Student review [#15737] for English Literature
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!