**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, uncertainty, and apprehension regarding what was to come. 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 someone who has consistently been introverted, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. In retrospect, I recognize a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable moments. But what insights have I gained, and where am I at now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was establishing new friendships. If you’re a potential student perusing this, you might relate. I recall my first day moving into student housing—I spent the whole day inside my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Nevertheless, I can now assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life here. Imperial has transformed into a second home, and all it required was a little small talk with others navigating similar situations.
So, what lesson did I draw from this? Taking that first step is invariably worthwhile. Even if you’re not feeling prepared, there will be a multitude of ice-breaker events and social gatherings to facilitate connections with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is the optimal strategy. With such an eclectic student community, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your values and interests.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
A further significant challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more formidable. It’s easy to feel inundated when observing others study, leading to self-doubt.
What buoyed me through this experience was the understanding that everyone faces difficulties at some point. If something confounds you, it’s likely that others are grappling with the same thing. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—whether it be from fellow students or the teaching staff. Cultivating the ability to ask for help is one of the most crucial skills you can acquire in your first year.
### The Value of Seeking Assistance
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are truly exceptional. They earnestly wish for their students to thrive and are perpetually open to feedback and concerns. Throughout the year, they maintained ongoing communication with us, ensuring we felt acknowledged and supported.
I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, and I regret not doing so earlier. One of the most rewarding decisions I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which proved to be extremely advantageous. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and taking advantage of these can significantly enhance your university experience. My most important takeaway? Always feel empowered to tap into the resources and support at your disposal—you can never have too much backing.
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this year, I’ve realized that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was frequently unwarranted. There are myriad support systems established, from both faculty and fellow students, to assist you in navigating challenges. Most crucially, I’ve learned that I’m never alone on this journey. In spite of the pressures of exams and deadlines, I’ve discovered ways to relish my time at Imperial, and I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything.
If you’re about to embark on your university adventure, my counsel is straightforward: take the plunge, ask for help when necessary, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. You’ll develop in ways you could never have anticipated.