Abby

‘I moved to Edinburgh for university when I was seventeen. I was basically a baby in terms of the world. It was kind of baptism by fire, because I didn’t know anything about the UK or being an adult, but it was also an opportunity to get to know and trust myself.

I had the worst separation anxiety as a child, so no one ever thought I was going to be able to move and actually stay there. My friends placed a bet on how long I would stay in the UK – Rude, but funny! I had a lot to prove to myself and others. I had no trust that I could be my own independent person. The experience, knowing I can, has given me everything. It made me into the person I am.

Now, I have a mindset of taking things step by step. When you get to a different country, you realise that you’re just a human being. Like, okay, I need food, so I’m going to figure out where to get food. I need friends, so I’m going to make friends.

I would recommend moving abroad, even for a year. Being an American, it’s very important to talk to other people and gain outside perspectives, because America is such a vacuum. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity, and that’s not their fault. The majority of people are just trying to get by.

I’m very conscious of the privilege I bring to Edinburgh, too. I have to think about the locals who already live here, who are getting priced out of their homes. I would never say people should stop immigrating to Edinburgh, but it is important to think about your role in these things. There needs to be more regulation, especially around things like Airbnbs. That shouldn’t be on the onus of the locals, it should be on the government.

It’s especially relevant because there’s an election coming up, and I think people are very confused about, you know, me getting priced out of my city means that individuals shouldn’t move here, versus me getting priced out of my city means the government needs to put regulations in place to stop greedy landlords and stop people from buying apartments just to turn them into Airbnbs.’

Abby

Abby's Recommendations

'I’m really into bakeries. There are a lot of places that are very innovative and using local ingredients – it’s not just Lannan! I highly recommend Kate’s in Newington. She does traditional Scottish baking, and she’s so nice. I also like Razz Patisserie, which is run by two Iranian immigrants, which is relevant right now. They make amazing saffron cake!

I recommend the Palestinian art museum on Dundas Street. The people there were lovely and explained everything. It’s free, and it’s very moving, and I’ve heard almost no one talking about it.'

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