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What I like most is how included and welcome you feel as a student
I study “Business Management with Entrepreneurship” at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, and I have had a very positive experience so far. What I like most is how included and welcome you feel as a student. The modules are well structured and easy to understand, and the lecturers are very helpful and genuinely want students to succeed. At the same time, I have a flexible schedule, which allows me to work at my own pace while also making time for things I enjoy outside of university.
The assignments vary between individual work and group projects, and the expectations are always clear. If you need help, it is easy to ask, and you receive great support from both lecturers and fellow students. I also found it relatively easy to secure student accommodation, which made the transition to studying abroad much easier.
It is also very nice to live in Edinburgh. The city has a lot to offer, with a great social environment, good nightlife, and friendly people. I work alongside my studies, but I still feel that I have a good balance between university, work, and social life. There are also many great travel opportunities to other Scottish cities and towns at affordable prices. Overall, I would recommend both the university and the city to students who are looking for a supportive study environment and an exciting student life.
The application process through Across the Pond has also been a big part of giving me the opportunity to achieve all of this, and I am very grateful for it. I received great help and support throughout the entire process, which made moving to a new country to study feel much safer and easier.
- Nola
My Life as a Student in Edinburgh
Why I Chose to Study Abroad, and Why the UK Made Sense
Choosing to pursue a Master's degree abroad was not a decision I took lightly, but it has turned out to be one of the best choices I have made. As someone who completed my undergraduate studies in Norway, I was looking for a programme that would challenge me in new ways and give me an international perspective on my field. Edinburgh Napier University's Business Analytics programme ticked all the boxes, combining strong academic foundations with a practical, hands-on approach that felt like a real step forward from what I was used to back home.
The Course
Studying Business Analytics at Edinburgh Napier has been both demanding and incredibly rewarding. What stands out most is how applied the learning is, rather than just absorbing theory, you are constantly working with real data, real problems and real-world scenarios. This was quite different from my experience studying in Norway, where the approach tended to be more traditional and lecture-based. Here, you are expected to get stuck in from day one, which I genuinely enjoy.
The class itself has an interesting dynamic, there are significantly more male than female students, which reflects broader trends in the analytics field. That said, the international mix more than makes up for it. My classmates come from all corners of the world, and the different perspectives people bring to discussions and group work have genuinely enriched my understanding of the subject. If you are someone who thrives in a diverse, globally-minded environment you will feel right at home here.
Edinburgh
Honestly, Edinburgh might be the most beautiful city I have ever lived in. Whether you are into history, culture, food or outdoor adventure, this city delivers. I love exploring the different neighbourhoods and trying out the many restaurants and cafés the city has to offer. Edinburgh has a fantastic food scene, with options to suit every taste and budget.
Compared to Norway, the climate in Edinburgh is notably milder in winter, no harsh frosts or heavy snowfall, which makes getting around on foot or by bike much more manageable year-round. Summers are pleasant and the long evenings make it easy to make the most of everything the city offers.
Flatmates and friends
One of the things I was most curious about before moving was what my social life would look like. I can say with confidence that it has exceeded my expectations. I live with two Italian girls, and we have become really close friends, it is one of those situations where you genuinely look forward to coming home.
Beyond my flat, I have built a great social circle through university and through simply being open to meeting people. When I am not studying, you will usually find me at the gym, out hiking, or exploring a new part of the city with friends. Edinburgh has a lively social scene, and there is always something going on.
Would I Recommend It?
Without hesitation, yes. If you are considering studying Business Analytics in the UK, Edinburgh Napier offers a genuinely high-quality programme in one of Europe's most exciting cities. The combination of hands-on academic experience, an incredibly international environment and a city that is endlessly explorable makes this a fantastic place to spend your postgraduate years. Come with an open mind, and Edinburgh will do the rest.
- Anne
First days in Edinburgh
Arriving in Scotland
I flew into Glasgow, Scotland about three weeks ago, and since then everything has been a whirlwind, but in the best way! I took an overnight flight from Toronto with my family, so when I arrived I was quite tired. However, first I had to get through customs, which was relatively easy. The border officer asked me for my passport, my visa, my CAS, biometric residence letter, and where I would be staying. I had all of this in my carry on, so it was easy to access, and we were out of the airport in no time! I had decided to fly in two weeks before classes started, which allowed me time to travel with my family first, as well as adjust to the time change. I visited family in Inverness for the first week, adjusted to being five hours ahead, and then took the train down to Edinburgh, where I will be attending school for the next year. Inverness was absolutely beautiful, and I highly recommend making it one of the places on your bucket list to visit when you study in the UK!
