A Geoscience Student’s Journey: Four Years at the University of Edinburgh
Words by Sarah Cromwell, BSc Environmental Geoscience
As I come to the end of my time as an undergraduate GeoScience student at the University of Edinburgh, I have taken some time to reflect on my journey and share a few things I have learned along the way.
I arrived here as an awkward eighteen-year-old in September 2021. It was the first time I’d lived away from home, and moving in with strangers was a big adjustment. I missed home a lot at first. If I could go back and give myself some advice, I would simply say “relax”.
My first few assignments did not go as well as I had hoped. I was trying to get used to university marking, living independently, and all the general chaos that comes with such a big life change. I was hard on myself, but looking back, I realise how normal that is. University is a step up from high school, and it does take time to adjust. Thankfully, that adjustment came. After a few weeks, I started enjoying my classes, settling into Edinburgh Life, and making friends. I loved the flexibility of university. I was able to work part-time, attend my lectures, and still have time for fun.
The friendships I made in those early weeks became my support system. Especially friends from my course – we could relate to each other, study together, and help each other out when things got a bit tough. Our first-year field trip to the Lake District really solidified those bonds. We spent a week learning about the local geology and making memories as a course.
Getting involved in societies was also a big part of my university experience. Not only is joining a society a brilliant way to meet people, but being active in societies can boost your CV, especially if you get involved in a committee.
Getting involved in societies was also a big part of my university experience. Not only is joining a society a brilliant way to meet people, but being active in societies can boost your CV, especially if you get involved in a committee. In my second year, I was Social Secretary for the Geoscience Society, and in my third year, I became President. These roles massively helped me build confidence as a leader and also improved my communication and organisational skills- all very useful for job or postgraduate applications. Plus, societies give you a real sense of belonging… and they are a lot of fun!
Find out more about the Geoscience Society and more
Second year was when I began to thrive. I enjoyed my courses, which covered a wide range of topics – oceanography, geology, geochemistry, ecology – you name it. It was when I started perfecting how to write scientifically. This was also when I moved into a flat with four of my best friends from first year, a decision I would never change.
Of course, when you live with people, disagreements happen – but that is entirely normal. What matters is how you deal with them. Learn from the awkward moments and move on. I am lucky to have lived with the same four people ever since.
Third year was a big step up in terms of course difficulty, but it was worth it. We learned so much, and I gained skills I will carry into my future career. One of the biggest highlights was our long-awaited field trip to Jamaica – we had the best time exploring the land and sea.
It was also the year I applied for my first academic-related job and was lucky enough to land a summer internship with SSE Transmission. That opportunity gave me a real foot in the door, so I highly recommend looking out for internships or placements during the third year!
Read more about Sarah’s Jamaica Field Trip
The key for me was choosing a topic I was genuinely interested in. It is so much easier to write about something you care about. And like anything else, break it into small, manageable tasks and give yourself time.
And now… fourth year. As I write this, I have five weeks left of university. Terrifying, I know. My biggest challenge this year was my dissertation. At first, it felt completely overwhelming – coming up with a project, doing the research, writing 6,000 words. But to my surprise, the process felt natural. After three years of academic writing, it all starts to click. Or at least, that’s the hope! The key for me was choosing a topic I was genuinely interested in. It is so much easier to write about something you care about. And like anything else, break it into small, manageable tasks and give yourself time. That made the whole process almost enjoyable. Yes, I said it.
Dissertation planning? Read our Top Tips for Choosing a Dissertation in Geoscience
So, how do I feel about leaving?
It’s a mix of emotions. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to the amazing friends and classmates who are moving on to different parts of the world. But I know the memories we’ve made here will stay with us, and I’m so excited to see what everyone goes on to achieve. We all have so much potential to do good things for our planet.
At the same time, I’m excited. Excited to graduate, excited to see where my degree takes me, and excited for the next chapter.
I’ll never forget my time at the University of Edinburgh. Over the past four years, I’ve grown from an awkward teenager into a confident, ambitious young woman. I still have a lot to learn as I head into the working world, but I know this university has given me the best possible start.
So, I’ll leave you with this:
If you’re thinking about studying at the University of Edinburgh – DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it.
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