From Tacos to Wee Tea: My Scottish Adventure

When I told people back in Mexico I was heading to Scotland for my Master's in Sustainability and Environmental Studies at the University of Strathclyde, I got some puzzled looks. "Scotland? Where is that! Isn't it cold?" they'd say.

Sure, I wanted to live abroad and discover new places - I mean, who doesn't want to explore actual castles instead of just seeing them in movies? But beyond the wanderlust, I was hungry for something more. I already spoke English and knew the UK was this incredible multicultural melting pot where I could meet people from literally everywhere. More importantly, as an environmental engineer, I felt like Mexico wasn't quite there yet with sustainability tech and environmental awareness. I wanted to learn from a place where they actually cared about going green. Little did I know, Scotland would give me way more than I expected – including an intercultural romance and friendships.

Walking into my first lecture at Strathclyde, I thought I was ready. But not quite for these new conditions. In Mexico, professors explain everything in detail and give you lots of extra material. UK style is very different. You need to figure things by yourself. Lectures are more like appetizers - you get the basics, but the main course of learning happens when you're doing independent research for assignments and essays.

My first assignment came back with a 70/100. I was so worried. In Mexico, that would be a bad pass. But then my classmates explained that getting a 70 in the UK is actually brilliant. One lecturer even told us that getting 100% was "practically unachievable." While in Mexico 90 is expected.

Another academic shock? Dissertation timeline. In Mexico, thesis work takes about 1.5 years. Here? Three months. THREE MONTHS! It sounds terrifying, but it's actually quite efficient. Instead of researching indefinitely, you're forced to focus, prioritise, and execute quickly. Assignment-based assessment was another adjustment. Instead of relying heavily on exams, most marks come from essays and projects that require independent work. Initially challenging, but it develops practical skills you'll actually use in your career.

Once I understood the game, everything changed. UK style isn't about regurgitating information - it's about critical analysis, independent thinking, and backing up your arguments with solid research. I had to learn to question everything, analyse from multiple angles, and present my own conclusions. Honestly? It made me a much better researcher and critical thinker than I ever was before.

And can we talk about the library culture here? Because it's absolutely lovely. Back home, studying meant being stuck in my room with textbooks. Here? Waterstones bookshop became my favourite place to make my assignments - cosy corners, pastries, coffee, the smell of new books, and 'ASMR café environment'. The university library was equally cosy, with several spaces to study or write essays. There's something about the atmosphere in UK libraries and bookshops that just works. Maybe it's the soft lighting, maybe it's the centuries-old tradition, but I could spend hours there without feeling restless. Way better than staring at my room walls!

The Student Union was another game-changer that doesn’t exist in Mexico. Freshers' events meant free food coupons (crucial for any student budget) and activities like hiking trips or country explorations at student-friendly prices. These were my gateway to experiencing Scotland properly without surpassing my budget.

University accommodation was my home sweet home - literally a fifteen-minute walk to lectures (perfect for those Scottish rainy days). Living expenses and utilities were all sorted, which made budgeting so much easier as an international student. But here's the thing about shared flats - it's basically a lottery. I got lucky with three amazing flatmates and... well, the fourth one liked taking things that weren't his own. My advice? Establish limits and speak up from the very beginning, even if you are hesitant. Because yes, someone was stealing groceries and even kitchen utensils.

But the good news? One of those flatmates became one of my best friends. This brilliant Indian guy gave me amazing tips - where to shop for the best deals, how to actually succeed in UK assignments, and where to find a couple of my ingredients. We also had many interesting late-night kitchen conversations along with tea and pastries. We'd compare our countries - his experiences, mine, and how both contrasted with Scottish life. These weren't just chats; they were cultural exchange sessions that taught me more about the world than any textbook ever could!

On the other hand, Glasgow absolutely blew my mind. Coming from Mexico, where everything feels car-dependent, suddenly being in a city where I could walk everywhere was liberating. The sidewalks are actually wide enough to walk! (imagine), trees line most streets, and the architecture and greenness of the city is just stunning.

The West End and City Centre became one of my favourite areas - they got this perfect mix of student life, shops, museums, clubs, pubs and beautiful parks. Glasgow is vibrant. Speaking of hidden gems – another must go to is Wetherspoons. Their meal and drink, with or without alcohol, deals are absolutely unbeatable for students. Plus, they open until midnight and offer a wide variety of foods.

But honestly, the best part of being in Scotland is just... walking. Whether it's through Glasgow's tree-lined streets, or hiking in the Highlands, every step feels like you're in a nature documentary. The landscapes are so untouched and breathtaking, it made me understand why Scots are so passionate about protecting their environment.

