Five things I wish I knew before starting University
By Tanisha, from India, studying Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science (BSc)
If starting university feels like receiving your Hogwarts acceptance letter—full of wonder but also a bit overwhelming as you try to find your place in the wizarding world, you’re not alone. Here are five magical pieces of advice to guide you through your own adventure!
1. Everyone wants to make friends: Put yourself out there
Starting university can be daunting, especially if you’re in a new city, country, or even continent. But remember, everyone is in the same boat. Most students are eager to make new friends and connections, so take the initiative to start conversations, approach people, and join in on the various events organised by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) each week! Freshers’ Week is an excellent starting point—there are numerous events and activity fairs hosted by the societies at UoE, offering a chance to find your people! There are hikes up to Arthur’s Seat, Café Crawls, Pub Crawls, tours of Edinburgh and so many other events happening. Don’t hesitate to dive in, participate in activities, and introduce yourself. Everyone appreciates the effort, and you might end up meeting some of your best friends. For example, I met some of my closest friends during a random scavenger hunt organised by a society in Freshers’ Week.
And the opportunities don’t end there. Throughout the year, there are plenty of other ways to connect with people, from tutorials and labs to workshops and society events.
2. Join societies and clubs early on
The University offers more than 300 societies and clubs catering to diverse and niche interests. You should definitely consider joining these groups early on because it can help you meet like-minded people and build a support network. Whether it’s an academic society related to your field, a cultural group like the French society (you do not have to be French to join!), or a special interest club like SIGINT (a special interest Informatics Group which explores AI, robotics etc.), joining these societies is almost integral to the Edinburgh Uni experience. They also provide a platform to explore your passions and unwind from academic pressures. For example, I joined the craft Society in the second semester of my first year knowing essentially no crafts and it is my favourite society now!
3. Time management is crucial
Time flies when you’re in Edinburgh, and balancing coursework, social life, health, and possibly a part-time job can be challenging. Effective time management is essential. Allow yourself the first 2-3 months to adjust to the city, your new schedule, and the university culture. The benefit of a four-year degree at Edinburgh is that you have time to settle in before the more demanding coursework begins.
To stay organized, use planners or digital tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or even Excel sheets to keep track of deadlines and commitments. Prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, adjusting to a new culture and academic system takes time, so be patient with yourself as you find your rhythm.
4. Utilize university resources
The University of Edinburgh offers a wealth of resources to support your academic, personal, and professional development. Make the most of the Career Service to tailor your CV, conduct mock interviews, explore career paths, network with companies at career fairs, and apply for internships.
For academic support, take advantage of the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) system, which provides help specific to different degrees. Online forums like Piazza are also useful for asking and answering questions, even anonymously. Don’t hesitate to approach professors during office hours or via email for academic assistance.
Additionally, the university places a strong emphasis on mental health support. Utilize services like Nightline or reach out to your student advisor if you need help. Leveraging these resources can significantly enhance your university experience and well-being.
5. Take advantage of the Scot Card
The Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) is one of the best discoveries I made after a couple of months in Edinburgh. One of its standout perks is free bus travel for those under 22, allowing you to commute in Edinburgh and explore all of Scotland without worrying about transportation costs, thanks to the extensive bus network. Since getting the card, I’ve only paid for cabs that I took once in 2-3 months!
Beyond free bus travel, the NEC provides thousands of discounts at retailers and venues across Scotland, such as Scotmid, discounted train and ferry travel for 16-18-year-olds and full-time volunteers, and proof of age for various purposes. It also grants access to Young Scot Rewards and thousands of discounts across Europe with the European Youth Card Association (EYCA).
As you dive into university life in Edinburgh, get ready for the city’s wild weather—seriously, you can experience all four seasons in a single day! One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain, and don’t be surprised if you get a bit of snow too. But don’t worry, Edinburgh is full of cozy cafés and awesome restaurants where you can chill out and warm up. Many of them offer student discounts, so you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Fun fact: Edinburgh has so many places to eat and drink that you could try a new spot every week for a year and still have more to explore. So, grab your umbrella and get ready to discover your new favourite hangout!
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