**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed in nerves, uncertainty, and doubts regarding the future. I was on the verge 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. Having always been introverted and reserved, embarking on this new phase felt akin to jumping into the deep waters. Now, reflecting on my first year, I recognize a path rich with personal development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating elements of starting university was the prospect of making friends. If you’re an incoming student, this might be something that concerns you as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself. However, fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever experienced.
Imperial has turned into a second home for me, and it merely required me to step outside my comfort zone and strike up conversations with individuals who shared my situation. The greatest lesson I derived? Take that bold step early. If you’re not feeling prepared, don’t fret—there will be plenty of icebreakers and chances to connect with new faces. Above all, just be yourself. With such a varied student community, you’re sure to encounter others with similar interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was quite pronounced, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more formidable. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your abilities amidst diligent peers.
What aided me in this process was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something confuses you, it’s likely others are in the same situation as well. The crucial takeaway? Don’t shy away from seeking assistance—whether that be from classmates or instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the most invaluable skills you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Requesting Assistance
Speaking of assistance, the personnel in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely desire students to thrive and are consistently receptive to feedback and concerns. Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
Early in my journey, I dared to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which proved to be extremely advantageous. There are numerous avenues to engage with professors and academic advisors, and doing so can greatly enhance your university journey. My recommendation? Make the most of the support that’s accessible—you can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
As I look back, this year has shown me that many of the anxieties I harbored before university were unwarranted. There exists an abundance of support from both staff and fellow students to assist in navigating the hurdles. Most importantly, I’ve come to realize that I’m never solitary on this path. Despite the pressures of assessments and timelines, I’ve discovered ways to savor my university experience and fully embrace this remarkable journey.
If you’re about to embark on your first year, welcome the challenges, reach out for support when necessary, and remember—you’ve got this!