My alarm usually goes off at 7 AM. I’m not a morning person, but do I snooze it? No—because I believe in starting the day with unstoppable optimism (and also because I know I’ll regret it later). There’s something magical about waking up to good weather—by which I mean the rare and glorious sight of the sun in Edinburgh. Sunrises here are breathtaking, and when the sun makes an appearance, it feels like a personal victory. I get ready and prepare for school. I bring a packed lunch because, let’s be honest, I spend most of my day on campus, and my wallet and I have a strict savings plan.
By 8:30 AM, I’m out the door, embarking on my daily 20-minute walk to central campus. Mornings are a whirlwind of lectures and tutorials where we unpack readings, challenge ideas and occasionally try to sound smarter than we feel. As an MSc Africa and International Development student, the discussions in my programme are usually dynamic, thought provoking and multifaceted, and often revolve around current concerns such as poverty alleviation, gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals. The best part? The sheer diversity of perspectives in my class. Every conversation is like a TED Talk—except without the stage, the spotlight or the viral YouTube views.
After class I migrate to my study hideout, the study space in the Chrystal Macmillan Building (the building where my School, the School of Social and Political Science, is located). It has a study space on the first floor which is usually so quiet and cosy – it’s where I dive into intensive reading and doing assignments. On other days I switch things up by studying on the 7th floor of the Dugald Stewart Building, next to a window where the views serve as a well-earned reward for staring at my laptop screen all day. Lunch is usually taken alongside my classmates – yes, all of us have lunch together, a meal cult. Talk of intentional classmates! On cold days I get a hot chocolate to go with my food – there are so many coffee shops to choose from around central campus! On a sunny day I’d recommend having lunch in the Meadows.
The activities I engage in in the afternoon vary – from having one-on-one meetings with lecturers to roaming the beautiful city of Edinburgh, where every corner looks like it belongs on a postcard. More often than not, I prepare for my next classes – I read various articles to enrich my knowledge, because it both helps in understanding the classes better and because skipping them is academic self-sabotage. Some afternoons I attended seminars hosted by the Centre of African Studies, a perfect place to network with my professors and invited guest speakers. On other days I volunteer for organisations that work with people from minority ethnic groups and autistic children. The hours I spend working for these organisations are priceless as I get to work on things that are an expression of my soul and make an impact on people’s lives. Just so you know, I also embrace the fine art of napping – like the saying goes work without rest makes Jack a dull boy, in this case, makes Kwekwe a dull girl (I take naps on days when I’m not busy).
Evenings are for unwinding. I swing by a coffee shop to enjoy the taste of greatness (a hot chocolate!). It’s during this time that I get to reflect on my day and what I’ve been able to tick off my to-do list, as well as plan for my next day ahead. It’s a good practice as it helps me keep on track of both my academics and non-academics. Afterwards, I head home, prepare dinner, freshen up and then call it a night.
All I can say is that life as a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh is all about balance, especially as a full-time student. Thinking of joining the University of Edinburgh as a postgraduate student? Get ready for an intellectually stimulating, culturally rich and unforgettable experience! Do not forget to also bring a warm coat and an appreciation for hot chocolate.
