**Insights from My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to begin my adventure 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 has always been quiet and introspective, plunging into such a major transition felt intimidating. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal development, obstacles, and lots of enjoyment. But what insights did I gain, and what is my current perspective?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings of dread. On my first day in student housing, just prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and say hello. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I could have hoped for—friends who have become like family.
How did I reach this point? It all began with casual conversations. I came to understand that everyone was navigating similar feelings of uncertainty. Taking that first step to interact with others made a world of difference. My suggestion? Be authentic. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles. And if you’re not quite ready to engage immediately, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker activities and chances to meet new people all year long.
### Adjusting to the Academic Landscape
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the increased course load and complexity of the coursework. The shift from A-levels to university studies was significant, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even larger. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or doubt your own capabilities, especially when you observe others flourishing.
What assisted me in navigating this was the comprehension that everyone experiences difficulties at times. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others do as well. The essential approach is to seek help—whether from classmates or teaching personnel. This was possibly the most important insight I gained in my first year: don’t hold back from asking for assistance.
### The Value of Support Systems
Speaking of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely care about students’ success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained an open dialogue with us and were always prepared to address our queries. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support options until late in the year, but looking back, I wish I had sought it out sooner.
One of the best choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be incredibly valuable. There are countless ways to engage with staff, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much help.
### Reflections
Reflecting on this past year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to commencement and throughout the year—was frequently unwarranted. With the abundant support provided by staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. This year has instructed me on how to juggle the pressures of tests and deadlines while also savoring moments of happiness and enjoyment. It’s been a life-changing journey, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead.
By Dawson La
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