Lodan E

What does a typical day look like for you?

A perfect day starts with waking up early, having breakfast, and enjoying a cup of coffee before catching the bus to my lectures. But if I’m being honest, the more realistic version usually involves me rushing out the door, trying to catch the bus just in time, and grabbing a quick coffee from the café on campus.

Once I’m in class, the day flows between lectures, workshops, and studying with friends. I like to spend some time in the different cafés around campus to review notes or catch up on work before heading home to unwind. That doesn’t mean every day is the same. Each day brings something different like a new topic, a conversation, or a moment that makes student life in Edinburgh special.

Academic life in Biological Sciences is both challenging and rewarding. When classes are long, professors are kind enough to give us a 10-minute breather. For every course, we usually have a workshop right after, or at the end of the week where we can apply what we have learned by solving real-life problems. This approach, along with realistic questions, helps us prepare for what lies ahead in our future careers.

To stay on top of things, I like to review lecture notes and do some additional research to make sure all the concepts are clear. Since my background is in computer science, I often spend a bit more time reviewing the biology content to keep up with my classmates. Whenever I have questions, everyone, from professors to classmates, is always willing to discuss and clarify any unclear concepts.

Overall, academic life here has taught me how to manage my time, stay curious, and enjoy the process of learning both inside and outside the classroom.

What do you get up to in your free time?

In my free time, I like to get involved in causes I care about, especially those related to cancer research and awareness. I am very passionate about supporting people affected by cancer and am always looking for ways to contribute to the community. 

Recently, I decided to take part in the Young Lives vs Cancer 30 Miles in November Challenge to help raise awareness of cancer in children and young adults, as well as to raise donations to support the charity’s work. Preparing for the challenge and communicating with fellow participants has shown me how small individual efforts can come together to make a real difference. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and using these walks as a way to reflect and recharge between my studies.

Why did you choose Edinburgh?

As a Muslim girl, I was drawn to Edinburgh’s reputation for being welcoming and inclusive to people from all backgrounds and beliefs. I had also always heard wonderful things about the University of Edinburgh and was very curious to see what it had to offer. 

When I arrived, I was met with kindness, support, and genuine warmth from everyone I encountered, both within the university and in the wider community. Culturally and historically, the city is incredibly rich, and to me, it feels like a true blessing to experience and be part of such a vibrant and accepting place.

What do you wish you'd have known before starting your postgraduate studies?

I wish I hadn’t stressed so much about moving here. Everything eventually falls into place, and before you know it, Edinburgh starts to feel like home. I would tell anyone starting out to take it easy on yourself, especially if it’s your first time living alone or coming in as an international student. It can feel overwhelming at first, but everyone I’ve met here has been so kind and welcoming, which really helps you settle in quickly.

During my first few weeks, I learned how to cook, clean, and handle all the little things that come with living independently. It takes time to adjust, and that is completely okay. Once you settle in, you realize how many wonderful experiences are waiting for you here.

What are you hoping to do after graduation?

My dream is to work in paediatric precision medicine in oncology. I have always loved research and want to contribute to finding better, more personalised treatments for children with cancer. After graduation, I hope to continue in this field by doing a PhD, preferably in the UK and particularly in Edinburgh.

I’m currently exploring different PhD opportunities, but I would also be happy to take on a job if the right opportunity arises. In the future, I hope to build a career that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families.

This content has been created by one of our students who has been incentivised to tell their authentic story.