In addition, as an environmental engineer, seeing Scotland's approach to sustainability gave me hope for the future. This isn't just theoretical and aspirational, over here renewable energy is everywhere, material recovery facilities actually work efficiently, and there are genuine net-zero targets with visible progress. Walking around and seeing wind turbines, proper recycling systems, and buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind was incredibly inspiring. In Mexico, we talk about these things, but here they're just part of daily life. The hiking experiences also showed me how seriously they take ecosystem preservation. These landscapes aren't just beautiful - they're actively protected and managed sustainably. It gave me hope that the environmental solutions I'm studying can actually work on a large scale.

On the other hand, although I thought I was prepared for diversity, Glasgow exceeded all expectations. There are people from literally everywhere, and while us Latinos are definitely a minority, that just made finding each other even more special. My close friends, include people from Indonesia, India, Chile, Scotland, and Saudi Arabia. There's something about the shared experience of being international students that creates instant bonds. And whenever I met other Latinos, it was like finding family members - instant understanding.

Restaurants from every corner of the world means you're always discovering new cuisines, though I have to warn you - what they call "Mexican" food here is basically Tex-Mex at best. Advice? Bring ingredients from home.

About the language, I arrived thinking my English was alright. After all, I could watch movies and read books in English. But international and Scottish accents? That's a whole different ball game. Those first few weeks, I found myself constantly asking "Sorry, could you repeat that?" But, once your ear adjusts, you realize Scottish English isn't just different - it's incredibly expressive and warm. Plus, learning local slang made me feel more like a local and less like a tourist. The vocabulary differences were funny too. Small adjustments, but they all add up to feeling more integrated.

Also, here's something I didn't expect to write about, but it's probably the most important part of my experience: I learned to believe in myself. Coming from a state university in Mexico (not even top 5 nationally), I was terrified I wouldn't be able to compete with students from prestigious institutions worldwide. But you know what? In several topics - microbiology, water management, waste management, public health - I actually knew as much or sometimes more than my classmates. All those years of hands-on experience and Mexican engineering education had prepared me better than I realised!

The supportive environment helped enormously. In Mexico, making mistakes often leads to people making fun of you. Here, professors and classmates appreciate even the smallest efforts and genuinely try to incorporate your ideas. When giving feedback, they always highlight what you did well first. For a naturally shy person like me, this approach was so encouraging.

I also learned to appreciate my heritage and appearance more. Mexico's beauty standards can be quite Eurocentric, but being in such a diverse environment helped me realise that my skin colour and features are beautiful exactly as they are. I genuinely feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin now.

Oh, and I discovered I actually like beer and cider! Who knew? Pub crawling and clubbing became genuine fun, especially knowing that as a woman I could dress as I wanted without worrying about harassment. That feeling of safety and freedom is priceless.

And here's something they don't mention in university brochures: you might just meet the love of your life! There's something about the shared experience of being international students, navigating a new culture together, and supporting each other through new challenges that creates deep connections. Whether it's study sessions or exploring Scotland together on weekends, relationships formed here have a special intensity and authenticity. Plus, there's something incredibly romantic about discovering a new country with someone special by your side. From Edinburgh castle visits to Highland hikes, every experience becomes more meaningful when shared.
 

Finally, Survival Guide: What Every Mexican Student Needs to Know

BRING MEXICAN FOOD! I cannot stress this enough. What they call Mexican food is terrible. Pack tortillas, chocolate, coffee, sopa de pasta, salsas, chile, chocomilk, Maseca - I'm not kidding! You are going to miss them a lot.

Winter prep: Take vitamin D supplements. The lack of sunlight is real, and it affects your mood and energy. But here's the thing - you don't need to bring heavy jackets or blankets from home. All buildings have excellent heating, and everyone uses duvets instead of heavy blankets. Just get a good winter jacket from Mountain Warehouse (great student discounts!) when you arrive.

Practical stuff: You don't need cash - cards work everywhere. Start traveling and exploring immediately because time absolutely flies. Make friends early and don't be afraid to ask questions about anything - people are generally helpful and understanding.

Cultural heads up: Places close surprisingly early (around 5 PM), so plan accordingly. Public transport is fantastic - you won't need to drive anywhere, which is liberating and cost-effective.

Most importantly: Keep in touch with friends and family back home, but don't let homesickness prevent you from fully embracing this experience.
 

Why This Adventure Changed Everything

What started as a desire to see castles and learn about sustainability turned into a complete personal transformation. I became more confident, more culturally aware, more academically rigorous, and yes, I found love along the way.

Scotland didn't just give me a master’s degree - it gave me a new perspective on my own capabilities, my heritage, and what's possible when you step out of your comfort zone.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. The combination of academic challenge, cultural diversity, environmental consciousness, and personal growth opportunities makes studying in Scotland an amazing investment beyond your degree.

To any Mexican student considering this journey: pack your tortillas, bring your curiosity, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Scotland is waiting, and trust me, it's even better than the movies.

- Mariana Gabriela