**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and doubt about the future. I was on the brink of starting 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. For someone who has always tended to be introverted and quiet, venturing into the unknown seemed quite formidable. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment, I can appreciate how much I’ve progressed. But what lessons did this year impart, and what’s my current standing?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Making Connections
A significant challenge I encountered early in my journey was forging friendships. Entering university can be daunting, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my initial day in student housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entirety of that day sequestered in my room, far too anxious to emerge and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships to date. My friends here have come to feel like a second family, and it only required a little casual conversation with individuals who were in similar situations.
What did I take away from this? Taking that first step is essential. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—numerous icebreaker events and chances to interact with others will arise. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals within the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the subject matter. The transition from A-levels to university was quite substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It wasn’t always easy to remain self-assured, especially when I observed others studying and questioned my own capabilities.
What aided me in this was recognizing that everyone else was experiencing similar struggles. If I found something confusing, it was likely that others were too. The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Whether it’s reaching out to classmates or looking for advice from faculty, seeking help can be tremendously beneficial.
### The Importance of Supportive Faculty
On the topic of faculty, I cannot stress enough how remarkable the Materials department staff are. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, providing empathy and support whenever it was required.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support offered until later in the year, and I wish I had utilized it sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My major takeaway? Maximize the support accessible to you—there’s never such a thing as too much help!
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the apprehension I experienced prior to and during university was often unfounded. Thanks to the vast array of support systems provided by both staff and peers, I was never truly isolated. I learned how to manage the stress from examinations and deadlines while also embracing moments of happiness and enjoyment.
Looking back, I recognize a year of personal evolution, resilience, and indelible memories. If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, remember: take that jump, ask for support, and welcome the opportunities that present themselves.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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