**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, uncertainty, and hesitation regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting 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 had always been timid and introverted, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it as a time of development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable experiences. But what have I discovered, and how do I perceive my current situation?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Connections
One of the foremost hurdles I encountered early in my journey was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student, this might be a concern for you as well. I vividly recall my initial day moving into the dorms—I spent the whole day in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself. Nevertheless, as the year unfolded, I built some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.
What did I extract from this experience? Taking that first step is invariably rewarding. If you don’t feel prepared from the start, don’t stress—there’s a plethora of icebreaker activities and chances to meet others. Above all, be authentic. With such a varied student body, you’re sure to discover individuals who resonate with your passions and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
The intensity and amount of coursework represented another significant transition. The shift from A-levels was striking, and the increase from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. At times, observing others study effectively made me question my own skills. However, I quickly understood that everyone was navigating similar challenges. If I found a topic difficult, the odds were high that others were as well.
The most important lesson I gleaned? Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Whether it’s from peers or instructors, seeking help is essential. No one anticipates you to solve everything independently, and teamwork is fundamental to achieving success.
### The Significance of Finding Support
One of the most invaluable aspects of my first year was the tremendous support from the Materials department staff. They are genuinely invested in students’ success and are always receptive to feedback. Although I didn’t fully leverage pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had utilized it earlier.
Serving as a year well-being representative allowed me to forge connections with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely rewarding. There are many avenues to establish rapport with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My main lesson? Make the most of the support available to you—you can never have an excess of assistance.
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the year, it has become clear that many of my initial apprehensions were unwarranted. With adequate support from faculty and peers, obstacles become significantly easier to navigate. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly solitary and that it’s feasible to juggle academic challenges while enjoying personal fulfillment.
For those preparing to embark on their university adventure: embrace the journey, seek help when necessary, and don’t shy away from stepping beyond your comfort limits. It’s all part of the exhilarating experience!