Less Hustle, More Highlands: How Study Abroad in Edinburgh Helped Me Reset

Prior to arriving in Edinburgh, my life had been a blur of constant movement. I had grown accustomed to rushing from one thing to the next without stopping to enjoy the ride. But the minute I touched down in Edinburgh and the cool misty Scottish air embraced me, I knew this was about to change.

Touching grass

Nature in and around Edinburgh felt like a gentle invitation to pause. From visiting highland cows at Swanston Farm to soaking up the sunlight in the Meadows, I reveled in the serenity of nature. Even in the heart of the city, the natural world never felt far away and there seemed to be a new pocket of calm around every corner. Calton Hill quickly became a favorite place of mine. The small, elevated, peaceful escape offered 360-degree views of the city that I could have stared at for hours. From there, I could see the light shift across the Firth of Forth, as well as the blooming flora of Arthur’s Seat. Being up there made everything feel still and expansive all at once.

A slower rhythm

Edinburgh is a city that dances to the beat of its own drum. It doesn’t scream for attention. It hums to the tune of a Scottish folk song. There’s a quiet confidence in the way the city moves, unbothered by the rush of the outside world. Life unfolds slowly and with intention. The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and hidden and winding closes (alleys) add to the timeless ambiance. This creates a tranquil atmosphere that compels you to notice the details and find beauty in the little things.

And I did. I started walking more—without headphones. I sat outside—without looking at my phone. I people-watched, listened to the sounds of the city, and let my thoughts meander. Once I put all of this together, the discomfort I once felt in silence shifted to contentment.

This slower pace gave me room to reset and reevaluate my physical and emotional wellbeing. It made me realize how much of my identity had been tied to doing more. Edinburgh gave me the space to recognize the value of the moment and find fulfillment in simply being.

Less is more

One of the most transformative parts of my experience was the epiphany that it really is all about the journey and not the destination. Now I understand that peace can be found in the ordinary: A morning stroll to class. A foggy afternoon spent watching movies. An early evening listening to the bagpipes on the Royal Mile. A late-night chatting at the pub. These moments were not flashy or dramatic, but they’re the memories I cherish most as I look back on my time in Edinburgh.

Scotland encouraged me to take a step back, and when I did, I found a more grounded version of myself. A self that acknowledges how progress and achievement doesn’t always come from doing the most. Sometimes it comes from doing less, more intentionally.

Tamzin F. | Syracuse University | University of Edinburgh Partnership, Scotland | Spring 2025