It’s diverse enough to embrace all dreams
by Manxin, from China, studying Science Communication and Public Engagement, 1st year
It’s still like a dream for me to study in such an inordinately beautiful city. But this is the best part, my dream has came true and now I am sitting in the Main Library with the sun setting on the Meadows and mountains in the distance outside the window.
As an international student, it was exciting but a little bit intimidating to start a brand new life in a strange city. All the uncertainties and worries were dispelled when I met my flatmates. If you find it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone, having someone by your side to take the first step will make it easier. I live in the student accommodation, and thanks to my flatmates, I have engaged in many activities residence assistants launched. Like movie nights, the Christmas party, walk tours in the city, and so on. I made different friends in these activities, and I’d never have known that I am living with these interesting people if I hadn’t attend these events.
For university students, it’s crucial to try to get a foot in the door. Applying the career service wisely can be very helpful. Science communicator in the one of the Europe’s largest festival—Edinburgh Science Festival—is a position I was eager to get. Then I made appointments for feedback on my CV and practicing interview separately. I was guided how to quantify my previous experiences and highlight my strengths related to the qualities the employer was looking for. The recruitment process was very smooth, and the work experience I gained is so valuable.
Participating, volunteering or even working in festivals in Edinburgh is a “must do” experience you would want to try. Diverse festivals give this city an artistic and energetic vibe. And there are many opportunities the university offers to students to be insiders of the festivals. The Fringe Festival is the biggest festival in Edinburgh, and the Students’ Association provide us many positions to be parts of this big event. The most impressive campaign the Students’ Association held to me is the march for Pride Month this year. I was impressed by the diversity and energy of the protest of the march. “The future is equal”, and I feel lucky that I am in a university trying to accomplish this.
A dream is just a daydream if you don’t try it. Be brave, and UoE will help you to find the possibility.
