Hi Shelly!
Oke from Cranfield University here! I think I have responded to you in a different section, but will respond again as you have posed a more specific question.
Of course my response would be bias towards Cranfield University, but completely honest and from my experience as I am a current Cranfield student. If you are looking for a University that provides you the total student experience, however, with a strong focus on research, collaboration, innovation and essentially prepares you for life after graduation either as a MSc Student or as a PhD researcher, then I can confidently recommend Cranfield to you.
Cranfield is exclusive postgraduate; hence you are likely to meet fellow MSc students, PhD researchers, Research Fellows and Lecturers (Drs and Professors)- persons who are working on really "interesting stuffs" as we like to say it. 81% of Cranfield's research is classed as "world leading", Cranfield rolls out over 5% of the entire PhDs (engineering and technological) in the UK. Cranfield ranks in the UK's top 5 for both commercial research and professional development.
Here's a ranking from Guardian, the top 50 Universities Worldwide in for mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering
(
https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2016/mar/22/qs-world-university-rankings-2016-mechanical-aeronautical-and-manufacturing-engineering). The UK universities within the top 40 are Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and Cranfield.
My typical day as a researcher could involve doing some research work in my research office; having a meeting with Rolls Royce on an on-going project; having a catch up with my supervisor; attending a presentation by Boeing; more research at my desk; meeting for drinks with friends at the CSA bar/ going to the gym; perhaps ending the day completing a report! The MSc students have busy schedules as well!
Any specific questions, feel free to ask. The Open Day is on the 4th of February, at the Cranfield campus. Hopefully, we get to meet you there!
Cheers!