**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, fear, and confusion about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing 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 an individual who had always been quiet and introverted, the thought of plunging into such a new and demanding atmosphere was overwhelming. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a period of development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
### Forming Connections: The Initial Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing elements of beginning university was the quest to forge friendships. If you’re an incoming student perusing this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, merely a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast-forward to today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships of my life—friends who are like family.
What did I take away from this ordeal? I learned that taking that first step of courage is essential. If you’re not prepared or comfortable immediately, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breaking activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be authentic. With the diverse array of personalities and backgrounds at university, you are sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Workload
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the rigorous workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second proved to be even more demanding. It’s all too easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when witnessing others studying diligently and apparently thriving.
Nevertheless, something that aided me was the realization that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t comprehend something, it’s highly likely others are finding it challenging as well. The most crucial lesson I gathered in my first year was to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. Don’t hold back from reaching out when something is unclear.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how wonderful the staff in the Materials department is. They truly care about student success and are acutely aware of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept lines of communication open and were exceedingly compassionate towards our concerns.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support accessible until the year drew to a close, and I wish I had done it sooner. Early in the year, I took a chance by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort, which enabled me to develop closer connections with the staff. Cultivating relationships with the faculty is immensely valuable, and there are numerous ways to achieve this. My primary takeaway? Take advantage of the assistance offered—you can never have too much support!
### Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on the year, I’ve come to realize that much of the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unfounded. There are numerous support systems established, from staff to fellow students, to help you navigate the various challenges. I’ve discovered that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned how to manage stress from examinations and deadlines while enjoying my time at university.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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