A university with a great reputation
First of all, the possibility of practicing my English and living in a country with a completely different culture than mine. University life, at least in Edinburgh, is extremely international, which makes the overall experience all the more interesting.
Why this university?
Heriot-Watt University offered a mix of right price, interesting courses and good overall university reputation.
How student life is different from life in your home country?
I like the UK student lifestyle. By living within the campus, I’m in contact with my classmates and friends constantly and the possibilities of socializing are huge. I have a really good time in campus!
What you are studying and why?
MSC in renewable energy engineering. It is a fascinating topic, with lots of upcoming room for career development and a huge contribution to mankind.
Describe a typical day for a student in your course
Wake up, go to classes, gather up with classmates, go to the library to study, go to the gym and, if time allows it, do something at night or rest for the upcoming day.
How is living in the UK different from living in your hometown?
Very different! Local people are way more quiet and introverted, but at the same time highly educated and respectful. Either way, they are extremely friendly. The vast majority of my classmates are abroad students too, so I don’t get to hang out regularly with people native to the UK.
Tell us about the town/city and what you love about it
Edinburgh is a really beautiful city, a bit cheaper than my hometown (Santiago de Chile), small in size (you can walk anywhere, which is a thing I absolutely love) and full of events throughout the year. Im absolutely in love with this city!
Tell us about your accommodation
I’m staying in university accommodation rooms. They are quite comfortable, with a shared kitchen and a private bathroom. The campus is beautiful: A mix between a forest and a golf course, you can observe crows, rabbits and squirrels and is generally quiet and peaceful. There are variety of rooms changing in price and size. I would recommend 100% to stay in campus if you are staying in Heriot-Watt (I stayed for 1 week on another place and I didn’t like it at all, I’m so glad I got to change!).
What you do in your spare time?
If I’m not studying, I’m resting, watching a series or going to the gym in the university. In my university there is a huge sports complex called ORIAM, with a diverse amount of sports clubs.
If English is not your first language, tell us about how you found the transition into studying in English
I have never had problems with English, so I almost don’t notice the difference. There are some specific words I realized I don’t handle very well, but I take it as an additional opportunity to improve my language.
Anything else you´d have liked to know before you applied, started university or went to the UK?
Details, such as the correct functioning of the NHS, the costs associated to the visa extension once my program is over, having contact with former students. I did a good research before coming here anyway so I didn’t came upon many surprises. I recommend for those that only have a bachelor’s degree to get ready for the academic load, which is way more demanding than a bachelor’s degree, but far from impossible. Besides, forming study groups is a great way to meet new friends.
- Jose