### Thoughts on My Initial Year at Imperial College London
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was to come. As a first-year student about to embark on my journey 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), I was entering uncharted territory. Having always been somewhat shy and introverted, immersing myself in an entirely new setting was quite intimidating. Reflecting on the past year, I now see it as a time of personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and how do I feel now?
#### Conquering the Anxieties of Friendship
One of the most daunting challenges of starting university was the prospect of befriending new people. If you’re an incoming student, this might also weigh heavily on your mind. I vividly recall my first day in student housing—I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, far too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Yet, as I sit here now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Imperial has transformed into my second family, and all it took was a few casual conversations with fellow students who shared my experiences.
So what did I take away from this? Making that initial move early on is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared, that’s okay—there will be countless icebreaker events and chances to mingle. Above all, just be authentic. With such a diverse student body, you are sure to connect with individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
#### Adjusting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the increased workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was marked, and moving from the first to the second term felt even more demanding. It’s common to feel daunted or question your capabilities when witnessing the dedication of others. However, one crucial lesson I absorbed was that everyone shares similar struggles. If you find yourself grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too.
The best course of action is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or lecturers. Asking for help should not be viewed as a sign of weakness; it’s an essential aspect of the learning process.
#### Maximizing Support Networks
This leads me to another vital insight: the staff within the Materials department are remarkably supportive. They sincerely wish for their students to thrive and are consistently receptive to feedback. Throughout the year, they maintained a constant dialogue with us, addressing our issues and providing direction.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until later in the year, I now wish I had availed myself of it sooner. One of the best decisions I made was to become a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which proved to be highly valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and taking advantage of these can significantly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Utilize the support that’s offered—you can never have too much assistance!
#### Closing Thoughts
As I reflect on my first year, I’ve come to realise that many of the anxieties I held—both prior to and during university—were largely unfounded. With the right backing from staff and fellow students, I was able to tackle challenges and build my confidence. Most importantly, I learned that I was never solitary in my difficulties.
This year has shown me how to navigate the balance between academic obligations and enjoyment, and I’m eager to discover what the forthcoming years at Imperial will hold.
—
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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