**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and doubt about what awaited me. I was about to begin my adventure as a first-year student 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 always been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new experience felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the year gone by, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current perspective?
### Forming Connections: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming connections with others. This is a common concern for many incoming students, and I was certainly among them. On my first day of moving into my accommodation—only a few days before the term kicked off—I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family within the walls of Imperial, and all it took was a few brief conversations with individuals who shared similar experiences.
So, what have I taken away from this? I’ve realized that initiating connections at the outset of the year always pays off. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! Numerous ice-breaking events and chances to meet new people will arise. Most importantly, I discovered that authenticity is essential. Amidst such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you are bound to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting Academic Demands and Responsibilities
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a context can be quite taxing on one’s self-esteem, especially when observing peers studying and feeling as though you’re not keeping pace.
What aided me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone shares similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a concept, it’s likely that fellow students are too. The most crucial lesson I gleaned during my initial year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, reaching out for help is vital.
### Assistance from Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are truly outstanding. They sincerely desire for students to thrive and recognize the challenges faced. Throughout the academic year, they maintained consistent communication with us, exhibiting empathy and offering their support. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the latter part of the year, and I wish I had engaged with it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I stepped outside my comfort zone by taking on the role of a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are various ways to engage with faculty, and forging those connections can significantly enhance your university experience. My key message here is to make the most of the support being provided—you can never have an excess of help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely misplaced. There are abundant support systems available, from faculty to peers, that can help alleviate those worries. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance enjoying life in university with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By **[Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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