Hi, I’m Nidhi, a second-year Chemical Engineering student, and I’d love to share a bit about my Loughborough experience so far. Whether you’re coming straight from sixth form, returning to study after a break, or joining us from abroad, I hope this gives you a real insight into what life here is like – and a few honest tips I wish I’d known in my first year!

When I first arrived, I had that mix of excitement and nerves that I think most students feel. Starting a new chapter – especially one that involves moving away from home or coming back into education – can feel like a huge step. But now, two years into my course, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

First year adjustments

That first year is really about adjusting. It takes time to figure out what works best for you and that’s totally okay. For me, one of the biggest things that helped was organising my week. I like to block out time in my calendar – not just for lectures and assignments, but for the everyday stuff like food shopping, laundry and downtime. It sounds simple but having everything laid out really helped me manage stress, stay on track and avoid last-minute panics. Plus, there’s something very satisfying about ticking things off your list at the end of the week.

Making friends might feel overwhelming at first, but you settle into it. Whether that’s through your course, your halls of residence, or a society, having people around you makes a massive difference. I was lucky to find a great group of friends on my course, which really helped when it came to revising together or working on assignments. But it’s also been just as important having friends outside of Chemical Engineering to help me relax and take a break from work.

Everyone learns differently, so figuring out a study method that suits you is key. First year is a great time to try out different techniques and see what sticks. Alongside that, finding a space on campus where I could study well made a big difference. Loughborough has loads of great study spots – from the library to West Park Teaching Hub, STEMLab, or even some quiet cafés in town. Having that “study zone” helped me focus better and build a routine I could stick to during busier times like exam season.

Making the most of my lecturers and personal tutor has also been really important for me. They’re not just here to teach – they genuinely want to help. Whether it’s academic support or just checking in on how you’re doing, those one-to-one meetings are a great chance to ask questions or chat about how things are going. I’ve found those connections so helpful, especially during more intense parts of the year where I just needed someone to talk to or for some advice.

Extracurricular activities

I would say don’t be afraid to try new things and get involved. One of the most valuable things I’ve done is becoming a School Representative for the department, which has given me a chance to work with senior lecturers and share feedback from students, allowing me to make a meaningful impact. I also got to help plan the annual Chemical Engineering dinner, which ended up being a huge success and loads of fun to organise!

Outside of academic life, there are so many opportunities to get stuck into. I’ve taken part in volunteering through LSU Action – the student volunteering group here – and it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve helped out on local projects and even volunteered in a nursery, which was such a lovely experience. There are so many action projects you can join depending on your interests, whether it’s working with children, helping the environment, or supporting local charities.

Also being part of societies has also made my time at university even more enjoyable. I’ve been a member of WES Loughborough (Women’s Engineering Society) for the past two years, and this year I took on the role of Professional Liaison Officer. It’s been such a rewarding experience – not just connecting with other female engineers across different years and courses, but also planning and hosting events such as networking dinners. It really pushed me outside my comfort zone, but in the best way. Attending cultural society events at Loughborough, especially those organised by the Hindu Society, has also been a great way to celebrate different traditions whilst being away from home.

Advice to help you manage your time

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting is how to prioritise and manage my time. There’s always something happening – assignments, social plans, events – and learning to say “no” sometimes is important for your wellbeing.

Chemical Engineering can get pretty intense, so finding ways to switch off is essential. In my first year, I tried all sorts of things like kickboxing, yoga and even craft workshops! The LSU always has something going on, and it’s a great place to unwind, meet new people, or just chill out in between lectures. Another thing I’ve loved is making the most of being in the Midlands. It’s easy to take short trips to nearby cities like Nottingham, Leicester, or Birmingham, especially visiting the Christmas markets – it’s such a nice way to get off campus for a bit and explore somewhere new without having to spend loads of money.

Finally, if there’s one thing I’d say to anyone starting out, it’s that you don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Adjusting to university life and the demands of your course takes time, and that’s completely normal. Loughborough has such a supportive environment, and there are so many chances to try new things, meet new people and grow. Stay open-minded, stay organised and enjoy each step – it really does go by quicker than you’d expect!