**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism 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. As a person who has traditionally been introverted and reserved, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Upon reflection, I recognize a year replete with personal development, obstacles, and unforgettable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
A significant challenge I encountered early in my journey was forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student, this may resonate with you as well. On my first day at the student residence, I spent the majority of the day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, as I sit here now, I can assert that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever known. Imperial has truly become my second home, and it merely required a bit of casual conversation with people in similar situations.
What did I discover? Taking that initial leap is invariably worthwhile. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, I realized that the best course of action is to be yourself. With such a varied student demographic, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was acclimating to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was substantial, with the shift from the first to the second term proving to be even more challenging. It’s simple to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing others study with confidence.
What assisted me during this phase? Reminding myself that everyone faces similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others share your confusion. The best approach is to seek assistance—whether from peers or instructors. Learning to ask for help is one of the most essential skills to acquire in your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
A comforting aspect of my experience has been the immense support from the Materials Science department. The staff genuinely care about student success and are always receptive to constructive feedback. They recognize the difficulties we encounter and actively strive to assist us.
While I didn’t fully engage with pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had done so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I decided to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to build connections with staff, which turned out to be immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty and support services, and taking advantage of these can lead to significant improvements. My key takeaway? Utilize the available support—you can never have too much help.
### Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, this past year has enlightened me that many of the apprehensions I harbored before entering university were unfounded. There are abundant support networks in place, from faculty to fellow students, that can assist in easing the transition. Above all, I’ve come to understand that I’m not truly on my own. Amidst the pressures of examinations and deadlines, I’ve discovered ways to savor my university journey and fully embrace my time at Imperial.
To those preparing to embark on their own paths: welcome the challenges, seek assistance when necessary, and don’t hesitate to take that first step. You may just find yourself evolving in ways you never anticipated.