Something academically that I couldn't find in other countries

The United Kingdom offers something academically that I couldn't find in other countries: a wide range of master's programs in interdisciplinary studies. For a long time, I was interested in Environmental Humanities (the intersection between Humanities and Environmental Studies), specifically in ecocriticism (the study of nature in literature), but in Mexico, where I’m from, there isn't a university that specializes in this field. Additionally, I wanted a master’s program that would provide practical tools for the job market, not just theory. I found these specific requirements in the MSc in Environment, Culture, and Society at the University of Edinburgh, a comprehensive program with courses in art and environment, political ecology, and environmental philosophy. We also had field trips and meetings with artists that beautifully complemented the theoretical classes.

What I appreciated most about studying there is that the programs generally have a multidimensional perspective. Environmental problems and solutions, for example, aren’t just technical issues, but also human and social ones.

Although I knew that similar programs existed in the United States, I chose the United Kingdom for the lifestyle, and that's what I want to talk about.
 

A City of Short Distances

During my university years in Mexico, I spent three hours a day in traffic getting to and from school. In Edinburgh, on the other hand, it took me just 25 minutes to walk from my house to campus, and 15 minutes by bike. This small but significant change in my life allowed me to do so much more: join student associations, have a better social life, have more time to eat well and exercise, and I even managed to keep a part-time job!

I was also lucky that my house and the library were very close to one of Edinburgh's large parks, so if I felt stressed, sometimes just a 15-minute walk would help me reset before getting back to studying.

The transportation system here is very efficient and offers many options, which made it easy to make plans with friends because I knew I could get anywhere easily. Also, being close to the train station meant that if I wanted to visit a small town like Stirling or Perth on the weekend, or take a short hike in Linlithgow, I could get there with ease.
 

My Study Days in a Beautiful City

If there was one thing the various University of Edinburgh campuses had in abundance, it was study spaces. Whether on couches, tables, in libraries, study buildings, or cafes, you could find a spot to study before, after, or between classes. In my school, we also had something called the Hub, where you could access with your student ID. Inside, besides computers and study spaces, there was a small kitchen where students could store and heat their food, prepare tea or coffee, and then wash their dishes. There was something similar in a building dedicated to study spaces, which also had a microwave, hot water, and tables for eating. This made my life easier because on days when I didn't have classes, I would bring my lunch and spend the whole day studying, writing essays, and taking breaks to eat and make myself coffee before heading home.

Every now and then, I would change my study spot to explore other campuses or simply to take different routes through the city. For example, sometimes I would go to the Architecture, Art, and Design library because I liked passing through the Old Town. Sometimes, before or after studying, I’d take a walk there and enjoy the views.
 

An Inclusive and Supportive University

The University of Edinburgh has a Disability & Learning Support Service that you can turn to if you have learning difficulties. There are special booths in the library, and there are also wellbeing services if you're struggling. This allowed me, for example, when I had mental and physical health issues, to ask for help and receive support in my studies. Without a doubt, this enabled me to have better academic and personal development.
 

My Temporary Home

I was fortunate to "inherit" the apartment of a girl who had the same scholarship as me (Chevening). So I recommend contacting scholarship holders or students to ask if they know of any accommodation. Maybe they’re about to leave theirs!

I preferred to stay in a private apartment for reasons of privacy, cleanliness, and having the opportunity to host friends or family. Also, since I decided to stay for more than a year, it was quite convenient. Friends who stayed in student accommodation had to move out once their contract year ended, but I was able to extend mine.

Whether you stay in student accommodation or a private apartment, I recommend choosing one close to your campus. Make sure to check where your classes will be.
 

Don’t Be Afraid of the Scottish Accent

At first, I was very nervous about speaking because my pronunciation isn’t the best, and neither is my level of English, but in Scotland, people are very patient. Try to listen carefully and ask if you don't understand a phrase or word. The Scots will certainly try to make themselves understood. Also, since Edinburgh is such a multicultural city, you’re sure to find people from all over the world, even some who speak your language.
 

Don’t Be Afraid of the Weather Either

In Edinburgh, they say that if you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes. That’s how changeable it is. It can start sunny, then rain, then have strong winds, and then end with a beautiful sunset all in one day. So never take anything for granted and always carry your raincoat. I don’t recommend buying an umbrella because they break in the wind, but a good raincoat and maybe some boots will make your life much easier. Always check the wind conditions because it can be sunny and at a nice temperature, but if it’s windy, you’ll feel cold. In the summer, make the most of the sunny days by organizing picnics in The Meadows or Holyrood Park or hikes with your classmates or friends.

Also, prepare for winter because it gets dark at 3:30 pm, and the sun doesn’t rise until 9 am. It may seem terrible, but I learned to enjoy it by lighting scented candles (not recommended if you’re in student accommodation because the fire alarm will go off), burning incense, and drinking lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows and mulled wine. That said, try to keep going out and making plans with your friends, even if it’s raining and windy. That will help you maintain a balanced mental state. On the other hand, in the summer, the roles are reversed, so you’ll have very long days and can watch sunsets at 11 pm.
 

Some Tips I Wish I Had Known

• Look for the cheapest supermarkets, even if you must take the bus. Sometimes it’s better to invest in transportation than go to nearby but expensive places.
• Don’t be afraid to visit Charity Shops. There’s a lot of good quality and very cheap clothing. Go as soon as possible because that’s when outgoing students leave their stuff, so you’ll find everything: plates, baskets, organizers, jackets, raincoats, etc.
• Look for and use all the student discounts. You can’t imagine how much you can save—on streaming platforms, pharmacies, delivery services, cell phone services, and a long list of others.
• Before buying something new, look for second hand groups in Facebook.
• Meal deals will save your life. Keep this in mind.
• Finally, sooner or later, you’ll miss home, so pack those spices, cans, flours, sauces, and other products that will be hard to find here. It’s better to bring a lot of things that you can use up here so that you can go back to your country with things you won’t find there.
• One more thing: don’t accumulate too much stuff. Remember that sooner or later, you’ll return to your home country, so only acquire what you need to live here, and sell, donate, or give away what you no longer need before you leave.

Thank You, Across the Pond!

It seemed impossible to receive personalized advice and constant help without being charged for it, and I’ve seen that many people worry that the help offered by Across the Pond isn’t real, but I can assure you that everything is legitimate.

My advisor helped me from start to finish while I was also applying for the scholarship. Their extensive experience made many processes easier, gave me very valuable tips before, during, and after the application, and even helped me make better decisions.

Thank you so much for your invaluable help and for answering all my questions!

- Karla