**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainties regarding what the future might bring. I was on the verge of starting my experience 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. For someone who had always tended to be introverted and reserved, immersing myself into an entirely new atmosphere felt intimidating. However, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I currently find myself?
### Forming Connections: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most daunting challenges of entering university was making connections. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be a concern for you as well. It certainly was for me. On my first day settling into my accommodation, I spent the entire time sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and engage with others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I could imagine. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, all stemming from casual conversations with individuals who shared my experience.
What did I glean from this? The essential step is to take that first plunge. Even if you initially feel unprepared or uneasy, fret not—numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others await. Above all, be authentic. With a diverse array of personalities throughout the program and campus, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was getting accustomed to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the coursework. There was certainly a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and the leap from the first term to the second was particularly marked. It’s simple to feel inundated or doubt your capabilities when observing peers studying, but bear in mind that everyone faces similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, there’s a high likelihood that others are too. The most significant lesson I absorbed in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance—whether from classmates or academic staff.
### Assistance from Faculty
On the subject of faculty, the staff within the Materials department is outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept the lines of communication open and were always ready to consider our worries. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral care until the year’s end, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to foster connections with the faculty, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and I strongly encourage you to explore them. My most profound lesson? Don’t hesitate to utilize the support systems that are at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has illuminated the fact that the apprehension I felt before and during my university journey was largely misplaced. With the abundant support present from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never truly isolated. I also figured out how to harmonize having fun with tackling the unavoidable stress tied to exams and deadlines.
By Dawson La
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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