“It was clear to me that I was going to study in the United Kingdom.”

A student at Sciences Po Paris, Adele chose to go to Edinburgh for a university exchange abroad. She explains her desire to live in the United Kingdom: “I love the eclecticism and cultural diversity of big cities like London and Edinburgh!”

Adèle Lavalaye is a third-year student at Sciences Po Paris. Like all scientists, he must complete a year of university exchange abroad before returning to his school for a master's degree. If Sciences Po offers 480 universities in 87 different countries, the choice was clear for Adele: “United Kingdom is the country of my heart. The country has interested me for years in terms of culture – I love British music and literature – but also in terms of landscapes..”

Studying in the UK: The Complete Guide

“I amI used to visit England a lot when I was younger, and the country was always fascinating. I love the eclecticism and cultural diversity of big cities like London and Edinburgh!”, Adele explains to us. So, it was only natural that he applied to the University of Edinburgh, which accepted him. There he studied Political Science and British Literature.

A rich and engaging educational experience at the University of Edinburgh

To stay in the UK for more than six months, Adele had to apply for a student visa. While administrative procedures were a burden to many French people, for Adele it was a formality: “Since I did it on time, everything was very simple for me..”

Once she arrived in Edinburgh, Adele was able to observe Scottish university activities, which she loved:Being uncomfortable with group work and presentations, I really appreciate the prominent place given to individual work in the Scottish setting. I love working in my corner, in a small cafe or on my bed, and Scottish University fulfills me in this regard!”.

In France, I had the impression that people were a lot of judgement, whereas here it is not.

The academic format of the university is characterized by many discussions between students and professors, which is very “pleasantWritten by Adele Lavallee. “In France, I had the impression that people were a lot of judgement, whereas here it is not. Courses are highly participatory and collaborative”.

The small number of students in the classes also seems to be a major advantage: “We are only ten students which makes communication between students and teacher easier.”.

Adèle Lavalaye's advice for settling well in the United Kingdom

Asked what advice she would give to future French students in the United Kingdom, Adele answers without hesitation: “Know the weather!”. According to her, “We should know that it will not be like in the countries of Southern Europe for example”. If the Scottish weather doesn't bother her, she “should”.Be prepared to face wind, rain, cold…”. Also, he likes to emphasize “Habits also change compared to France”. For example, the British eat dinner at 6 o'clock. “Of course, this is not an obligation as a student“, she notes,”But it's good to know more”.

As for recommendations if you're in Edinburgh, Adele advises everyone to visit the Museum, the National Museum of Scotland.Big and wonderful” and the National Portrait Gallery. In Glasgow, “You must visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery”.

Chethams Library in Manchester Adele's latest must see: “For the record, Karl Marx and Engels wrote the Communist Manifesto there”.