Laszlo Budavari always dreamt of studying electronics but after 35 years, he thought it was only a pipe dream. Until one day, an advert on social media changed everything
Date: 4 August 2025
Laszlo Budavari always dreamt of studying electronics but after 35 years of pursuing it as a hobby, he thought it was only a pipe dream. Until one day, browsing online, a Higher Education advert popped up on social media and changed everything.
He recalls: “The advert said ‘Age is just a number. You’re only late if you never start’. After some hesitation, I reached out to an agency and met someone who had a background in electronics. He helped me choose the right subject, a Bachelor’s of Electronic Engineering and Internet of Things, and recommended London Metropolitan University.”
Laszlo was 12 and growing up in Hungary when he discovered an electronics magazine called ‘Radiotechnika’ in his father’s drawer, that included a tutorial for building a crystal detector radio. It became Laszlo’s first ever circuit and sparked a lifelong passion.
He wasn’t able to study electronics formally in Hungary, and studied in other areas including finance and accounting, but his love for electronics never went away, continuing it as a hobby for over 35 years.
Laszlo moved to the UK in 2012 to learn English and took on various jobs to transition into his new life. 10 years later, and 10 years older, studying electronics was still in the back of his mind and it was the ad that changed his life, and brought him to London Met.
This year he graduates with a First-Class Honours degree, the award for ‘Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Best Engineering Student of the Year 2025’ and will be starting his PhD research at London Met in September.
London Met prides itself on giving second chances and inspiring students that ‘it’s never too late’, and Laszlo firmly believes that’s what the university did for him: “London Met truly lived up to that promise. I felt happy, lucky, and truly at home – like I had finally found a place where I belonged.
“From the start, I was supported by amazing lecturers and for the first time in my education, my lecturers were not just teachers – they were friends.”
Dr. Dion Mariyanayagam, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer for Electronics Engineering said: “Laszlo's story truly embodies the fundamental ethos of London Met, as we are a university of second chances. Teaching Laszlo has been an absolute pleasure, and I still remember the countless hours spent in the labs. I look forward to supervising his PhD research from September.”
One of the best parts of Laszlo’s degree was feeling like he was continuing the hobby he learnt to love as a child. He said: “I loved the hands-on learning. It felt like continuing my hobby, but now with expert guidance. Unlike before, when I had to research everything alone, I was now part of a community where I could share ideas, exchange knowledge, and feel truly understood.”
Chris Lane, Dean of the School of Computing and Digital Media believes Laszlo grasped every opportunity London Met provided: “As a result, he has transformed not only himself, but also his fellow students, his lecturers and the wider university community. We’ll feel the impact of his contribution long after he graduates.”
Laszlo’s degree and study weren’t without its challenges, managing daily responsibilities and deadlines, as well as the financial side, but he says it was all worth it: “I’m proud of my accomplishments. I worked extremely hard and prioritised my studies, and it was absolutely worth it. Achieving all A’s and graduating with First Class Honours shows that the investment paid off. This chapter is complete, and it’s time to celebrate!”
