The Student Union, a big help at Uni
What I loved most about the SU at the University of Essex was all the different activities available for me to do in my first year. I could do climbing, swimming, roller skating, and more. So much other stuff was available for students, and it was a really safe place where I could meet new people, share food, and have a great time.
If you had questions, it was also a place to go for more information.
I would personally say the SU is part of the reason why I had such a great year.
I never really felt alone; if I didn't know what to do one evening and didn't want to be alone, I would check the SU website to see if anything was up. Usually, something was, whether it was drawing on a tote bag or learning to make chocolate bars or soap; there was always something new to try and discover with new people.
The SU was also open during lunch breaks, so I could use the microwave and find a space to eat in peace.
Some books were also available, and there were even some events where they gave free stuff.
It was very useful, and you could easily see that the main goal was to help students miss home a little bit less and make them feel like they belonged here.
One of the events organised was a day at the aqua park, and as an international student, I am living on a budget. It was a free activity, and it was really nice to enjoy the day with my friends without worrying about spending too much.
Also, some events were specifically designed to talk about diversity and explore new cultures, whether through food or events that were just for internationals. It helped us feel like a community was here for us, where we belonged even though we were not from the UK directly. Some occasions were made to explain the culture and for us to ask questions, for example, about how the medical system would work. I found that really helpful when coming to a new country, not really knowing the unspoken rules or all that stuff.
-Caroline
From living alone to living on campus
For my first year at the University of Essex, I lived in on-campus accommodation. I really enjoyed my stay there for multiple reasons.
First, the accommodation was very close to the university facilities.
It made everyday life so much easier. For example, if I forgot something in the morning, I could walk back during the break, grab it and come back before the start of the next class while still having time to have lunch.
Second, the room and kitchen themselves.
The room was also very well arranged; what I loved the most was the space under the bed and the spacious desk.
The kitchen was well equipped, and it made cooking easy: there was enough storage space in the fridge, freezer, and cupboards.
Third, I could meet new people.
I was living in a flat with around 10 different people. It may seem like a lot, but since we were only sharing the kitchen and not all at once, it was actually quite enjoyable.
A few of my flatmates were in my class, but the majority were in other courses.
It helped me meet people even before I started being friends with my classmates. I really appreciated it; it helped me feel less alone or out of place.
In my flat, there were other international people. For example, I became very good friends with a girl from Italy. I think what helped us break the ice was seeing each other so often and the small conversations we had as flatmates. One night, we were both making hot drinks and started sharing our experiences as international students; it was nice discussing the differences between studying in the UK and having that thing already in common.
Then we tried to organise hangouts together, and became really good friends.
In conclusion, it was a really nice way to meet people from my class and other classes, and to live in a really pleasant place.
-Caroline
A Bigger World: My Year in Bristol
I came to Bristol carrying two identities that had shaped my whole adult life: teacher and student of language. For seven years I had stood in front of university classrooms in Colombia teaching English, watching my own students dream of the kind of life I was about to attempt myself. When I won a COLFUTURO scholarship to pursue an MSc in Education at the University of Bristol, it felt less like an opportunity and more like a responsibility — to bring something real back to the students and teachers I had left behind.
What I found here was bigger than a classroom. In seminars I sat beside classmates from Nigeria, China, Italy and Pakistan, each of us translating our own education systems into a shared language, discovering how differently the world teaches its children. Outside class, Bristol taught me in its own way: the street art of Stokes Croft argued quietly with the Georgian terraces of Clifton; a folk night in a small pub introduced me to music I would never have found on my own; a reading group met to argue, over cheap coffee, about philosophy I had previously only met in translation. I walked along the Harbourside more evenings than I can count — sometimes to think, sometimes simply to feel a little less far from home.
I arrived fluent in English, but I am leaving fluent in something harder to name: patience with difference. I learned that education policy is never just about curricula — it is about history, power, and who gets to be heard, lessons I picked up as much from late-night conversations with classmates as from any reading list. I understood, in a way I had not before, that the world is far larger and far more connected than the one I grew up seeing from Colombia.
If I could tell the Jorge who landed in Bristol one thing, it would be this: the bureaucracy — visas, National Insurance numbers, opening a bank account — will test your patience long before the academic work does, so ask for help early and often. And build your community in the first weeks, not the last: the friendships that carried me through the hardest months of homesickness were the ones I made before I thought I needed them.