Travelling the Edinburgh
Arriving in Edinburgh was nerve wracking; I was really hoping I would love the city, because it was where I had chosen to live for the next year of my life. I shouldn’t have worried! The city itself is absolutely beautiful, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you get used to it. I participated in several tours and got to know my way around in the days before classes started. However, I was already homesick, especially when my family flew home, and I hadn’t even been away from home for long. I knew this would be a problem for me, but talking to my family and talking to my flatmates really helped.
Welcome to the University
My program had a Welcome Day, where they introduce you to the course and exciting activities to come over the next year. My program, MSc Publishing, is very small, and only a year long. It gave me the opportunity to meet people in the program, talk to the professors about my concerns, and learn about what was to come. I definitely recommend participating in your school’s welcome week!
Starting Class and Settling In
After classes officially started, I realized I loved my program. I’m happy I decided to do this, and the university has been so supportive of me as I took time to adjust. The professors and counsellors are all here to help, and happy to do so. Exploring the city, learning my way around, and attending classes have all helped me to adjust, and with views like this, how could I not love the city?
My Favourite Parts of the City
My favourite part so far has definitely been exploring the city with my family. We toured all around Old Town, and visited several tourist attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle. This was wonderful, and it allowed me to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Victoria Street is an especially pretty area to see!
Recommendations
To those who are considering studying in the UK next fall, I do have a few suggestions. Familiarize yourself with the city as soon as possible, as this will make you more comfortable in your new home. Definitely go to Welcome Week, and any additional sessions put on by your program. They are great places to meet people and adjust to being a new student in the UK!
- Lauren
Studying Publishing in Scotland
The UK is one of the most prominent publishing markets in the world, so it makes sense that it would provide courses for people to study the subject before entering the job market! I’m studying for my Master of Science in Publishing at Edinburgh Napier University, one of two Master’s in Publishing programs in Scotland, the other being at University of Stirling. Canada doesn’t really have any programs like this, which is why I chose to study abroad! Read on to find out what you need to know about studying publishing in Scotland!
THE PROGRAM
As I said, I study at Edinburgh Napier University. This program is over 50 years old, and one of the most respected publishing programs in the UK. The program covers everything from marketing to editorial, rights to design, and you get a really good idea of all aspects of the publishing industry! It also provides the opportunity to do a placement at a publishing company, so you also get experience working in the industry! It is a one year program, and that year has been flying by. The first trimester is mainly taught theory, where you learn what you need to know about the history of publishing, current operations, and how to succeed in the industry. Trimester two is focused on production, and you get to choose a product (book or magazine) and take it from the beginning stages to a fully formed, published and printed book! I am currently in this stage right now, and I have to say, I am loving the project so far. It offers a lot of creative freedom, and you learn a lot about using computer software that is standard in the industry while getting to see what it is like to publish something! It has been really rewarding so far. Trimester three is mainly independent study, and you have four months to research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing related to publishing! It may sound daunting, but your professors are there to help you every step of the way.
CHOOSING A PROGRAM
As I said, there are two programs for Publishing in Scotland. Stirling is not that far from Edinburgh, and from what I know, the programs are very similar. Both provide you with a great education in publishing, and it really just comes down to where you want to live while in the UK. Stirling is more rural, whereas Edinburgh is more urban, but both are beautiful places to live. As well, Edinburgh is just a short train ride away from Stirling, so no matter which school you choose, you’ll definitely still get to see the other city! However, one advantage of Edinburgh Napier is that you are very central for a lot of publishing industry events that happen throughout the year in Edinburgh, but again, Stirling is just a short train ride away.
WHY STUDY PUBLISHING IN THE UK?
Studying publishing in the UK means that you are very central for a lot of publishing events that happen, and you get to go to them as part of your program, often with student discounts! Throughout the year that you’re in the UK, there are all sorts of publishing events you can visit. In February in Edinburgh there is the Publishing Scotland Conference and the SYP Conference (Society of Young Publishers, which you can also join as a Publishing student, and they provide discounts and support to young publishers starting out in the industry. A really great program.). The London Book Fair takes place in March, and it is free to students, and if you’re already in the UK, it’s much closer than flying over from Canada! As, there are many smaller events throughout the year that can help you succeed in publishing, like CV workshops, speaker panels, and much more that make studying in the UK a really rewarding experience. As well, in my experience, the program isn’t just UK focused; it explores publishing in a world-wide context, and you can work anywhere with this degree!
