Nirupa Puliyel
Name: Nirupa Puliyel
Age: 20
Born: India
Lived in Scotland: 1 year
Nirupa Puliyal, aspiring architecture student, has earned herself the title of 'International Student of the year' at Edinburgh University. The competition was heavily subscribed to by students originally from all corners of the globe, including Tanzania, Romania, and Italy.
Nirupa compared life in 13th century Scotland (as seen in the film Braveheart) with today's life for international students in Scotland. Her humorous essay won her the coveted trophy and £500. Nirupa was delighted to accept the award at a recent ceremony at the University.
"Edinburgh is a city that absorbs you into its arms, regardless of your race, age, nationality or duration of stay."
Asked why she chose Edinburgh to study, Nirupa said, "I visited as a tourist, but my mother completed her postgraduate degree here. You can't get a much better recommendation than that. The architecture department of Edinburgh University has a global reputation for being one of the best. I was delighted when my application was accepted."
Having visited Edinburgh in the past, did this make it easier to move here to study?
"I feel quite at home in Edinburgh, but it's the first time I have lived away from home. I miss being looked after by my family and found having to cook for myself a bit daunting at first. I miss the general chaos of living in a fast-paced city like Delhi. I find Edinburgh not too large to be overwhelming, but it offers plenty of attractions."
Was it easy to make new friends?
"The International Student Centre is always organising events and trips, which helped enormously in the beginning. There as so many students in Scotland in the same situation, that it is easy to develop friendships. Scottish students are very welcoming. I don't feel that I get treated differently being an international student."
Have you faced any difficulties adjusting to the lifestyle in Scotland?
"I did face some difficulties when I joined the University's Swing Dance Society and learned to 'Lindy Hop'. I haven't tried traditional Scottish dancing yet!"
Nirupa hopes to further her studies in Scotland with a postgraduate degree.
University of Edinburgh