The University of Edinburgh is, depending on what you want to gain from University, a great place to be. Ultimately, every student experience differs, but everybody tends to unite on the fact that the city is a fantastic place to be as a young adult. As an English Literature student, the bookshops everywhere offer a great way to engage with my course, and the standard of teaching is excellent. The tutors are a particular standout – they are always willing to offer help and are genuinely interested in the content.

Studying English and History at the University of Edinburgh has been, so far, a really interesting and engaging experience. There is a lot of choice regarding modules, meaning that you are able to specialise in areas that interest you, from the start. Of course, there are a few modules that you have to take – these tend to be more tedious, but the specified modules are incredibly engaging. I have also found the lecturers and tutorial leaders to be really interested in the topics of study, making for some fun sessions and in depth discussions that have been really valuable.
It’s a busy course, and there is an almost overwhelming amount of reading to do, but striking a balance between uni work, socialising, and sports is not too difficult, and has made for a really rewarding and fun experience! The course is sociable, and as the two disciplines dovetail so nicely together, there are plenty of others studying both history and English, meaning that its easy to find people to discuss things with, as well as to make friends.

Edinburgh University is a good university to attend if you spent your teen years at a private school or in an affluent area, most likely in South England. This being that the social sphere, teaching culture, and general environment mirrors what you will have been used to. If, like myself, you are not a part of this comparatively small section of the UK, you may find your time at Edinburgh University difficult, feeling overlooked, floundering and isolated.
While 93% of the British population attend public schools, we only make up 63% of the student body at Edinburgh Uni. This overrepresentation of privately-educated students is palpable in lectures, across societies, and even in wider uni life like nightlife and accommodation. At Edinburgh, it seems as if cliques from such-and-such school for girls and the-somebody-dead boys college have spread til they have a chokehold on Edinburgh University’s entire geography. Not only have these students had a higher quality of education meanings that you feel two-steps behind despite working twice as hard, they are also more likely to have accommodation paid for them and less likely to have to work jobs to sustain them while they are at the university, compounding that sense of being behind. This is also coupled with typically conservative attitudes, which often means those who are in any way marginalised stay silent in lectures, on the sidelines in societies, and regularly discriminated against in nightlife settings or the search for accommodation.
People often compare the ancient buildings in George Square to something out of Harry Potter. If Edinburgh University is Hogwarts, then its uneven social landscape echoes what came to light of the beloved children’s authors discriminatory views.

I stayed at the Warrender Park Crescent and was very pleased overall. It was about a 15 minute walk from George Square where most humanities courses are held, facing the Meadows. It was a very good location because you can see the park and Edinburgh Castle when you turn your eyes to the south.

The Programme had something to offer every class it was new fresh and informative. Every day felt like a new challenge. I was able to learn quickly and effectively Lifelong skills that I will take into my future field of work.

The University of Edinburgh is very focused on what would be termed as “self-study”, which in reality means that there is a distinct lack of in-person teaching (as a result of covid, or other factors). There is currently a great deal of striking, which has cut down the amount of teaching time available for students. Regarding student life, the city of Edinburgh has its charms – it is an extremely safe city, with free transport (if you apply for a ‘youngscot’ student card), and has a fantastic selection of bars and bookshops.

I am currently in my second year of study at Edinburgh, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities it has provided me with so far. I have studied a wide range of subjects, including Politics, Latin, and Art History. The chance to diversify your range of subjects really enriches your university experience and helps immensely with your ability to adapt to several areas in life. Being able to personalise your academic journey to such a high degree definitely gives you a unique education with a strong backing. I can definitely say that I never get bored! Apart from that, the English Literature department itself is fantastic-throughout remote learning last year I still felt that I was given an excellent education. Professors were always readily available via email for anything that I needed assistance with and were very enthusiastic both in class and outside it. Aside from the academics, the university is set in the gorgeous historic city of Edinburgh, which has the best of both urban and rural-you can be up Arthurs Seat seat in the morning and shopping on Princess street in the afternoon! It is definitely an inspiring place to live and really enriches the university experience. Student life is also fantastic, with lots of societies that link to the degree such as scriptwriting or slam poetry. Overall, I would recommend an English degree at the University of Edinburgh.

In my experience, The University of Edinburgh was the most solid and secure stepping stone I was fortunate enough to cross on my way to the real world. The thing that made the university really stand out for me is the diversity that can be found within it. From subjects, to buildings, to staff and to students, you will meet people and experience things from all walks of life. I studied English Literature and Italian, and found myself surrounded by some of the most intelligent, passionate and genuinely caring tutors I have ever met. My course was everything I expected it to be and more. Lessons are engaging and interactive, and I felt that everything was taught and learned with a view to helping everyone improve – students and tutors alike. The genuine love that my tutors had for their subject is what I enjoyed the most. Getting taught by someone who takes a genuine interest in what they teach, who they teach and why they teach it only makes students want to engage further, and, in the end, do better. As well as this, the location of the university couldn’t be better. You will study in the centre of the city, never far from cafes, bars, shops and clubs that are never empty of new people to meet. The student union is second to none, and provides a vast array of facilities from study spaces to bars, cafes and of course nightlife events. As well as this, should you want to meet like minded people, the union sets up events for specific interests such as open mic nights and slam poetry events. Many people will also live in student accommodation for their first year and later. I lived in halls during my first year, and the people I lived with went on to become my flatmates for the rest of my university career. Halls is a fantastic opportunity to meet people from all over the world and cultivate friendships you never thought you’d make. It’s a very special experience. There is also never a shortage of different events, programs and unions to get involved in. Whatever you are interested in, and in whatever field, there is an association for absolutely everyone. I would strongly recommend joining such programs, as it opens up a whole new world of people and experiences, all the while in keeping with your specific interests. I’ve recommended the university to all of my younger peers and would continue to do so as it really is a fantastic place to study – in the heart of the cultural capital of Scotland with all the buzz of city life, but at the same time, a rural sense of community with course mates and friends. The one thing I would say is always keep an umbrella, even in summer. You are in Scotland, after all!

The University of Edinburgh is definitely one of the best universities I so far encountered during my undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature. It provides first-class teaching, combined with the best state-of-the-art facilities (libraries, study halls, lecture theatres) and the latest academic resources. Apart from university life, the city of Edinburgh offers lots to explore. Many cultural events like the Fringe Festival or the Edinburgh Hogmanay are fantastic opportunities to learn about Scotland’s rich culture. Moreover, the city is in close approximation to surrounding regions and areas of interest like Glasgow, Newcastle and St. Andrews which are definitely worth to visit.

Altogether, Edinburgh is a great place to live and learn. You should definitely take your time there to explore not only the university life and the city itself but learn lots more about Scotland in general. And the University of Edinburgh can surely assist you with organising your explorations around the region!