**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 experienced a whirlwind of nerves, uncertainties, and doubts about the journey ahead. I was on the brink of starting my first year pursuing [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 a departure from the habits of my previously shy and reserved self. Reflecting now, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of joy. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most intimidating facets of commencing university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be one of your top concerns as well. On my first day in student housing, just before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day confined to my room, feeling too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Yet, sitting here today, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—among my classmates and throughout the institution.
I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with others who were in similar situations. My primary takeaway? Make the effort early in the year. If you’re not feeling ready, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. The shift from A-levels was apparent, and the transition from the first term to the second proved to be even more demanding. At times, it was easy to feel inundated or question my capabilities, particularly when I observed others studying with such confidence.
What encouraged me to persevere was the understanding that everyone was navigating similar struggles. If I was confused about something, it was highly likely that others were too. The best advice I can offer? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is one of the key skills you should hone during your first year—whether it’s reaching out to peers or obtaining guidance from faculty members.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
Speaking of faculty, the teaching and support team in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly care about students’ success and are aware of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, ensuring our voices were heard.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support offered until near the end of the year, but I wish I had acted on it sooner. At the year’s outset, I took an initiative by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This opportunity enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Take full advantage of the support available—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt leading up to university—and even throughout the year—was often unwarranted. With the extensive support accessible from both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely isolated. More crucially, I’ve learned to balance academic demands with enjoyment, even amidst stressful times like exams and deadlines.
For anyone on the verge of starting their university adventure, my counsel is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll evolve in ways you never anticipated, and before long, you’ll be reminiscing about an extraordinary first year.