### 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 was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism about what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting my first year 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. As someone who previously was quite introverted, transitioning into this new phase felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and remarkable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and how do I perceive my current position?
#### Conquering the Anxiety of Building Friendships
A major challenge for me was the task of making new friends. If you’re a future student, this might also be a significant worry for you. On my initial day in student housing, I remained in my room all day, too fearful to venture out and meet new people. However, looking back now, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Imperial has transformed into my second family, and it began with a few straightforward conversations with others who shared my initial feelings.
The most crucial lesson I learned? Take that chance. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous icebreaker activities and moments to connect with others. And above all, be authentic. With such a varied student population, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
#### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the heightened workload and complexity of university-level material. The shift from A-levels was quite pronounced, and the transition from the first to the second term proved even more rigorous. At times, I questioned my capabilities, particularly when observing others studying diligently.
What kept me motivated was the understanding that everyone faced similar struggles. If I found a concept difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others did as well. My best piece of advice? Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Be it from colleagues or lecturers, reaching out for help is an essential skill to cultivate during your first year.
#### The Value of Staff Support
One of the most comforting elements of my course was the exceptional support from the teaching staff. They truly want students to thrive and appreciate the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept lines of communication open, ensuring we had access to necessary resources.
Although I only took full advantage of pastoral support towards the year’s end, I wish I had recognized its importance earlier. Serving as a year well-being representative helped me forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are numerous avenues to establish rapport with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My main takeaway? Utilize the available support—there’s no such thing as too much help.
#### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has revealed to me that the apprehensions I harbored prior to and during university were often unfounded. With adequate support from both staff and peers, those anxieties became manageable. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone and that balancing academic demands with an enjoyable university life is absolutely achievable.
If you’re embarking on your university path, embrace the challenges, seek assistance when needed, and seize every opportunity. You’ll develop in ways you never imagined!
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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/)