**Musings 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 filled with anxiety, doubt, and trepidation about the journey that awaited me. I was poised to embark on 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 a person who previously tended to be reserved and introverted, entering this new chapter felt quite daunting. Now, as I reflect, I recognize a year characterized by personal development, hurdles, and an abundance of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting challenges of starting university was forging friendships. If you are a future student, this might be one of your primary worries as well. On my inaugural day at the student residence, I spent countless hours sequestered in my room, too anxious to initiate a conversation with anyone. However, here I am today, and I can earnestly claim that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a supportive community at Imperial, and all it took was stepping beyond my comfort limits and striking up casual chats with peers facing similar situations.
What did I discover? To begin with, being proactive early on is tremendously advantageous. If you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breakers and social gatherings to foster connections. Above all, just be yourself. With such a diverse cohort of students, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your passions and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the curriculum. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the transition from the first to the second term proved even more rigorous. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your capabilities amidst a sea of high-achieving colleagues. Nevertheless, one of the most crucial lessons I absorbed was that we are all experiencing similar struggles. If something confounds you, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well.
My best recommendation? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your freshman year. Whether it’s reaching out to fellow students or asking for guidance from instructors, always feel free to inquire.
### The Value of Staff Support
A standout feature of my first year was the exceptional encouragement from the Materials Science department. The faculty sincerely desires for students to thrive and are consistently receptive to feedback. They recognize the obstacles we encounter and actively seek to support us.
Though I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral assistance until later in the year, I regret not utilizing it earlier. Taking on the position of a well-being representative for the year enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are countless opportunities to interconnect with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your collegiate experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support offered—you can never have too much assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on my inaugural year, I’ve come to understand that a lot of my original apprehensions were unfounded. The collective support of faculty and peers enabled me to navigate the complexities of university life. I’ve learned that I am never genuinely alone, and I’ve figured out how to juggle academic demands with enjoyment.
For those on the brink of starting their university adventure, my counsel is straightforward: embrace the journey, seek help when necessary, and above all, remain true to yourself.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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