**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 overcome with anxiety, trepidation, and ambiguity regarding the path ahead. I was about to initiate my degree 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) as a freshman. Being someone who has always been somewhat introverted, plunging into this new chapter felt quite daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I see a journey rich with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?

### Forming Connections: The Initial Major Hurdle

One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming new friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely one of your top worries as well. On my first day of settling into my residence, just a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve made some of my closest friends ever. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, all it took was initiating some casual conversations with others who were in a similar situation.

What has this taught me? I’ve come to understand that taking a plunge at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous introductory gatherings and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and campus, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with your interests and ideals.

### Confronting the Workload and Academic Demands

Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable shift from A-levels, and an even larger transition from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into this new environment can sometimes rattle your self-assurance, especially when observing others studying and feeling as though you’re lagging behind. However, here’s the reality: everyone is navigating the same waters. If something confuses you, chances are you’re not alone. This is why seeking assistance is vital—be it from fellow students or faculty. This is perhaps the most essential lesson I gleaned during my first year.

### The Value of Faculty Support

Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The staff genuinely desires for students to succeed, and they are mindful of the challenges we encounter. They maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year, addressing our issues and providing assistance. I didn’t fully utilize the available support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.

At the year’s start, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with faculty members, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. My key takeaway is to fully leverage the support resources available to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!

### Concluding Thoughts

All in all, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly misplaced. With the extensive range of support from both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve acquired skills to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines while also savoring my university experience. Most significantly, I’ve learned to welcome challenges and take those leaps of faith.

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