Bristol did not just give me a degree. It gave me a bigger world, and the humility to know I am still only beginning to understand it.
- Jorge
A New Perspective on Architecture
What motivated me to study in the UK?
Since graduating from university, one of my main professional goals had been to pursue a postgraduate degree abroad that would allow me to complement and expand the knowledge I had gained in the field of architecture. It was particularly important to me to explore new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to architecture and urbanism, and in doing so, broaden the way I understand and practise the profession.
The United Kingdom was one of the countries that best matched the type of education I was looking for, mainly because of the academic approach and reputation of its universities. Among the options I considered, the University of Edinburgh stood out not only because of its academic programme, but also because of the urban context of the city itself. It was important to me to study in a place where the urban environment could also become a source of learning and provide me with new perspectives that I could eventually adapt and apply in my own country.
In addition, studying in English represented a personal and professional challenge that I found particularly appealing. The opportunity to earn an academic degree in a language other than my native language meant stepping outside my comfort zone and developing new skills, both academically and professionally, within an international environment.
What was my academic, personal and cultural experience like?
My academic experience has been extremely enriching, both in terms of the knowledge I have gained and the learning opportunities offered by the University. Throughout my Master's, I had access to numerous workshops, resources and facilities that complemented my studies and allowed me to experiment with and explore different approaches to architecture and urbanism.
Another aspect I particularly value is the support the University provides to its students. Through professors, supervisors and Student Advisers, there was always a strong sense of care for both our wellbeing and academic development. The University also provides services dedicated to student wellbeing and mental health, which I believe is particularly important in a demanding field such as architecture.
The Master's has undoubtedly been both challenging and demanding. Compared with other programmes, the number and level of the required submissions involved a considerable amount of dedication and work. However, even during the most demanding periods, I always felt supported by my supervisors and professors, who not only guided our academic development but were also attentive to our wellbeing throughout the entire process.
In terms of the cultural experience, Edinburgh is an extraordinary city, full of activities and events throughout the year. Living here has, in some ways, felt like living in a museum: its architecture, streets and almost every corner of the city reflect a part of Scotland's history. Throughout my Master's, I have had the opportunity to learn much more about Scottish history and culture, which has also enriched my personal experience and influenced the way I observe and understand cities through the lens of architecture and urbanism.
What have I learned from this experience?
From an academic perspective, I feel that I am taking away a great deal of knowledge and, above all, new perspectives from which to approach architecture. One of the aspects I value most is having developed a broader and more holistic understanding of the discipline—one that does not focus exclusively on humans, but also considers the environment and the different systems that sustain it. This involves incorporating other actors into the design process, such as non-human species, climate, topography, ecosystems and the various environmental conditions that shape a territory.
I believe this new perspective is closely connected to the ways of thinking and designing that our world needs today, particularly in a context shaped by challenges such as global warming and climate change. In this sense, I believe architecture and urbanism have a responsibility to respond more consciously to these issues, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which I believe should play an increasingly important role in the way architecture is taught and practiced.
Beyond academic learning, I believe that studying in a country with a different culture has been a deeply enriching experience. Living and studying in a context different from your own allows you to mature, adapt and find new ways of dealing with different challenges. At the same time, it helps you understand yourself better, step outside your comfort zone, and challenge yourself both personally and professionally.
What do I wish you had known before arriving?
I think it would have been very useful to have had more information about some of the practical aspects of living and studying in Edinburgh before arriving. For example, it would have been helpful to know how difficult it can be to find accommodation between late August and early September due to the high demand in the city at that time of year, particularly as it coincides with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the beginning of the academic year. Knowing this in advance would have allowed me to start planning my accommodation search much earlier.
From an academic perspective, I also wish I had known from the beginning about the wide range of workshops, facilities and resources available at the University. Perhaps a more detailed induction specifically tailored to my area of study would have helped me better understand all the tools and opportunities available to me from the start and make the most of them throughout my Master's.
Another important aspect is the weather. For those of us coming from Latin America, Edinburgh's climate can be quite different from what we are used to. Having some recommendations in advance about the most appropriate clothing and equipment for the different seasons could therefore be very helpful for future international students.
Finally, it would also have been helpful to familiarize myself with the Scottish accent before arriving. Although the language is still English, it can take some time at first to become accustomed to certain accents and local expressions. Having some exposure to these beforehand could make the adaptation process easier and help students communicate more confidently during their first few weeks.
