**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was preparing to begin my adventure 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. As someone who has always been somewhat introverted, entering this new phase was quite intimidating. Now, reflecting on the academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and, above all, a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standpoint?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forging new friendships. If you’re a potential student perusing this, you might share similar feelings. On my first day of moving into dorms, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too shy to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, particularly within my course. All it took was stepping beyond my comfort zone and striking up casual conversations with individuals who were experiencing the same situation.
So, what did I take away from this? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take that first step. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breakers and activities intended to help you connect with others. Most crucially, I found that remaining true to yourself is essential. With such a wide array of individuals in the course and university, you will certainly come across those who align with you.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Obstacles
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and moving from the first to the second term felt even more overwhelming. Being thrust into such an environment can occasionally shake your confidence, especially when you see peers studying and worry that you’re falling behind.
What supported me during this period was the understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are finding it difficult as well. The most vital lesson I grasped in my first year was to seek assistance. Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow students or faculty when you’re feeling lost.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are remarkable. They are genuinely invested in your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they ensured open lines of communication with us and were consistently empathetic to our issues. I didn’t fully utilize the support resources until the end of the year, but I wish I’d taken advantage of them earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a risk by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect more closely with the faculty, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with professors, and making those connections can be one of the best choices you make. My primary takeaway? Utilize the resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced, both preceding and during university, was mostly misplaced. The extensive support from faculty and fellow students made a significant impact. I’ve realized that I am never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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