**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 overcome with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism about what awaited me. I was on the verge of starting 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) as a newcomer. Venturing outside my comfort zone was unfamiliar to me, yet reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current stance?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
One of the most significant challenges I encountered in the early days of university was forming friendships. If you’re considering becoming a student, this might be a concern for you, too. On my first day settling into my accommodation, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet new people. However, as I reflect today, I can proudly say that I’ve connected with some extraordinary friends. Imperial feels like a second family to me, and all it required was stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with fellow students in a similar predicament.
What did I take away from this? Taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, be yourself. With a richly diverse student community, you are sure to discover others who share your passions and beliefs.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the increased academic workload and the heightened level of complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was apparent, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It can be easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing peers studying, but one realization that aided me was understanding that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are, too—so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
This may have been the most important lesson I gleaned from my first year: don’t shy away from seeking help. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty members, requesting support is critical for your success.
### The Value of Interacting with Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely desire for students to thrive and are consistently available for discussions regarding any issues we encounter. I didn’t maximize the pastoral support offered until later in the academic year, but I wish I had started sooner.
In the early days of the year, I took a bold step and became a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Looking back, this year has shown me that the fears and worries I experienced prior to starting university were largely unneeded. There is a wealth of support accessible from both faculty and peers. I’ve discovered that I am never truly alone and that it is entirely feasible to juggle academic demands while enjoying a fulfilling university life.
If you’re about to embark on your journey at Imperial, my counsel is straightforward: take that leap, welcome the challenges, and seize every opportunity.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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