Lauren from Canada talks about her life at Edinburgh Napier University.
"I love how Edinburgh Napier University feels like a community. Everyone is very welcoming, and it is very easy to make friends!"
I love how Edinburgh Napier University feels like a community. Everyone is welcoming, and it is very easy to make friends! The campus itself is lovely and has a lot of study areas and resources for students. For example, the publishing department has its own lab and work space, which is super nice for when assignments are due and the communal study spaces get busy.
In terms of the Universities support services, everyone at Edinburgh Napier is very nice. The people who work at the iPoint's across the various campuses are all very kind and willing to help you with any questions you have. The counselling services are also very helpful and provide a variety of resources if you are struggling to adjust or need support with mental health issues. There are also opportunities to get involved in different clubs and societies. I am involved in the Edinburgh Napier Big Read, which has been a wonderful experience so far. Through the society, I had the opportunity to bring free books to students across the University, which was absolutely fantastic, and I've become friends with everyone on the team!
"I began to research other places I could study, and Edinburgh Napier consistently came up as having one of the best publishing programmes."
I've wanted to work in the publishing industry for years, so when it came time to chose a postgraduate programme, I knew publishing was what I wanted to study. Before coming to Edinburgh Napier, I did a BA (Hons) in English and worked for a small publication as an editor throughout my degree. That experience solidified my passion to study publishing, and I was very excited about it! As publishing is not offered in Canada, I began to research other places I could study, and Edinburgh Napier consistently came up as having one of the best publishing programmes. This was perfect for me, because I had always wanted to visit Scotland, and it provided the opportunity for me to live here for a year and study something I love.
"The international team, professors, and students were all very welcoming, and made sure I felt at home even before I officially arrived."
After researching the University, I knew it would be a great fit for me. The international team, professors, and students were all very welcoming and made sure I felt at home even before I officially arrived. The course itself is absolutely wonderful. It has been everything I expected so far. There is a good mix of lectures and practical work, and the teaching staff are all really supportive. They are extremely welcoming, and you can tell right away that they really want you to succeed. I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings, and I would definitely recommend this course to anyone with an interest in books, magazines, and publishing!
"When I arrived in Edinburgh I fell in love with the city straight away, I absolutely love it!"
When I moved to Edinburgh, I was very nervous. It was the farthest I had ever been from home, and it was quite daunting. However, when I arrived in Edinburgh I fell in love with the city straight away, I absolutely love it! The city is so beautiful, and it is very easy to get around. The public transport is really good, and it is easy to get to all of the wonderful sights the city has to offer, as well as the University. I love the old feel of the city, and there is always something new I can enjoy on my days off. Many of which are free! I would definitely recommend seeing Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and Victoria Street. They are some of my favourite spots in the city. It is also very easy to get to other places in Scotland from Edinburgh. There are a variety of buses and trains that will take you wherever you want to go, and I've made use of them by travelling to Inverness, which is absolutely beautiful if you have a few days off!
"The programme has provided me with the knowledge I need for a successful career, and I have loved every minute of it so far."
After my time at Edinburgh Napier is over, I hope to work as an editor at a publishing house, preferably back in Canada, as I would like to be closer to my family. I am hoping to work in editorial, but I am also open to working in rights, as I have a newfound interest in the topic after taking the publishing course. The course has prepared me for a career in publishing and even provided experience in the industry through various events, networking opportunities and a placement. The programme has provided me with the knowledge I need for a successful career, and I have loved every minute of it so far. I don't have any plans to continue studying after I graduate and hope to enter the workforce after finishing my dissertation in August 2019.