I’m 21, I study engineering at Mines de Saint-Étienne in France, and like most people my age, I’ve been dreaming of my exchange semester for years. Getting accepted to the University of Edinburgh is a huge deal for me. But as a future engineer, I can’t just ignore the data on the climate crisis. We are taught to solve problems, not add to them.
When thinking about “eco-friendly travel,” people often only focus on how they cross borders. But what really matters is how we move every single day once we arrive. To align my semester directly with UN SDG 13 (Climate Action), I am completely rethinking my daily mobility. I am specifically focusing my housing search in the EH16 area so I can walk or cycle to the King’s Buildings engineering campus every day. A zero-emission daily commute is my first priority. Furthermore, when exploring Scotland on weekends, I am committing to public transit—using the brilliant Scottish train and bus networks to reach the Highlands, rather than renting cars like many tourists do.
But sustainability isn’t just about transport; it’s about what we consume. That brings me to UN SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Let’s be honest, the Scottish winter is going to be a bit of a shock to my system. My first instinct was to buy a bunch of brand-new, heavy winter coats before leaving France. But to keep my footprint low, I’m waiting until I arrive to hunt for thick wool gear in Edinburgh’s famous charity shops. Embracing second-hand clothing is a super easy, practical way to support the circular economy (and it’s much better for a student budget).
Beyond my personal habits, I want to be useful. I plan to join the University’s student sustainability groups to see how my technical background can support local green initiatives.
Studying abroad is an incredible privilege. By traveling locally with zero emissions, buying second-hand, and getting involved on campus, I want to prove that a conscious exchange is about making smart, responsible choices every single day.
