Ita

Ita is a theatre, old movies and book lover, currently studying MA Archaeology and Social Anthropology.

What attracted you to the University of Edinburgh and this programme, in particular?

I have been attracted to Edinburgh mostly by its course structure – the 4-year duration of the programme and a great degree of flexibility in choosing my courses. All this meant that I would be able to get to know myself a bit more before thinking about next steps after my UG degree and explore my chosen subject in more detail. The joint degree appealed to me in particular as it allows me to study both the past and the present and see their similarities and differences more clearly.

What do you wish you'd worried about less about coming to university?

My main worry when coming to university was being completely on my own. However, as it turned out, I have not been alone. Of course, I have been responsible for many things, but if I needed help, there was always someone to support me. And this made all the difference. Therefore, I wished I worried less about that.

What one thing would you recommend new students at the University of Edinburgh do?

Check out all the different facilities (e.g. libraries, student research rooms, study spaces, etc.) that are available to you. This way you will be able to benefit most from your studies. Also, do take time to get to know people affiliated with your department (e.g. in the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Careers Service, etc.) – it will help you find support when you need it.

Any student wisdom you'd like to pass on?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and there are really fantastic people to support you. If you don’t feel like talking to a member of staff, you can always try one of the Peer Support networks, whether within your department or university –wide.

What's your best advice for overseas students?

Edinburgh is a multi-cultural and diverse city, so you will be able to find things that will remind you of home (it does help when you start feeling home sick). Moreover, there are multiple region-based societies that you can join, whether you want to stay in touch with people from your country or check out something new.

What do you most like about studying here?      

The flexible learning schedule. I’m very much in charge of my own learning process and can therefore use my time more efficiently. Moreover, it allows me to focus on things that I particularly enjoy rather than having to study things that I do not like (especially in honours years).

Additionally, I love the fact that the University is an integral part of the city – there are no walls separating the campuses and city space. You really feel like you are a part of |Edinburgh and not just a passing student.

What is your favourite course so far and why?

Contagion and Scientific Methods in Bioarchaeology – can’t decide between the two. Contagion focuses on infectious diseases and their impacts on human populations. It also underlines the interconnectedness of biology, culture, and politics. Scientific Methods..., on the other hand, introduced me to the wonderful techniques we can use to study past populations (and much more) while simultaneously showing me their limitations. Besides, both courses do complement each other really well.

How is your programme equipping you for your future career?

It gives me good, solid basis on which to build while also allowing me to get to know myself and what I really want to do in life. Moreover, through the events organised by the Careers Service, I came to realise that many paths are open to me and I’m by no means limited to the subjects which I have been studying.