Embracing Fall in Edinburgh

This week marks my fifth week in Edinburgh, and time seems to crawl and fly by simultaneously. While I’ve settled into a routine and feel more at ease with the rhythm of the city, I still wake each morning slightly astonished that I am living abroad.

Although the novelty of my surroundings has softened as I have become acquainted with my new neighborhood, each day seems to unveil something new. One thing I have really been enjoying is the fall foliage, and I always make it a point to admire the beauty of the season’s transformations.

The biggest difference I have noticed between the United States and Scotland is the emphasis on work-life balance. Here, people make it a point to congregate in cafés, sprawl out on park lawns and chat in the streets during the week. It is not uncommon to see public spaces full during the middle of a workday. After 5 p.m., the campus empties, and evening classes are virtually unheard of. Compared to life in Austin, I spend more time exploring my surroundings, indulging in long afternoons with friends and embracing the simplicity of unwinding – even during the week.

Edinburgh’s natural beauty continues to captivate me. I’ve had the opportunity to visit many popular parks in the city, including various with scenic outlooks. There is a large nature preserve behind my flat, and I often stroll to the top of the hills with my flatmates in the evenings. The views from the top of the hill are truly spectacular, offering the perfect spot to admire both the endless cityscape and the untamed highlands that flank the city.

Another cherished spot is Arthur’s Seat, a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Though it’s often busy, the climb is rewarded by panoramic views and is my favorite spot to watch the sunset.

My academic schedule has been manageable thus far, and I have enjoyed learning in a slightly different model from that at The University of Texas at Austin. My science classes are formatted in a ‘flipped’ classroom style, meaning that students watch lectures and self-teach material. During the week, we have various supplemental sessions, including workshops, labs and collaborative assignments, dedicated to the application of the material, instead of traditional lectures where we are taught the material.

This new system has pushed me to refine my time management and study habits. I’ve carved out consistent study times each day and often find refuge in the city’s plethora of unique cafés and local coffee shops. Edinburgh’s café culture is an experience in itself – each neighborhood offers its own charm and flavor, making even the longest study sessions enjoyable.

Although I will always be slightly homesick and miss my friends and family in Texas, I can still communicate and stay in touch regularly with a little effort. As I look toward the months ahead, I’m filled with excitement for what’s still to come.

This post was contributed by Gabriella Mauldin, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Gabriella is a junior studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland.