**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism about the future. I was on the verge of starting 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. Being someone who has always been rather introverted and timid, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I now recognize it as a period of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most considerable obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student, you may share this concern as well. I vividly recall my first day moving into student housing—I was so overwhelmed that I spent the entire day in my room, far too anxious to introduce myself to anyone.
However, sitting here now, I can wholeheartedly declare that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all stemmed from stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in small conversations with others in similar situations.
So, what lessons did I take away? Primarily, taking that initial plunge at the year’s beginning is invariably worthwhile. If you’re feeling unprepared, don’t fret—there will be plenty of ice-breaker activities and social engagements to help you connect with your peers. Most importantly, just remain true to yourself. With such a diverse student population, you are sure to meet individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the demands of the coursework and the complexity of the subject matter. There was a clear increase in difficulty from A-levels, and an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. It was easy to feel inundated, especially when I noticed others studying and began to doubt my abilities.
What got me through these moments was the realization that everyone was experiencing similar struggles. If I was having difficulty understanding a topic, it was likely that others were too. The most valuable lesson I learned during my first year was the importance of seeking help—whether from peers or instructors. Asking for assistance is not a weakness; rather, it’s one of the most intelligent actions you can take.
### The Value of Staff Support
One of the finest elements of studying Materials Science at Imperial is the remarkable support from the faculty. They sincerely want students to succeed and are aware of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and offered invaluable guidance.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Early on, I ventured out by becoming a well-being representative for my year, which allowed me to build rapport with staff members. This turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My most significant takeaway? Take full advantage of the resources available—you can never have too much support.
### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has made me realize that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university was unwarranted. There exist numerous support systems—from faculty to fellow students—ensuring that no one has to navigate this journey in solitude. I’ve discovered how to juggle academic demands while still finding enjoyment, and I now feel significantly more confident about the future.
To any prospective university students: welcome the challenges, take those chances, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You will grow in ways you never anticipated, and you might just experience the most enjoyable time of your life.