Camilla Casarotto – PG, Italy
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh?
I’ve always been attracted to the city, with its many cafés, bookshops, and fascinating history. I guess I’ve always felt drawn to Edinburgh, and when I finally got the chance to visit – about seven months before moving here – I completely fell in love with it. It just felt like somewhere I could see myself living and studying.
What factors influenced this choice over other destinations?
I’m from Italy, but I’ve always wanted to work in an English-speaking country. When deciding where to apply, I knew I wanted to experience living in Scotland – I had always heard so many great things about the country and its people. I was accepted to a few other universities in bigger cities across the UK, but I preferred the idea of living in a medium-sized, international city rather than a huge metropolis. Edinburgh felt like the perfect balance: international and lively, but still small enough to feel like a real community.
How important was cost in your decision-making?
Cost definitely played a big role. I always knew I wanted to move abroad after my undergraduate degree, so I chose a bachelor’s degree close to home to save as much as I could and make it possible for me to come to Edinburgh. It wasn’t always easy, but the university offers international students a range of scholarship opportunities, and there are plenty of ways to live in the city without spending too much. I’d say it’s a very student-friendly place, with lots of great deals and discounts, especially in grocery shops, but also in pubs and other stores!
Why did you choose your particular institution or program?
I spent weeks researching universities across the UK, and Edinburgh Napier kept popping up because of its impressive student satisfaction scores and the quality of its education. Once I had narrowed my choice down to Edinburgh, cost also became an important factor, as the other institutions in the city were either very expensive or didn’t offer the course I was looking for.
How does studying in Edinburgh compare with your expectations?
I had high expectations, and Edinburgh definitely didn’t disappoint! Living here has been everything I could have asked for. I’ve met so many amazing people, discovered beautiful places, and had experiences I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The city really is magical, but it’s also very young and vibrant because it’s so full of students. I think that makes it particularly easy to meet people and form meaningful connections.
Would you recommend Edinburgh to other international students? Why?
I would definitely recommend coming to study in Edinburgh! There’s honestly no city quite like it. It has such a unique atmosphere, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who regretted choosing to come here. I’ve made friends from all over the world, and I think that says a lot about the city itself. In fact, many of my international friends and I loved Edinburgh so much that we decided to stay even after finishing our courses. For me, that probably says it all!
Adelin – UG, USA
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh?
In all honesty, I chose Edinburgh before I chose Napier. Having the opportunity to join the rich student community in the city was a large part of my decision. The rich cultural history I am now surrounded by is truly fascinating and provides a stark contrast to the country I am from. As home to the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh has a very developed art community that fights to maintain careers in the arts.
What factors influenced this choice over other destinations?
The strong focus on quality of life in Scotland is something that influenced my decision to commit to Edinburgh. From my perspective as a US student, there is a strong social investment in creating and maintaining systems that protect the citizens of Scotland – from free bus travel programs and free higher education for Scottish students to free healthcare and dozens of dedicated charities. The city is also a hub for international students and residents who contribute to the blending of cultures and people that define Edinburgh.
How important was cost in your decision making?
The financial aspect of attending university was a key part of my applications. Attending a US college in-state and living at home would have been the most financially conservative decision. Given the college affordability crisis in the US, attending other US colleges I was considering would have been a significant financial burden; many even more so than moving abroad for university has been. The cost of tuition definitely contributed to my selection of Napier but was not the main factor. The financial aspect was more of a price I was willing to pay in order to receive the education from our incredible English department in a city which has allowed me to grow so much as a student and individual.
Why did you choose your particular institution or program?
I chose Napier because of the incredible English department, which I have been very lucky to work with during my bachelor’s degree. As a modern university, Napier aims to apply a certain level of practical, career-based learning, which I initially found very interesting. The English program and many others at Napier offer many joint modules that allow students from adjacent degrees to study together. Through this opportunity, I have had the opportunity to study and analyse film, artwork, and theatrical performance.
How does studying in Edinburgh compare with your expectations?
Despite having very high expectations for my studies in Edinburgh, my experience so far has undoubtedly exceeded them. I have really enjoyed the duality of living in a university city which benefits from the universities but does not revolve around them. Edinburgh is able to maintain itself as both a historically rich and beautiful city as well as being a hub for student life and events. The welcoming environment at Napier in particular was also a very welcome surprise. I felt immediately once I arrived that I blended in with the multicultural student population, which itself stands out.
Would you recommend Edinburgh to other international students and why?
I would without hesitation recommend Edinburgh to any international students considering moving abroad for university. The city is so vast and intercultural that there is a place and well-formed community for all types of students. The physical beauty of the city and Scotland as a whole is certainly a large part of the quality of life as well. At risk of sounding cliché, the city is breathtaking. Edinburgh is formed by cobbled alleyways, towering historical monuments, and stunning natural landscapes that inspire the creativity of its students, myself included.
Ammar Yunnus – PG, Turkey
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh?
I chose to study in Edinburgh simply because it is a big city, and I think this makes a huge difference for any international student. Living in a big city means that in addition to many social activities we can enjoy, having plenty of work and volunteering opportunities makes the experience financially much easier to manage.
What factors influenced this choice over other destinations?
There were several factors that influenced my choice. One of them was the nature of Edinburgh as a city, as mentioned earlier. I saw Napier as a good option as per the testimonials of previous peer students with the university. Also, the program itself was an important factor. The subjects and modules offered by Napier for the master’s program were very close to what I wanted to learn more about in my field, in digital marketing, so, I felt that the program matched my interests and the direction I wanted to develop in my career. Additionally, staying in a city like Edinburgh sounded like the perfect choice for me to go with.
