**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

A mere ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my academic journey 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what exactly have I gained from this past year, and where do I find myself currently?

### Conquering the Fear of Forming Connections

One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered early on was the task of making friends. For many, this aspect of starting university can be one of the most frightening, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may also be a source of concern for you. On the first day of settling into my accommodations, just days before the term officially kicked off, I spent an entire day hidden away in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, which began with casual conversations with others in similar situations.

So, what have I gleaned from this experience? I learned that making a bold move at the onset of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker activities and events crafted to facilitate connections with others. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.

### Managing the Academic Load

Another major challenge was coming to terms with the academic workload and the intricate subject matter. There was undoubtedly a clear shift from A-levels, even more so between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a demanding academic atmosphere can impact your self-esteem, particularly when you observe your peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, one significant reminder that assisted me was realizing that everyone shares this experience. If something isn’t making sense to you, chances are there are others struggling with it as well. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance! This has likely been the most vital lesson I acquired in my first year—always seek help from your fellow students and the faculty.

### Encouragement from the Faculty

On the topic of faculty, I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the professors in the Materials department are. They genuinely wish to see students thrive and understand the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral assistance until the year’s end, but I truly wish I had sought it out earlier.

At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which proved to be immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so is one of the best choices you can make for your own well-being. My key takeaway from this journey is to leverage the support at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much help!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has revealed to me that the anxieties I felt before and during university were largely baseless. There are countless support systems available, both from faculty and fellow students, to assist you in navigating the challenges. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone and have learned how to balance enjoying my experiences while managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*

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