Mariah Magonda

Final year

Mariah, from England, is studying Civil Engineering.

What made you choose Heriot-Watt University?

I chose Heriot-Watt University because of its strong reputation in my chosen field of study. Additionally, the university's international diversity and the opportunity to participate in the Go Global inter-campus exchange program were appealing factors for me because I wanted to be able to travel and experience different cultures while pursuing my education. My decision was set for me once I attended a UCAS fair in my region and had the chance to speak with current students and faculty members from Heriot-Watt. They were very kind and helpful, and they spoke highly of the academic programs and support available at the university. And it made me feel that I could thrive academically and personally during my time at Heriot-Watt. Once I attended an open day with family and had the chance to tour the campus and see the facilities, I was even more impressed. I liked how everything was on campus and easily accessible, from the library to the sports facilities and student union. The green spaces and beautiful scenery also appealed to me, as I value a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment for studying.

What programme are you studying and what’s your experience been like so far?

I am currently pursuing my MEng in Civil Engineering at Heriot-Watt University. I am currently in my final year of study and reflecting on my experience so far, it has been challenging yet rewarding. The program has provided me with a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in civil engineering. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical lab sessions, I have gained a deep understanding of various areas within civil engineering, including structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management. I have also had the opportunity to work on several real-world projects, both individually and in a team, which has allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop my problem-solving and teamwork skills. I feel somewhat prepared to enter the workforce as a civil engineer, thanks to the experience I have gained at Heriot-Watt.

How did you find settling in at university?

Initially, I was both nervous and excited about settling in at university. I was unsure about being far from home and facing the challenges of living independently. Before freshers, there were opportunities to connect with other incoming students through online forums and social media groups, which helped alleviate some of my concerns. Once I arrived on campus, I found the orientation and welcome activities to be incredibly helpful in getting acquainted with the university and meeting new people. There are a lot of social events that cater to everyone's interests and hobbies, which made it easier to find like-minded individuals and make friends. If I had any queries no matter how trivial or complex, there were always staff members and student support services happy to help.

What extra-curricular activities have you gotten involved with?

I was most active in extra-curricular activities during my first year at Heriot-Watt. I joined a few societies and clubs. Participated in some volunteering activities, which I joined through the university's Volunteering Hub. I am more of a butterfly when it comes to extra-curricular activities, as I enjoy exploring different interests and trying new things as well as supporting friends in their pursuits. There were lots of opportunities to get involved in stuff as there activities happening throughout the academic year, such as sports tournaments, cultural events, and fundraising campaigns.

What’s was it like living on campus?

Living on campus at Heriot-Watt was a convenient and enjoyable experience. It provided proximity to campus and easy access to educational resources. Additionally, there were various shops available on campus for essential groceries. However, for a wider variety of options and fresh produce, it was necessary to rely on transportation or the assistance of friends and family who would bulk cook me food so that I didn't have to depend solely on the on-campus shops. As Tesco and other places were quite far from the campus without a car. I'm night owl so I prefer to do my shopping later in the evening, but unfortunately, most of the on-campus shops closed at like 7. And the 62 bus needed for Tesco was not always reliable.

Also, the non-stop fire alarms when people burnt toast and the loud music of peoples pre's is not something I miss. However living on campus in your 1st year of university makes it easier to socialise and connect with other students, which can enhance the overall university experience. I chose to move out of campus after my first year to have more independence and experience living in a different environment. (like a real adult lol).

Where are you living this year? What’s it like?

This year, I am living off-campus. And have been for the past 3 and bit years. I privately rent a flat in Slateford and so far, it has been good. I live between the campus and the city centre, which gives me easy access to both academic resources and social activities. I live just off the main road, so I have access to buses that go straight to campus. The accommodation team at the university also helped me find this flat, as they provided me with a list of letting agents and housing websites to assist in my search for off-campus accommodation.

What’s your experience of living near Edinburgh?

Living in Edinburgh has been an incredible experience. I got to explore the beautiful city, visit iconic landmarks like Arthur's Seat, and immerse myself in the rich history and culture. Edinburgh is quite a central place to be as you're not far from Stirling, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Dundee, and other nearby cities, so there are plenty of opportunities for day trips and exploring the surrounding areas. There are so many things to do in Edinburgh, from going on nights out and enjoying the vibrant nightlife to participating in fun activities like escape rooms which I enjoyed as well as attending ceilidhs and cultural events with friends.

Overall, my experience of living in Edinburgh has been enjoyable and I highly recommend it to anyone considering studying or living in the area.

Did you travel home often?

I went home quite frequently, as I get homesick quite a bit and found it comforting to spend time with family and friends. However, I also made an effort to balance my visits with making the most of my time in Edinburgh. There are various ways of travelling and alot of student discounts available (which I used all the time) to make the journey more affordable. Now I take coach and even though its a long journey, I use the time to relax and catch up on work, which is quite useful. Additionally, I had friends and family come visit me in Edinburgh, which was a great opportunity for them to see how independent I had become and experience the city for themselves. Overall, I found a sense of community among fellow Londoners at Heriot-Watt University, and although it took some effort to find them, it was worth it to have a familiar support system in a new place.

What advice would you give to someone looking to move away from home for university?

Do it, explore and expand your horizons, and become better well-rounded person because of it. And if someone says no its not possible. Show them that their wrong and its possible. Basically to not be hindered by self-doubt or the doubt from others and take the leap.