Wiktoria is originally Polish and grew up in Northern Ireland. She is interested in renewable energy, data analysis and policy. Outside of her studies and professional life, she enjoys bouldering, cycling and hillwalking. What attracted you to the University of Edinburgh and this programme, in particular?I was immediately attracted to Edinburgh University’s Chemical Engineering programme due to the flexibility of Scottish degrees. I initially enrolled as an MChem Chemistry student, but had the opportunity to change to Chemical Engineering after completing the required modules in my first year. The flexibility in course structure allowed me to make an informed decision on what I wanted to continue to study at university. What do you wish you'd worried about less about coming to university?I was worried about the course difficulty. The first year is set up so that everyone gets on the same page, with new material being presented in digestible amounts. This made it very manageable to keep up with the course material, all while making new friends and settling into a new city.What one thing would you recommend new students at the University of Edinburgh do?Explore the city! Edinburgh has a lot of gorgeous green spaces that take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Edinburgh is incredibly walkable, but the bus links are also great. If you have a Young Scot Card – make the most of it!What aspects of student life do you enjoy the most and why?I enjoy consistently being exposed to various opportunities. As a student, you have increased access to various events, e.g. social and career related events. These improve your quality of life and also set you up for life after graduation.What do you most like about studying here?I’ve enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. I also enjoyed learning a lot more about Scottish culture. I got the chance to participate in ceilidhs, Hogmanay and Burns Night events – these were all really fun!What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about your programme?Some concepts can be hard to grasp at first, and the volume of material can be overwhelming. However, it is rewarding to look back and see just how much you’ve learned, and how it applies to real life.What is your favourite course so far and why?Fluid Mechanics 4. It is definitely a challenging course, but once you get the hang of it, it’s second nature. It is a very satisfying course to study.How would you describe the practical elements of the programme?The most practical element is the Chemical Engineering Laboratory 3 course. This course definitely took up a large portion of my time in third year, but it helped me develop time management, report writing and data analysis skills.Where is your favourite place to study?I usually study in the Main University Library. I like to use the PCs there, but also enjoy the fact that the library is right next to the Meadows, so I can enjoy a walk there as a study break and grab a coffee from one of the stands!What are your tips for student life in Edinburgh?Attend as many events as you can – say yes to things you normally wouldn’t to. You will surprise yourself and make a lot of good connections!Can you tell us of any personal of professional achievements during your studies?I was able to secure a placement through networking with an employer at one of the Engineering careers fairs on campus. This opportunity was invaluable in improving my CV and made it much easier to apply to further internships down the line.How is your programme equipping you for your future career?The Chemical Engineering programme improved my data analysis, report writing and team working skills, which are invaluable for a lot of career paths. I feel that the programme sets you up well wherever you decide to work in the future. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of studying at the University of Edinburgh?If you are seriously considering the University of Edinburgh, take a deep look into the modules on offer for your desired course. You might be able to avail yourself of the programme flexibility just like I did! This article was published on 2025-01-22