first day in student housing, just before the semester officially commenced, I spent the entire day isolated in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself.
Jump forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. At Imperial, particularly within my course, I’ve discovered a second family. All it took was stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating brief conversations with individuals who were just as anxious as I was.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always valuable. If you’re not prepared right away, don’t stress—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned to embrace my true self. With such a varied community at Imperial, you will undoubtedly encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the increased workload and difficulty of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing others studying and wondering if you measure up.
What helped me through those challenging moments was recognizing that everyone faces similar struggles. If you’re having trouble grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are experiencing the same. The crucial point is to seek assistance. This is arguably the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year—don’t hesitate to approach your peers or the teaching staff for help.
### The Significance of Support and Community
Speaking of the faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. The lecturers and support personnel are genuinely invested in student success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They maintain open lines of communication throughout the academic year and are always eager to assist.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had seized those opportunities earlier. One proactive step I took early on was becoming a Year Well-being Representative. This role allowed me to establish connections with staff members, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are multiple ways to engage with the faculty, and I ardently recommend making the most of those chances. My foremost takeaway here is straightforward: never hesitate to utilize the support available to you. You can never have an excess of assistance!
### Wisdom Gained
Contemplating this past year, I have come to understand that many of the apprehensions I harbored—both prior to and during my time at university—were baseless. With abundant support from staff and fellow peers, I was not truly alone. This year has enlightened me on balancing the stresses of exams and deadlines with times of joy and revelry.
If I could impart a single piece of advice to incoming students, it would be this: embrace the unease, take the plunge, and capitalize on the resources and opportunities at your disposal. University is a phase for growth, and you’ll be astonished at how much you can accomplish when you extend beyond your comfort zone.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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