Blue skies, golden lands – A new beginning in Edinburgh’s hands
By Pranshi, from India, studying MSc Accounting and Finance.
Stepping into the unknown
Moving to a new country for masters study can be both exciting and intimidating—especially when you’re leaving the comfort of your home, your people, and the world you’ve always known. I still remember the whirlwind of emotions as I prepared to leave my home country for Edinburgh. There was hope, there was fear, and there was a silent question echoing in my mind: “Will I feel at home in this new land?”
Edinburgh felt like stepping into the unknown. A city rich in history, culture, and stories, yet unfamiliar in its ways. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but I carried with me the dreams of something new—something life-changing.
Now, as I look back, I realise there are a few things I wish I had known before landing here—things that would’ve made the journey smoother, the transition gentler, and the homesickness easier.
Weathering the weather – one layer at a time
One of the first things I had to adjust to, rather quickly, was the weather. Edinburgh’s climate is a moody affair, with sun, rain, and wind often playing tag in a single afternoon.
Think cozy and light: a good-quality waterproof jacket is essential, along with warm knits, sturdy shoes for those beautiful but bumpy cobbled streets, and gloves for the biting breeze.
You might just experience all four seasons in a single day, so being prepared makes a world of difference. The silver lining? Edinburgh’s parks and gardens look magical in any weather—so keep your camera handy for those rare sun-kissed moments when the city sparkles in gold.
One moment it’s bright, the next a breeze,
Then comes the drizzle that hugs your knees.
But don’t let the chill steal your glow—just layer up and go with the flow.
Layers are key, trust me on that,
You’ll thank yourself for wearing a hat!
Finding food from home and a taste of Scotland
After the weather, the next big change—and perhaps the most heartfelt one—was food. For many Indian students like me, food is more than just a meal. It’s a memory, emotion, and a piece of home on every plate. I was excited to try Scottish dishes and explore local cafés, but there were days when I missed the crackle of mustard seeds in hot oil, the comfort of homemade dal, or simply the joy of chai on a rainy afternoon.
There’s a saying that goes, “Home is where your spices are,” and I found that to be true. While settling into my new life, the craving for familiar flavours wasn’t far behind. But thankfully, Edinburgh didn’t make me search for long.
Whether I was cooking comfort food after class or missing a taste from back home, these stores became my regular stops. When I needed a break from cooking, restaurants like Dishoom or Chakoo felt like a piece of home away from home, serving flavourful meals that hit just the right note of nostalgia.
For the more adventurous, there’s Edinburgh’s Farmers’ Market, where local meets global in the most delightful way. Blending Scottish produce with Indian cooking became my little experiment—like kale in a saag, or roasted root vegetables with masala spices. It was here I learned that adapting doesn’t mean forgetting—it means creating new memories with old ingredients.
From Sainsbury’s to Tesco, and even Asda’s aisles,
You’ll find the spices that bring back smiles.
Lentils, basmati, turmeric gold,
In shelves of warmth, a story told.
So yes, food became my comfort and my cure.
A reminder that while everything felt new,
Some things, like flavour, always endure.
And in every bite, I found a bridge—
Between who I was and who I’m becoming too.
Festivals, friendships, and the feeling of home
But even as food brought comfort and weather became routine, what truly made Edinburgh feel like home was the people I met along the way. In the beginning, the quiet moments hit the hardest—the ones where I would usually have friends or family around. It’s not just the big things you miss, it’s the little things too: shared laughter over dinner, the warmth of a festival, or just someone to talk to after a long day.
Thankfully, those little things started finding their way back to me. Edinburgh, with its open arms and vibrant student life, made it easier to connect. I met people from all corners of the world, each of us carrying stories, dreams, and a shared willingness to belong. We were strangers in a new land, but that made it easier to become friends. Some of those bonds grew over a shared meal or a walk-through Princes Street Gardens; others sparked in student societies, where like-minded people gathered not just to socialise, but to support one another.
I joined the Indian Society, and suddenly, things felt a little more familiar. There were potlucks that felt like family dinners, music that echoed memories of home, and Diwali nights where lights and laughter filled the room. But what made it even more special was how this city let me celebrate new things too—Christmas markets, Hogmanay fireworks, and even learning the steps of a ceilidh dance with friends from different cultures.
It was in these moments—sharing festivals, traditions, and stories—that I realised I wasn’t alone. I was building a second home, one friend, one celebration, and one heartfelt conversation at a time.
From Holi’s colours to Edinburgh’s snowy streets,
From Diwali diyas to Christmas treats,
I learned that you don’t have to choose between old and new—
You can belong to both and still be true.
A journey just beginning
Looking back, it’s not just about the lectures, the landmarks, or the late-night study sessions. It’s about the quiet growth—the way I found comfort in chaos, and clarity in uncertainty. Edinburgh taught me that it’s okay to miss home while making a new one. That adjusting to change isn’t about leaving your past behind but carrying it with pride into your future.
So, to anyone wondering whether they’ll fit in, find their rhythm, or feel at home—believe me, you will. It won’t happen all at once. But slowly, surely, this city will grow into your story. And someday, you’ll look back—just like I did—and realise that your journey didn’t just begin in Edinburgh.
