Lillian’s student journey into advanced materials and space exploration

I want to be an astronaut! I know how farfetched that might sound but it’s been my dream since I was 8 years old. I have always been fascinated by how materials are engineered to fit space applications considering the extreme environments space components are exposed to. And so, I figured, a course that focuses on materials and their manufacturing processes would be for me.

Reaching my goal of becoming an astronaut, I’ve had major doubts along the way but it’s definitely something I hope happens for me, and that is why I opted to do my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. Once I knew I wanted to focus on materials, I began to look up schools that offered similar courses and I came across Cranfield University.

I was drawn to Cranfield because of all the information available to me regarding the course. What stood out to me was how the modules were focused on relevant aspects of materials science and engineering, the various labs available for teaching purposes and all the real-world industry projects that Cranfield was involved in, just told me that this is where I wanted to be.

I wanted to be a part of the amazing things that go on here. Also, the support from my programme’s academic team has been exceptional. They are always willing and ready to offer support and answer any questions which helped a lot with fitting into the system.

What was the transition like moving to the UK? 

This is the first time I have left Nigeria and I was really nervous about moving. I arrived at Cranfield a bit late, lectures had already begun and I had to hit the ground running with little time to familiarise myself with the environment. However, my transition was quite smooth. I have the most supportive flat mates, course mates and faculty. All I had to do was ask and I would get the answers to everything I wanted to know. That has helped me adapt to the academic environment quite easily. I feel quite settled in now. The university website and all the different university services like the library services, career services, visa and immigration team, and Cranfield Students’ Association, to mention a few, provide information about non-academic aspects of life at Cranfield, so you don’t feel like other parts of your life are lacking.

What exciting things have you been involved with since starting your MSc?

I have had an amazing time since I got to Cranfield. Starting with the lab visits as part of my coursework to learn about the different equipment available here, that will eventually help with my group project and individual research project later in the year. I visited the Boeing 737 on campus, it’s been so exciting. I’ve also been to two volleyball games to support my friends, the CSA fireworks display which was such a beautiful sight, and I went on the coach trip to London for a little sightseeing. I’ve also applied to be a Student Ambassador and I hope I get the role. And even if I don’t, I would always be an advocate for Cranfield University because I love it here.

Do you have any advice to others considering Cranfield?

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.