Studying abroad – A dream come true
A decade is a long time to wait, but studying abroad in the UK was everything I hoped for and more! I have been dreaming about it since middle school, and while it took almost ten years to make it happen, it was absolutely worth it. My younger self could never have imagined the extent of joy it would bring. Studying abroad is not only a great addition to your CV, but it also allows you to meet some amazing people you never would have met otherwise.
The final decision to move
For me, the decision to study abroad was easy, what held me back was timing and place. When things (FINALLY) lined up, I had decided on a course (Business Management with Entrepreneurship) and a location (Edinburgh), all that was left was getting ready for the move. Now don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of stuff to do, visa application, funding application, accommodation application, etc., a lot of applications basically, but all the worry and the nervousness seemed so small once I got off the plane and made my way into the city centre. All the thoughts that were left was: “I actually did it”, “wow”, and “this is amazing”. I fell in love with the city as soon as I left the airport, and that has not changed yet. Once I settled into my accommodation, I was ready to explore what the city had to offer.
Edinburgh has it all
It doesn’t matter if you love nature or city life (or perhaps both), Edinburgh has the perfect balance of it all. If you are interested in being close to the city centre but are worried you will miss going on hikes or connecting with nature, don’t worry. You have places like Calton Hill, The Meadows and Arthur’s Seat, all close by. And if you are wanting to have a good night out on the town, then Cowgate is filled with pubs, bars and clubs. If travelling is on your mind, you can go on day trips to Glasgow, St. Andrews or even Manchester, and you can also get a 4-hour train to London.
The good, the bad and the ugly
Now, I have already mentioned a lot of the good stuff: meeting new people, good experience, looks good on the CV, and if you choose Edinburgh specifically it has a lot to offer. Now for the bad and the ugly: just like back home, there will be bad days. Some days you will feel homesick, you’ll realise that time flies by for those at home, your little brother grows up even if you’re not at home. If you’re like me and English is not your first language, you will have days where speaking English is a hassle, or some classes seem extra hard because of the language. However, there are solutions to all these issues: call home as often as you need to, visit home whenever you can, take a break from consuming English, and if things get tough, remember that it is ok to reach out for help, whether it’s to a friend, family or even your university. It might be a scary journey you’re about to set out for, but I promise you, it is worth it! And if there is one thing I can recommend no matter where in the UK you decide to study, it is to immerse yourself in the culture, make the best of the time you have there and be open to trying new things, that is how you create memories for life.
- Siri Marlene