This fall term, in my last year at Caltech, I decided to study abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK, through the Fellowships Advising and Study Abroad department at Caltech. Studying abroad has always been a childhood dream of mine, and these couple months at the University of Edinburgh have already been an exciting and enriching experience. Coming from Caltech, where the school is small and the academics are intense, I was curious to see how a semester in Scotland would compare. Now, I can confidently say that the change of pace, while refreshing, brings its own unique challenges and rewards.
One of the first things I noticed was the different living setups. I share a flat with 12 people; my flatmates come from various backgrounds, with a mix of international students and locals (though mostly first-years). Despite the size of our group, we’ve formed a friendly and supportive environment, and my flat has been a great way to feel connected to and be surrounded by others who want to learn more about the university and the city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a diverse city, and joining the African and Caribbean Student Society early on has helped me meet even more people from different cultures. This society has been one of the highlights of my time here so far.
The city of Edinburgh itself is absolutely beautiful. The stunning historic architecture and the surrounding landscape make for an inspiring backdrop to daily life and make me feel like I am in a princess movie. I haven’t had a chance to fully explore the city yet, but there’s something exciting about knowing that there’s so much to see. I also signed up for weekend trips through a group of international students called the Erasmus Student Network, which includes an upcoming adventure to the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands. Similarly, being in the UK makes travel around the rest of Europe much easier, and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of that. I currently have a weekend trip planned to Copenhagen, Denmark, and Paris, France!
Furthermore, the academic structure at Edinburgh is noticeably different from that of Caltech. Here, the workload is generally lighter, with fewer assignments throughout the term compared to Caltech’s weekly assignment structure. While this gives me more time to adjust to the new environment, it also feels like the calm before the storm, as things are expected to ramp up as exams approach. This is especially scary as the exams here are worth over 70% of your final grade (classwork isn’t worth much). Thus, finding a good study routine is something I need to work on to be ready in time for exams, but all and all, the workload is manageable.
One aspect of studying abroad I didn’t anticipate was how much easier it would be to balance my academics with applying for full-time software engineering jobs. Being a senior, this is a crucial time for job applications, and without the relentless pace of Caltech’s workload, I’ve had more time to prepare for coding interviews and apply to positions. It’s a relief to know that I can focus on my future career without sacrificing the abroad experience.
Overall, my time at Edinburgh so far has been a great mix of new experiences, both socially and academically. The flexibility of the schedule and the chance to travel around Europe makes it a unique opportunity for Caltech students who want to experience life in a different academic system. It’s an opportunity I’d recommend to anyone looking for a change of pace and a chance to grow in new ways.
