Five tips to help you start your Cranfield journey

Starting your postgraduate study journey can be a roller coaster of emotions; as exciting as it is nerve wracking. While there’s lots to look forward to, it’s also normal to be apprehensive of what is to come.

To guide you through the first few weeks of settling in at Cranfield, here’s five top tips recommended by some of our alumni to help give you the best start to your master’s journey.

Preparation is key!

Taking time to research the specific requirements of your course, course modules, reading materials or familiarise yourself with the University’s online resources are all great ways to get ready for your academic journey.

If you have questions, your professors or our student ambassadors are always on hand to help you feel more confident about embarking on your studies. There are no silly questions.

Cranfield will be your home for the next year, so another way to prepare is by getting to know the campus itself and exploring the local environment. Where are your lecture rooms? Where can you grab a coffee and meet up with friends? You can explore our campus via our virtual experience tour to familiarise yourself before you arrive. During your first week, there is also plenty of opportunity to explore the campus facilities, support services and local area through our Welcome Week events. Log in to Canvas to check out some of the events and activities taking place in your first couple of weeks, along with some helpful information and a few things you’ll need to do along the way…

“Attending induction sessions and campus tours is crucial. They provide valuable information about university facilities, services, and local resources. Plus, it’s an excellent chance to make your first friends.” Isaac Opoku, (Design Thinking MDes, 2023).

Stay organised.

Good time management and organisation are great skills to help you stay on top of your studies.

Here are a couple of ways to help you stay organised: create a study schedule to help you prioritise tasks or use a digital calendar or planner to keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and social activities. The library team also hold study sessions throughout the year on preparing to study, referencing, support with your group project and writing your thesis.

Having a clear picture of your commitments will help you to manage your time better and avoid stress.

“My advice to prospective students coming to the UK and to Cranfield in particular, would be to prepare as well as you can. You’ll never regret being well-prepared. It comes with a good sense of calm. The community at Cranfield is also very supportive and welcoming. There’s just so much information at your disposal to give you the easiest transition, so make sure to maximise these resources. There’s no need to panic or be worried, I absolutely love being here and I think you will too.” Lillian Musa (Advanced Materials: Engineering and Industrial Applications MSc, 2026).

Embrace the global community.

Be a part of an all-inclusive community where diversity is celebrated. We have students from over 100 different countries which creates a unique environment, so be sure to put yourself out there and explore all the different cultures, foods and societies.

“One of the most beautiful aspects of my experience so far has been the diverse culture at Cranfield. All my flatmates are from different countries, and yet, in our flat, it feels like we’re a family. We share meals, stories, and laughter, it’s a daily reminder of how enriching it is to live and learn in a multicultural environment.’’ Firdausi Mohammed (Environmental Engineering MSc, 2026).

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Balance study and social.

You came to Cranfield to study a master’s but it’s equally important to find a balance between your studies and having a social life.

Take a deep breath and put yourself out there. At Cranfield, there are lots of opportunities for you to meet new people and make new friends by joining in with extracurricular activities, sports, societies, and events at the Cranfield Student Association.

There are lots of places you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat on campus, enjoy beautiful countryside and woodland walks that surround the campus or take a 40-minute train ride to London.

“Cranfield is a peaceful, welcoming environment that prioritises application over rote learning. My days are a whirlwind of lectures and lab sessions. But I’ve also learned that growth happens outside the classroom, too: I recently joined the Astronomy Club and received training to use the telescope at the Loxham Observatory—a refreshing way to stay inspired by the very skies I study. ‘’ Oliza Kachroo (Aerospace Dynamics MSc student, 2026).

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It’s OK to ask for help…

If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not understand something or just need a chat – don’t hesitate to reach out to our Student Wellbeing and Disability Support team, we’re here to help.

Take any questions to your professors, your personal tutor or the support staff who will be happy to help guide and support you. Plan regular virtual or in-person coffee catch-ups with your family and friends.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the academic support sessions offered by our Careers and Employability Services, and Academic English support.

“I would say the people I met here, right from my friends to their lecturers, who are all unique in their own ways. I realize you don’t find yourself struggling in anything you’re looking for or you want, you just have to ask, and someone is readily available to offer help. So it became a very friendly environment.’’  Augustine Dunkel (Future Food Sustainability, 2025).

Student life may bring you some challenges but there will be plenty of exciting opportunities and you will make memories to last a lifetime. Remember to stay open minded, continue to learn new things, have new experiences and step out of your comfort zone.