Here's how my experience went...

Like any other student, leaving the comfort of familiarity and going to an unknown country, seemed daunting to me, but at the same time exciting and fresh.

I was unsure of how well I would be able to cope with the new people, new surroundings, my academics, new weather and the thought of having to do everything on my own was also challenging at the very least.

When the day of travel finally arrived, I was anxious and scared, heart-beating fast, sweating all over. My parents and friends came to drop me at the airport. Having to go beyond the doors leaving all my loved ones behind was one of the most difficult things I have had to do. Trying to hide my tears, I somehow managed to go inside and waited with bated breath for my flight check-in announcement to take place.

With my luggage boarded on the plane, I reminisced about all that I am leaving behind but tried to get excited about all that I am about to experience in a year full of challenges and exciting new memories. After travelling for 6 hours and rushing through my transition at Qatar, by the time I finally boarded the plane to Edinburgh, I was exhausted beyond words.

As soon as I landed, the city has been nothing but welcoming. I was waiting anxiously for all my luggage to arrive and while I successfully got them out of the luggage belt, I did not have a trolley to put them on and carry. A gentleman was kind enough to watch my luggage while I fetched my trolley and put all 4 of my heavy bags on the trolley without me even asking for help! I was taken aback at the kindness and thanked him before boarding the taxi on my way to Heriot-Watt University!

I moved into the Leonard Horner Hall, again with the help of a few university students who saw me struggling and volunteered to help. My extremely friendly and helpful flat mates also introduced themselves and made me feel a bit at ease with everything new around. The sight of the 'Heriot-Watt University' sign at the front gate, the rush of emotions when I realized I made it alone, the realization that I would get to study the course I wanted at the University with extremely talented classmates and qualified teachers made me feel a sense of accomplishment.

The campus was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, when the sun shines after a bout of rain and the rain drops on the grass sparkle and sway to and fro in the gentle breeze, it has the potential to calm a restless mind thousands of kilometers away from loved ones.

My favourite part is watching the swans by the lake, the water is calm and all the wildlife around, just majestic! I have also gotten to pet numerous cute dogs in this pet friendly campus, and it has been extremely fun! The student union cafeteria has amazing food at affordable prices, if you are craving some! The night life of the city is amazing, too! After an exhausting week you can go out on the weekends and relieve some stress and have fun.

Even though I am still new to this city, this country, it has made such a good first impression on me that I can't even express in words. If you are reading this and you are someone contemplating about taking the leap of faith, or are just anxious about the move, I assure you, you will get help whenever you ask for it, and sometimes even without asking. Come and make all your dreams come true, get out of your comfort zone, chase your dreams, run, fall, get-up, grow, study hard, get pushed to your limits and achieve things you had never thought you would. The city will welcome you with open arms if you let it!

This blog was written by Sutrina an Actuarial Science student.