**Thoughts on My Initial Year Studying 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 the future. I was on the verge of beginning my journey as a first-year student 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. Venturing outside my comfort zone was unfamiliar to me, but reflecting on the year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and remarkable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Fear of Building Relationships
A significant challenge of entering university was the prospect of making new friends. If you are a future student, this is likely one of your primary worries as well. On my first day at my student residence, I felt so daunted that I spent the whole day isolated in my room, too anxious to meet anyone. However, fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. Imperial feels like a second home now, and I initially had to step beyond my boundaries and engage in casual chats with others in similar positions.
The essential takeaway? Make that effort at the start of the year. If you’re feeling reluctant, don’t fret—there will be plenty of icebreaker activities and chances to connect with new individuals. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. With such a varied student body, you’re likely to find others who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Adapting to Academic Expectations
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the volume and complexity of university-level coursework. The transition from A-levels was considerable, and the leap from the first to the second term was even greater. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when witnessing peers studying and starting to doubt your own capabilities.
What helped me persevere was the realization that we are all experiencing similar challenges. If there’s something you don’t comprehend, others may be facing the same difficulties too. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—whether it’s from fellow students or the teaching faculty. Learning to ask for help is among the most important skills you can foster in your first year.
### Assistance from Faculty and Well-being Programs
One of the most notable elements of my experience has been the outstanding support provided by the Materials Science department. The staff genuinely desires student success and is always receptive to input. They recognize the challenges we encounter and are proactive in addressing them.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. Early on, I decided to step up by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which turned out to be incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My main piece of advice? Utilize the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the year, I realize that the anxieties and fears I had before starting university were mostly unfounded. There are numerous support systems available, from faculty to fellow students, to help you tackle the challenges ahead. Most crucially, I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone. I’ve also gained insight into how to juggle academic demands while enjoying university life.
If you are about to commence your own journey at Imperial, my guidance is straightforward: take that leap, reach out for help when necessary, and seize every opportunity that presents itself.
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**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categories:** Uncategorised
**Tags:** [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)