**Thoughts on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and doubt regarding what was to come. I was set to embark on my first year of 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) at Imperial College London. As someone who had previously been introverted and reserved, stepping into this new chapter felt quite daunting. In hindsight, I now view a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous delightful experiences. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
One of the most significant hurdles I encountered at the beginning of university was forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might also be a concern for you. On my initial day in student housing—just a few days prior to the official start of the term—I was so daunted by the prospect of meeting new individuals that I chose to remain in my room the entire day, steering clear of social interaction.
Yet, as I reflect today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating conversations with others in similar circumstances.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned? Make that leap early on. Even if you don’t feel completely prepared, you’ll encounter numerous icebreaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. Above all, be authentic. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Adjusting to the workload and the complexity of the course material was another major challenge. There was a significant transition from A-level studies, and an even greater difference from the first term to the second. At times, feeling overwhelmed and questioning my abilities was a common occurrence, especially when I compared myself to my peers.
What aided me through this was the acknowledgment that I was not alone. If I found something difficult to grasp, it was likely that many of my classmates were confronting the same issues. The key takeaway? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Whether it’s from fellow students or instructors, asking for help is one of the most essential skills you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Significance of Seeking Assistance
This brings me to another vital component of my experience—the remarkable support offered by the Materials Science department. The staff genuinely care about students’ success and recognize the challenges we encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with students throughout the year and provide various support mechanisms.
While I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had done so earlier. One of the best choices I made was to become a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be immensely advantageous. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Take full advantage of all the support offered to you—there’s no such thing as having too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has illustrated to me that the anxiety I felt before and during my time at university was often unwarranted. An abundance of support systems exists—from faculty to fellow students—ensuring that no one has to navigate this experience in solitude. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to juggle academic demands while relishing my time at university.
If you’re about to commence your own journey at Imperial, my guidance is straightforward: take that leap, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, and fully embrace the experience. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated, and you may just discover a second family along the way.