**Thoughts 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 filled with anxious excitement as I got ready to start my journey 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. Being someone who had always been quite shy and introverted, jumping into this new phase felt overwhelming. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of significant change—brimming with personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable experiences. So, what have I taken away from this past year, and where am I now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the thought of establishing friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, you may resonate with this worry. On my inaugural day in student housing, just a few days prior to the term officially starting, I spent the