**Thoughts on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, ambiguity, and doubt about what the future held. I was on the brink 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 Imperial College London. As someone who had previously been shy and quiet, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting on it now, I recognize a year brimming with personal growth, challenges, and remarkable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered initially was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be a primary worry for you as well. On my first day in student housing, just prior to the term starting, I stayed in my room all day, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. However, sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known.
Imperial has truly become my second home, and all it required was a bit of casual conversation with others who were feeling similarly. The most important lesson I gleaned? Take the initiative early. Even if you don’t think you’re prepared, there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Above all, be authentic—Imperial is populated with a variety of individuals, and you’re sure to find those who align with your interests.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was getting used to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was quite substantial, and an even larger jump occurred from the first to the second term. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, particularly when observing others studying and questioning my own efforts.
What propelled me forward was the understanding that everyone was contending with similar hurdles. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are, too. The key lesson? Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Whether from classmates or teaching staff, seeking help is one of the most crucial skills to cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department is remarkable. They truly desire for students to thrive and are aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept open lines of communication with us, making sure our voices were acknowledged.
Even though I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had done so earlier. One of my most beneficial choices was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to engage with faculty members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with instructors, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My top piece of advice? Make the most of the support at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
### Conclusive Thoughts
Looking back, this year has illustrated to me that the fears and apprehensions I held before beginning university were mostly unwarranted. With the appropriate backing from staff and classmates, those concerns became manageable. I’ve realized that I’m never alone on this journey, and I’ve learned how to juggle academic demands while enjoying my time at Imperial.
For anyone preparing to embark on their university adventure, my advice is straightforward: embrace the obstacles, seek help when necessary, and seize every opportunity. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated, and before long, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about an amazing first year—just as I am now.