**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, uncertainty, and trepidation about what was to unfold. I was on the brink of commencing my first year 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 a person who has always been somewhat introverted, entering this new phase felt quite daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a period of personal development, obstacles, and remarkable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
One of the most intimidating parts of beginning university was forming new friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this may also be one of your primary worries. I vividly recall my first day moving into my accommodation—I was so taken aback that I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to meet anyone.
Now, looking at today, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends imaginable. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all stemmed from stepping outside of my comfort zone and engaging in light conversation with fellow newcomers.
So, what have I learned? Firstly, taking that first step at the start of the year always proves beneficial. If you’re hesitant, don’t fret—numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others will present themselves. Secondly, being true to yourself is paramount. With such a varied student population, you’re bound to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Rigors
Another significant challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more intense. It’s all too easy to second-guess yourself when witnessing others studying and questioning if you’re contributing enough.
What assisted me in navigating this was understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something hard to grasp, it’s likely that your peers are as well. The important thing is to seek help—whether from fellow students or faculty members. Learning to ask for assistance is among the most essential skills you can cultivate in your initial year.
### The Value of Staff Support
On the subject of support, the staff within the Materials department have been outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and are always receptive to feedback. Throughout the year, they kept in frequent contact with us, addressing our concerns and providing guidance.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. One of the best choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff, which turned out to be immensely valuable. There are numerous routes to engage with faculty, and taking advantage of these can significantly enrich your university experience. My top takeaway? Utilize the support that’s at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
### Final Thoughts
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before starting university was mostly unwarranted. There are abundant support networks available—from staff to fellow students—ensuring that no one has to navigate this journey alone. I’ve learned to balance the demands of academia while savoring university life, and I’ve evolved in ways I never anticipated.
To anyone gearing up to embark on their university journey, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when needed, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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