- Lauren
Studying abroad adds so much more value
My dream was always to study in the UK, and now I'm living that dream. The process was much easier with the help of Across the Pond, who made my life SO much easier by helping me with the paperwork and the necessary requirements. They have experts in different subjects, which is much more helpful, especially with the visa process and various paperwork that can be a bit stressful, but their assistance makes everything easier.
I chose the Master's in Marketing with Festival and Event Management because it combines the best of both worlds. I only found this program at Edinburgh Napier University here in Edinburgh, which is why I came here. The truth is, I never considered studying a Master's in Mexico, where I'm originally from, because studying abroad adds so much more value. Regardless of the academic aspects, the personal learning is on another level. It helps you realise that you are capable of many things, and that you can do many things "on your own," meaning far from family and friends, in an unfamiliar environment, and that makes you mature in many ways. If you're capable of this, you're capable of anything in life.
Napier is a good university with excellent teachers. Everyone always looks for ways to help you and make sure you're okay, especially with mental health issues, something they take into account, which I really liked.
To avoid the hassle of finding private accommodation, I stayed in one of the university buildings, and it was the best decision. They're really comfortable. I had my own space and bathroom. I only shared the kitchen with five other people, but lifelong friendships emerge from there. The building is secure; security personnel come around regularly to check on you. Everyone is very friendly. What I also liked is that there's a laundry room. Personally, I can't live without a washing machine nearby, but that's a matter of taste and personal preference. What I also liked is the central location, which was very close to my campus and the city centre. It's super well connected, with plenty of shops nearby, including the supermarket.
I'm not much of a partyer, but the truth is, the nightlife here isn't anything special. It's not a place for partying, but of course you can find clubs and places to go. I prefer sitting in a pub, having a beer and chatting.
The people here in Edinburgh are lovely; everyone is very friendly and cool. They don't hesitate to help you if they see you need help; they reach out. That really gives this city a huge plus. Speaking of which, I'm from Mexico City, a huge city with millions of people, and being here in Edinburgh, which is also a city, makes a big difference. It's a small city, with few inhabitants, and very quiet, and above all, safe.
Something I also like about this side of the world are the trains. They're very easy to take, and in just a few hours you're already in another city. They're very practical and you can get affordable prices. The bus routes are also super well-designed, and it's easy to get anywhere. The app is very easy and practical.
In my free time, I rested, hung out with friends, went sightseeing, and also started working, where I've met a lot of people. It's a job that doesn't feel like a job, and the good thing is that it allows me to earn an income during my time here.
I've already finished my master's degree, and my graduation is coming up soon, and I'm very excited. I actually plan to stay in the UK, as I'll be applying for a graduate visa, which will allow me to work here for two years.
If you're coming to study in the UK, I recommend you enjoy every step and every process. No matter how stressful it can be, it's all part of the experience. But much of this process is made easier, as I mentioned, thanks to the help of Across the Pond. Everyone is very friendly, they help you with any issue, even the smallest ones, and they respond very quickly. Thanks to them, everything was much easier. They answered all my questions, and it's thanks to them that I learned about this master's degree. I told my advisor, the areas I wanted to study. He sent me a list of all the options in the United Kingdom. I narrowed down a few until I was left with three, but my first choice was the one I studied because it has the two industries that interest me the most.
And well, here I am, writing about my adventure of more than a year, including the time Across the Pond accompanied me throughout the process. I'm sitting at my desk in my new room, having recently moved because my contract in university accommodation ended. I'm happy to have finished my master's degree and excited about graduating. I'm also excited about everything that's coming up in my personal and professional life. I'm ready to apply for the graduate visa and now I'll start looking for a job. I'm sure something great will come of it.
Trust that like thousands of people, including me, this life experience will go incredibly well for you, because it's something you'll be able to tell your children about. Enjoy university, your life away from your home country. Although the distance can sometimes be great, video calls bring us closer to our friends and family. Make new friends, as I'm sure they'll be lifelong. Enjoy the good times and the bad, because everything passes; the good stays in the heart, and the bad serves as a lesson and experience. Enjoy every moment and dare to do anything; life is one.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jess, my friend who recommended Across the Pond to me, and my advisor for being an excellent advisor. Thank you for making the paperwork so much easier and more understandable.
- Maria Fernanda
