**Musings on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, uncertainty, and hesitation about what was to come. I was on the verge of embarking on my first year of studying [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. Having previously been rather timid and introverted, entering this new phase felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the year, I recognize it was a journey rich with personal development, hurdles, and many memorable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and where am I now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
A significant obstacle I encountered at the outset was forging friendships. If you are an incoming student, this might be among your foremost worries as well. On my initial day in student housing, right before the term commenced, I remained in my room for the entire day, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. However, now as I reflect, I can proclaim with confidence that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. Imperial has become a second home for me, and it all began with a few casual chats with others in the same boat.
So, what has been my takeaway? Firstly, taking that first step is invariably worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Secondly, the most beneficial approach is to just be yourself. With such a varied student community, you’re bound to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge emerged in adjusting to the new workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was quite pronounced, and moving from the first to the second term felt even more formidable. It’s easy to lose confidence when you observe peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, others likely share your confusion. The essential lesson is to seek assistance—whether it comes from classmates or faculty. Cultivating the ability to ask for help is one of the most important skills to gain in your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of assistance, the faculty within the Materials department are remarkable. They truly care about student success and appreciate the challenges we confront. Throughout the year, they fostered open lines of communication, ensuring we had access to necessary resources.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the academic year, and I regret not engaging with it sooner. One of my best decisions was serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with staff, which turned out to be tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My predominant takeaway? Make the most of the resources at your disposal—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has illustrated that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university—and even throughout the year—was largely unfounded. There exists a plethora of support systems, from faculty to fellow students, ensuring that no one faces challenges in isolation. Most crucially, I’ve learned to strike a balance between academic responsibilities and fully savoring my university experience.
If you’re on the verge of commencing your path at Imperial, my guidance is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help whenever necessary, and fully embrace the journey. You will evolve in ways you never anticipated, and you might very well experience the most enjoyable period of your life.