**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and skepticism regarding what awaited me. I was on the verge 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 an inherently shy and introverted individual, immersing myself in a completely unfamiliar setting felt daunting. Now, reflecting back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered was the quest for new friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be one of your primary concerns as well. On my initial day in student housing, I was so apprehensive about interacting with new people that I spent the whole day in my room, sidestepping social encounters. However, as the year unfolded, I formed some of the most profound friendships I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve come to regard my friends here as a second family, and it all began with stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating light conversations with others who were in similar situations. My most important lesson? Take the plunge early on. If you’re feeling uncertain, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, just be authentic. With such a varied student community, you’re bound to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The shift from A-levels to university was substantial, and the transition from the first to the second term proved even more daunting. At times, I grappled with self-doubt, particularly when I observed others studying and felt as though I wasn’t measuring up.
What benefited me most was realizing that I was not isolated—many of my classmates were encountering similar difficulties. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others don’t either. The best course of action is to seek assistance, whether from peers or instructors. Cultivating the ability to request support is one of the most valuable skills you can acquire in your first year.
### The Significance of Asking for Help
One of the most comforting elements of my course has been the outstanding support from the faculty. The lecturers sincerely want their students to excel, and they acknowledge the challenges we face. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year, addressing our issues and offering guidance.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the academic year, I regret not doing so earlier. One of the best choices I made was becoming a well-being representative for my year, which helped me develop connections with faculty members. Building rapport with your lecturers and tutors can be extraordinarily advantageous, and there are many ways to accomplish this. My recommendation? Make the most of all the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Upon reflection, this year has demonstrated that many of the apprehensions I harbored before starting university were unwarranted. There is an abundance of support from both the faculty and fellow students, and no one is ever genuinely alone in their challenges. Most importantly, I’ve discovered how to juggle academic pressures while also savoring university life.
If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: embrace the challenges, seek support when necessary, and seize every opportunity for growth. You’ll be astonished at how much you can accomplish in just one year.