Finding community as a postgraduate student
By Lydia, from the USA, studying MSc Intellectual History.
Hi everyone! My name is Lydia! I am a current postgraduate student in the Intellectual History programme and am from the United States. When I moved to Edinburgh, I had never been before, knew no one, and had no idea where to start finding community.
I had such a deep community of friends from my undergraduate institution and I was nervous about finding a group of friends in such a new place and during such a big transition. However, I have met so many incredible people throughout my time in Edinburgh who have made my experience unforgettable.
Friends at a University of Edinburgh rugby match
My coursemates
It sounds cliche, but I have found the strongest sense of community through my academic cohort and coursemates! My friends in my classes and throughout the programme are encouraging and have been such a wonderful support network throughout my masters thus far.
We all met during the first welcome lecture of Welcome Week in September and just clicked! However, I remember I was so nervous that morning. I was nervous about where I was going to sit in the lecture theatre, who I would talk to at lunch, and who I would meet. But once I got there, I was surprised to see that everyone was looking for the same community I was!
Since my programme has a lot of international students, it was incredible to meet people from all over the globe. I now have friends from France, Australia, Scotland, Canada, and the States. Since we are all in the same programme, though studying different types and eras of history, it has been special to share our passions and niche interests while also being able to bounce ideas off each other and proofread papers.
It’s been amazing to not only grow academically alongside them but also create lasting friendships that extend beyond the classroom. Every week, we go to a pub quiz together and often go on walks throughout the week to decompress.
Since history is one of our shared passions, we have also been on a few weekend trips to explore Scotland’s rich history. One of our favorite day trips was to Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots! Walking through the ruins of Linlithgow Palace was truly surreal; it felt like we were transported back in time.
I never could have anticipated finding such a tight-knit, supportive, and inspiring group of friends, but now, I can’t imagine this experience without them.
Post-class trip up Calton Hill on Guy Fawkes Night
Other ways to build community
Once you get to Edinburgh, there are many ways to find community and a support network. The University offers an incredible variety of societies through the Student Association, catering to a wide range of interests, from academic and professional groups to cultural, artistic, and hobby-based communities.
One of the best ways to discover these societies is by attending the Welcome Week fairs, where you can explore all the different groups, ask questions, and sign up for the ones that interest you. These events and fairs are great since they are designed to introduce you to campus life and are a fantastic opportunity to meet other students!
Exploring societies at the University of Edinburgh
The University also has numerous cultural and nationality-based societies for international students that offer a sense of belonging and a space to share traditions and experiences. For example, the North American society hosts events for students from the States and Canada, like a Superbowl watch party and (both Canadian and American) Thanksgiving!
Beyond societies, there are plenty of other ways to meet people and get involved, which I have loved exploring since I’ve been here. There are also group workout classes at the Pleasance Gym, running clubs all over the city, volunteering events, University support services, ResLife events (specifically if you are in university accommodation), and lots of local events and happenings all around the city!
In front of Edinburgh Castle during a Ghost Bus Tour! I recommend, especially around Halloween!
Embrace the change and excitement of getting to meet new people
Remember to enjoy the butterflies, almost everyone is in the same position as you and will want to find community too! I have also found that staying connected to my life back home has been a comfort; talking with my friends back home or keeping in touch via social media is a small comfort while I am so far away.
Embracing new friendships and the connections from home has created a perfect balance, allowing me to feel grounded while still immersing myself in this new chapter. Small acts of intentionality make all the difference, whether through joining a club, attending social events, or even just striking up a conversation with a classmate.
Finding a community can take time, but in my experience, it has transformed my time throughout my masters and has truly made Edinburgh a home away from home.
