This semester I have been studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. If anyone ever tells me they are thinking about studying abroad here, I will absolutely do my best to convince them to do it! Scotland itself is an incredibly beautiful country, but Edinburgh has a certain charm to it that I've never felt anywhere else, and the thought of leaving already makes me emotional. With about a month and a half left here, I will be trying to do as many new things as possible, but here are some of the things I've learned and my favorite experiences so far.
Edinburgh might be a city, but there is so much nature, and I think that's partly why it feels so different from other places. There are little parks along the streets, big meadows in the middle of the city center, and you are surrounded by mountains and hills pretty much everywhere you look. It's really nice to have the space to take some time to yourself—sit in the park and just breathe while looking at the mountains—then walk five minutes back to the library to finish your assignments.
Speaking of assignments, something that was a bit of a culture shock for me was the “pub culture” here. You're probably wondering what pubs have to do with assignments, and I would have thought the same thing. Before getting to Edinburgh, I knew that pubs were a big thing, especially since the legal drinking age here is 18 (drink responsibly), but it's quite different from what I expected. Pubs aren't just where people go out on weekends; they are part of daily life. Students will head into pubs on campus during the day and after class to sit down, study, and get some work done.
They are great spots for a comforting lunch or dinner and are a great place for connecting with people. Chatting with the bartenders and staff in local bars and with other customers allows you to make connections, make new friends, and hear some great stories. Pubs are really casual and comfortable spots, but some offer a bit more. For example, some of my favorite activities here have been going to pub quizzes (and losing) or catching the Formula 1 races on Sundays.
Another thing I've learned about Edinburgh is that it offers amazing access to different places and experiences. Because of its location and transportation services, there are so many activities you can do and places you can see just a 30–60 minute bus ride away. Feeling like going to the beach? Portobello Beach is about a 30-minute ride away and a perfect place to sit on the sand, collect some seashells, listen to the waves, and sip a coffee from one of the carts along the beach. In the mood for something a little more active? A little over an hour away, you can head into the hills to Swanston Farm and visit the Highland cows and some of the other animals you might see along the way. Getting to the cows is a bit of a hike, but absolutely worth it!
Studying abroad this fall in Edinburgh has been such an amazing experience, and I can't wait to discover more things to do in the time that's left. There is something here for everyone and so much to fall in love with, so if you are thinking about studying in Edinburgh, I can pretty much guarantee it will be worth it!
Eva Dudzinska
Fall 2025
GW Exchange - University of Edinburgh
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Environmental Studies Major