- Djanira Alexandra
BETWEEN CASTLES AND LABS: PURSUING A MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Moving to Scotland marked a major milestone in my life. It was my first experience abroad and brought me many rewarding moments, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Robotics, where I was able to turn theory into real-world projects. I chose Heriot-Watt because its programme combined robotics and artificial intelligence—an ideal blend for strengthening my skills and expanding my professional expertise.
Discovering such a beautiful place helped me settle in quickly and made the transition feel smooth and enjoyable. At the same time, staying focused on completing my degree encouraged me to see every day as an opportunity to learn, grow and make lasting memories along the way.
To share my story in a more organised way, I will explore some of the aspects that shaped my life in Edinburgh: the city’s unique charm, the accommodation options, the university’s learning facilities, and the opportunities to relax and socialise that helped me maintain a healthy balance between academic and personal life.
The Magic of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city I immediately fell in love with. Its blend of Gothic architecture, modern spaces and abundant greenery creates a unique atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to explore and enjoy its many attractions.
During my time there, I had the opportunity to learn some of the dances performed at a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish gathering filled with folk music and dancing. Taking part was a fun and memorable way to immerse myself in the local culture and experience Scottish traditions first-hand.
The monuments in the city centre create a striking contrast between Edinburgh’s historic architecture and its modern transport system. Together, these features make the city a pleasant place to explore and enjoy with friends or family.
Edinburgh Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, stands as a powerful reminder of its rich history and preserves a character that seems untouched by time. Overall, Edinburgh is full of beautiful places that allow visitors to appreciate the history, culture and remarkable scale of its heritage.
Feeling at Home: On-Campus and Off-Campus Accommodation
There are two main types of student accommodation in Edinburgh: off-campus and on-campus accommodation.
Off-campus: Across the city, there are residential buildings designed exclusively for students and intended to provide a comfortable environment suited to academic life. The options vary and include private studios with their own bathroom and kitchen, as well as shared flats. In shared accommodation, each student usually has a private bedroom, while spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen are shared with other residents. Laundry facilities are generally located in a communal area available to everyone in the building.
On-campus: Personally, I chose to live on campus because it was the most convenient option for reducing both my commuting time and transport expenses. There are three main categories of accommodation: rooms with a shared bathroom, rooms with a private bathroom, and studios with their own bathroom and kitchen. In the first two categories, the kitchen is usually shared among five students.
Each resident has two designated storage compartments for their kitchen utensils. The kitchen is also equipped with a fridge and freezer for storing food. The laundry room is another communal space, with washing machines and tumble dryers available. This makes it very convenient to keep your clothes clean and ready to wear.
Learning Environments That Supported My Development
Some of the university’s main academic facilities include the library, shared study areas and laboratories. One of the library’s greatest advantages is that it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Having access to a study space at any time allowed me to organise my schedule and adapt my study sessions to my own needs.
The university also provided access to a wide range of online academic resources, including books, specialised journals and research articles.
When it comes to study areas, the university offers both individual and group rooms. The group rooms are ideal for discussing ideas, preparing assignments and studying as a team. There are also spaces equipped with projectors and other resources that support collaborative work.
The laboratories provide the equipment, tools and materials I needed to develop my projects. One particularly helpful aspect during my master’s dissertation project was how easy it was to request the components I required. Whenever something was unavailable, the university could order it online, and it would usually arrive within a week.
Beyond the Classroom: Nature, Community and New Experiences
Heriot-Watt University is known not only for its high academic standards, but also for its campus, which brings its different academic schools together in one setting surrounded by nature.
The campus has extensive green spaces and two lochs. One of them is home to wild ducks and swans, adding to the university’s natural charm. There is also a wooded area filled with towering trees, perfect for taking a walk and reaching a small hill where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets. These spaces offer an excellent opportunity to relax and take a break from academic life.
When it comes to socialising, Heriot-Watt has a wide range of student societies that bring together people interested in sports, music, languages and many other activities. These groups complement academic learning and encourage cultural exchange, particularly thanks to the university’s international student community.
The university chaplaincy also plays an important role in bringing the student community together. Among its activities, it organises day trips to different parts of Scotland. These excursions offer students a chance to unwind while discovering places such as Loch Ness, Stirling Castle and Scotland’s spectacular mountain landscapes.
- Diego
