**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainties about the road ahead. I was on the verge of commencing 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) at Imperial College London. As someone who had always been modest and introverted, embarking on this new chapter felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal development, trials, and numerous memorable moments. But what lessons have I absorbed, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the prospect of forging new friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this may be among your primary worries as well. On my first day in student housing, just prior to the start of the term, I sequestered myself in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet anyone. Yet here I am today, proudly declaring that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. Imperial has truly become my second home, and all it took was some simple conversation with others who were experiencing the same uncertainties.
The most crucial lesson I gleaned? Dive in early. Even if you don’t feel entirely prepared, there will be countless icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied student population, you are sure to encounter peers with similar interests.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another major challenge was getting used to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The shift from A-levels was significant, and transitioning from the first to the second term proved to be even tougher. It’s easy to feel inundated when you observe others studying diligently and begin to question your own skills.
What helped me navigate this was understanding that everyone encounters difficulties at some stage. If something isn’t clear, it’s likely that others share your confusion. The essential approach is to seek assistance—whether it’s from classmates or teaching staff. Learning to reach out for help is one of the most important abilities you can cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of assistance, the teaching staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely want students to thrive and are always receptive to feedback and discussions. Although I didn’t fully utilize pastoral support until later in the academic year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the outset of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely helpful. There are numerous ways to engage with instructors, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the support that’s offered to you—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the anxieties and worries I harbored before commencing university were mostly unwarranted. With the right support from faculty and fellow students, those apprehensions rapidly diminished. I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly isolated and that it’s feasible to appreciate university life even in the face of exam pressures and deadlines.
If you’re about to embark on your journey at Imperial, my counsel is straightforward: embrace the experience, seek help when necessary, and don’t hesitate to take that initial step. You might be surprised by where it leads you.