UK – Lilli J
Student: Lilli J
Course: Bachelor of Commerce
Program: Trimester Exchange T2 2024
I lived in Edinburgh, just outside the city centre, which meant I could enjoy a quieter neighbourhood but still be a short, easy bus ride away from all the action. Edinburgh felt like the perfect size, big enough that there was always something going on, but small enough to feel safe and easy to get around. I chose it because it’s in the UK (so English-speaking), has strong university life, and is close to an airport, which made weekend trips super convenient. The Scottish culture was really present in everyday life too, which made it feel special and different without being overwhelming.
One of the biggest differences I noticed between Edinburgh Napier and Deakin was how involved and social the university societies are. They’re a huge part of student life over there, and a great way to meet people. I lived in student accommodation with other exchange students, which meant I already had a little community around me from day one. We’d often explore Edinburgh together and plan weekend trips, which made the whole experience feel like one big adventure. Because most of us weren’t working while abroad, we had a lot of free time to make the most of our time overseas, and it was easy to bond over that shared experience.
I always knew I wanted to do a trimester abroad. I loved the idea of being able to live in another country for a few months with a 'home base,' rather than just visiting for a holiday. It was the best of both worlds; I got to travel and explore but kept up with my degree. I didn’t have to delay graduation, and I gained a totally new perspective along the way.
One of the more challenging parts of the experience was that, because of the way their academic year runs, I ended up taking mostly first-year electives. That meant the students in my classes were a bit younger and often at a very different stage of life. It made it harder to form close connections in class, especially being a bit older and coming in with an Australian accent. At times I felt a bit on the outside, but it also pushed me to connect more with the other exchange students and make the most of opportunities outside of class.
Looking back, I’d 100% recommend studying abroad to anyone considering it. It gave me the freedom to travel, meet people from all over the world, and experience life in a completely different setting – all while keeping up with my studies. It’s something I’ll always be proud of doing, and it helped me grow more independent and open-minded.