Amy (Sem 2, 2023)

My Exchange at The University of Edinburgh

Coming up to the end of my exchange, I can definitively say that I would recommend the experience to anyone who might be thinking about it. I had wanted to go on exchange since the beginning of my studies, and had been learning about how 360 could make that happen. The process leading up to going on exchange was a little daunting and sometimes stressful, with the organization and getting everything sorted, but I found once I got going most things fell into place.

When I first arrived I was pretty nervous, as I had never been to my host country before, and everything felt a bit overwhelming. However, I very quickly adjusted and felt right at home. I was lucky to be in a really nice accommodation with my own room and bathroom, and a kitchen that I shared with 5 others. It was awesome to be able to have my own space, and the room was really well set up. Orientation at the university was really good, it was actually in that first week that I met most of the people I ended up being friends with. All the courses I took were also really good. I found the teaching style very similar to what I was used to at Auckland, so it was easy to get on with my study and didn’t require a lot of adjustment. I absolutely love the city, it is the perfect size where there is always something to do and things going on, but also small enough to feel comfortable and be able to walk around. I found that things were relatively well-priced. Food in the supermarkets was a lot cheaper than Auckland, but eating out was probably a little pricier. Transport was not the best, and definitely could add up a bit too. One of my favourite things about being on exchange was the ability to travel really easily, and I took a number of small trips or long weekends away. I would definitely recommend making use of being so close to so many other places and the ease in which you can hop on a plane or train and go to a completely different country. I think the best advice I could give to anyone thinking of going on exchange would be to just go. It has been an amazing experience, and a real highlight of my time at university. I would also recommend doing some research regarding where you want to go, and make sure that you are super sure that you are choosing somewhere that you feel comfortable to make into home for the time you’re away.

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

I found there was a lot of access to extra things that was probably available due to the size of the university. The library was an academic highlight as it was both a great place to study but also had so much to offer. There were also a number of guest lectures which were so interesting as well as public lectures they put on regarding a range of different topics that could be attended by anyone interested. 

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

My host country is home to a number of awesome historical attractions that cannot be missed. So many castles, cathedrals and museums to visit, many of which are free or have really good student prices.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

1. Be prepared – research where you want to go, and what is available there. At the beginning, it can be a little overwhelming so being prepared definitely helped to adjust and get comfortable. 
2. Take every opportunity – the times when I least felt like going to an event etc. were the times when I ended up making friends and also added to the whole experience.
3. Make it home – I think making your room super comfortable and feel like home was really important as a way to prevent homesickness. Also finding local spots to get coffee, do your shopping, etc., made it feel like home rather than feeling like a visitor. 

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

I didn’t budget specifically and I do wish I had. I think having a weekly budget for food etc. would be a really good idea in the sense that it would probably have given me more freedom and less concern. 

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

I think just how much more is out there. While I had travelled before I had never lived anywhere else and I think it is such a good way of opening your eyes to other cultures and different kinds of people. It also was a great way to push myself as I often felt overwhelmed or out of my comfort zone, but quickly figured out that I was able to manage despite it.