**Insights from 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 uncertainty regarding what was to come. 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) as a newcomer, and venturing into the unknown was far from my naturally reserved and timid self. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and countless enjoyable moments. So, what have I gained from this experience, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating elements of entering university was the task of forging new friendships. If you are a prospective student absorbing this, you may very well be experiencing similar feelings. On my initial day in student housing, right before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day locked in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, reflecting on this now, I can assert that I have formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever known—companions who resemble a second family.
So, what insights have I gleaned? I discovered that taking the first step, irrespective of its size, is invariably rewarding. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be a myriad of icebreaker activities and chances to meet new people. Above all, I learned that being authentic is essential. With a pool of diverse students, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the demands of the coursework and the escalated complexity of university-level material. The transition from A-levels was considerable, and moving from the first term to the second was even more challenging. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing others studying and appearing more assured.
What aided me in navigating this was understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something challenging, it’s likely that others are too. The most beneficial approach you can take is to reach out for assistance—be it from your classmates or instructors. Cultivating the skill to seek help is one of the most valuable abilities you can hone in your first year.
### The Significance of Requesting Assistance
Speaking of assistance, the staff within the Materials Science department have been remarkable. They truly aspire for students to excel and are consistently receptive to feedback and dialogue. While I didn’t fully leverage the support systems available until the latter part of the year, I wish I had engaged with them earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step and became a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be tremendously beneficial. There are countless avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My primary takeaway? Make the most of the resources available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the past year, I realize that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was frequently unwarranted. With the right backing from faculty and fellow students, those anxieties became manageable. I’ve come to understand that I am never truly alone and that balancing academic demands with enjoyment is attainable.
For anyone poised to embark on their university journey, my counsel is straightforward: take the plunge, be yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You may be astonished at the extent of your personal growth throughout the process.