Studying in Scotland: My Year-Long Grad School Experience 2007-8

It was late summer 2007. I had just graduated from college in New Hampshire and was getting ready to head off to grad school at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Before this, I had traveled twice through school to the British Isles (Ireland and England), and was now ready to explore further north, while earning my MSc in Osteoarcheology (the study of bones in an archeological context).

In late August I headed out of Boston to go across the Pond (Atlantic) once more. I always research before going on any trip, and had looked up the different steps I needed to take to get to my destination.

My plane landed in Glasgow, where a few weeks before there had been a terrorist attack. This did not deter me, since I figured it was the safest time to go with the heightened security.

I then took a bus over to Edinburgh, the capital city, and the place I would call home for the next year.

I arrived in St. Andrew's Square bus station and took a cab up the hill to my lodgings, which ended up being right off the Royal Mile near the castle!

Edinburgh Castle (from Prince's Street Gardens)

View out my window of Scott's Monument

 I signed in and was shown to my flat (apartment) that I would be sharing with 4 other girls. We each had our own rooms, and a shared kitchen and bathrooms. One of my flatmates was already there, and we went for a walk. I found out she was from Canada. My other 3 flatmates were from Taiwan, China and Ghana. We all got along fairly well, but I ended up hang out with other people I met elsewhere.

My 2nd day there we had an orientation meeting for the 3 buildings comprising Milnes Court. This is where I met one of my best friends, Sophia from L.A., who I shared many amazing adventures with, along with other friends, mostly who went to New College, right by where I was living!

New College

We all worshiped in several different churches together, including St. Giles Cathedral right on the cobble-stoned streets of the Royal Mile, a must see for all Edinburgh visitors!

St. Giles on the Royal Mile

Over my year spent there, I developed many friendships and explored many places.

Another place I recommend checking out if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, right near the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle.

me climbing Arthur's Seat

In the middle of this park it's like you aren't even in a city anymore, a much appreciated spot for country lovers like me to escape the hustle and bustle of city living!

Me in Holyrood Park

The swans agree, as they can be seen near the ponds in the park!

swan overlooking pond in Holyrood Park

I also got to explore several castles outside of Edinburgh with my friends, and ate at a variety of eateries like cafes and pubs, and Chinese and Indian restaurants, and even tried some haggis! (Very flavorful, and good in small quantities).

Craigmillar Castle outside of Edinburgh

 During classes, I learned more about anatomy and physiology, how different domesticated animal bones look, and what happens to bones over time and in different environments. I did my dissertation on exploiting the antler and researched about the ways people have used antlers, specifically roe deer antlers, since they are native to the British Isles, throughout time in the British Isles. I also did a hands on portion and actually got to make some of the items I found in my research!

Dissertation Antler items- digger, stamp, paralleliped die, cube die, gaming pieces, and pendant

About half way through the year, in February, I had to move because of dry rot. So I ended up down the street on the opposite end of the Royal Mile closer to Arthur's Seat.

view out my window of Arthur's Seat and rainobws

In early April, I took a day trip up to the Highlands. This is what many think of as the real Scotland, and I must agree! As far as cities go, I enjoy Edinburgh, but I prefer being out in the country! :)

While only long enough to whet my appetite for more, this day trip allowed me to see quite a bit in a short time. I went with Timberbush Tours, a small group tour company, and we headed out of the city on a snowy morning up north to explore mountains, lochs and castles.

We stopped at Glencoe, saw a hairy coo named Hamish, and got to go on a cruise on Loch Ness and wander around the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a good place to spot Nessie!

Highland Mountains

Hamish the Highland coo

Cruise on Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

And even though there was snow and rain on and off all day, the sun did make an appearance when it mattered the most, when we were on our cruise of the loch! A worthwhile experience, and one I hope to repeat soon!

Studying and living in another country is a great way to immerse yourself in another culture and broaden your perspective. I highly recommend the experience!

If you would like more information about traveling to Scotland, please check out VisitScotland's site here to explore places and things to do on your own Scottish adventure!

#Scotland #studyabroad