How important was cost in your decision-making?
I was lucky to receive the GREAT Scholarship for academic excellence, which covered around 50% of the total cost of my master’s program. This made studying in Edinburgh and at Edinburgh Napier University much more financially manageable for me. Accordingly, I would say cost was very important in my decision-making process because I didn’t think it was a good idea to choose a place that was beyond my financial ability and then be under financial pressure throughout my studies.
Why did you choose your particular institution or program?
I chose Edinburgh Napier University for several reasons. Firstly, the content of the program and the modules matched very well with what I wanted to study and learn more about in my field. Secondly, the prestige of the university and student satisfaction was also important to me. I looked at feedback and experiences from previous students. Many of them were very satisfied with their experience at Napier, which gave me more confidence in my choice. Finally, the accreditation of my course was another important factor. The master’s program I chose is accredited by CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing), which is a well-recognised professional body in the marketing field. I felt that this accreditation would add value to my degree and also support my future career in marketing.
How does studying in Edinburgh compare with your expectations?
It was different from what I expected, but I would say that the positive side was much greater.
There were some things I did not expect to affect me as much. For example, the weather was something I found difficult at first. Also, the fact that the city becomes quiet and many places close early was different from what I was used to in the Middle East. This meant that I had to make some changes to my daily routine and adapt to a new lifestyle here, but overall, these were the things I would say that I needed some time to get used to.
Would you recommend Edinburgh to other international students? Why?
Absolutely yes, living in Edinburgh is definitely a good choice and totally worth it. The reason for that is the total of all the factors I mentioned, such as the accessibility of everything and how very rich the city is in terms of opportunities and options to have a good time.
Amalia Corona – UG, Mexico
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh?
I chose to study in Edinburgh because of its diversity, landscapes, and architecture. When I first visited the city, even though my stay was quite short, I was immediately mesmerized by it. At the time, I was studying my foundation degree in Bournemouth, England. While the small southern town has its own charm, I never really felt that I belonged there. Edinburgh felt very different, it has a vibrant student community and so much to explore, which was a big part of my decision.
What factors influenced this choice over other destinations?
I enjoy going out, exploring new places, and visiting galleries and museums, and I felt that Edinburgh offered the perfect balance of all these things. Compared with other destinations I considered, it felt like a city where I could enjoy a rich cultural experience while still having a strong sense of community.
How important was cost in your decision-making?
Cost was also a consideration when making my decision, as studying abroad involves a lot of financial planning. However, my choice was not based on cost alone. I was looking for a place where I would enjoy living and studying, and where the overall experience would feel worthwhile.
Why did you choose your particular institution or program?
I chose to study BA (Hons) Mass Communications at Edinburgh Napier University because of what the program offered. I was particularly attracted to the up-to-date modules, which are designed around the skills and knowledge needed in the workforce. The opportunity to complete a placement was also important to me, as it allows students to explore their area of study further while gaining valuable practical experience.
How does studying in Edinburgh compare with your expectations?
Studying in Edinburgh has lived up to my expectations and, in many ways, exceeded them. The city has the culture, history, and beautiful surroundings that initially attracted me, but I have also really enjoyed being part of its student community and experiencing life here for myself.
Would you recommend Edinburgh to other international students? Why?
I would definitely recommend Edinburgh to other international students. I think it is a very student- and young-person-driven city, with plenty to do and discover. For me, it offers a great way to learn independence and experience city life without some of the challenges that can come with living in a much larger and busier city like London.
Diana Mathangani – PG, USA
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh?
I chose to study in Edinburgh to fulfill a desire to move abroad. I was at a turning point in my career where I felt I advanced as far as I could in my previous industry and felt a need for a pivot. I had heard wonderful things about Edinburgh in particular, and figured I was in good company knowing the city hosts and houses a large population of international tourists and residents.
What factors influenced this choice over other destinations?
I chose Edinburgh over other destinations because it is predominantly English speaking, which I felt made for an easier transition and adjustment moving and living in a new country. I had always heard great things from other friends and online forums about how beautiful Scotland is and how friendly and welcoming the locals are. Finally, I felt it was a safe and viable option, with a potential opportunity to branch out further if my move and time spent here was successful.
How important was cost in your decision-making?
Cost was very important in my decision to apply for a school in the UK. For many prominent universities in the US, costs were triple or even quadruple as much for a master’s degree, with a standard commitment of two years, as opposed to one-year postgraduate programs I researched in the UK.
Why did you choose your particular institution or program?
I found Napier to offer niche programs often intertwining multiple disciplines. The flexibility and uniqueness of Napier’s offerings stood out, compared to other classical programs at comparable elite universities.
How does studying in Edinburgh compare with your expectations?
Studying in Edinburgh has exceeded my expectations. I was nervous, having gone a decade since my last degree pursuit. But I felt my professors were equipped in not only teaching the courses but also having personal expertise in their respective fields. I felt there was always guidance when I needed it, and I was able to challenge myself. I also found a cohort of fellow older international students studying Tourism who I was able to relate to and lean on, which made the adjustment much easier and less lonely.
Would you recommend Edinburgh to other international students? Why?
I would highly recommend studying in Edinburgh to other international students. I have found that the adjustment to living here has been smooth and been able to meet people from all walks of life and share our experiences and stories. I have been fortunate to make local friends as well to better understand the rich culture and history of Scotland through a Scot’s eyes.
