I am of the strong opinion that Edinburgh should function on a three-term/Semester timetable. Controversial, I know but here’s my take…
The lengthy two terms inevitably lead students to burn out. Particularly when courses choose not to give reading weeks. This means ten to twelve weeks of teaching (sans break), going straight into an intense exam period.
For students without exams, it’s even more bizarre. My friend, who studies languages, finished university on the fifth of April last year, giving her an almost five-month summer. Whilst some might see this as a dream it leaves others in limbo with a directionless portion of the year.
Not getting a summer term means we shoulder the harsh Edinburgh winters without reaping the rewards of the city in summer. My second-year friend at Oxford tells me “third term is by far the best. You don’t realise how miserable the dark is making you until you see the sun.” It’s striking how well the 2-semester timetable works for the University who clear students out of all accommodation and performance venues just in time for their eclectic fringe makeover. In 2018, The Edinburgh News published the whopping 2.45 million revenue made by the University from festival-related activities.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I certainly agree that the long summer has merit, it functions as a great time for internships or work to be able to finance oneself for the academic year. Perhaps you just enjoy having an incredibly long restful summer. The three terms would also mean a rejigging of the credits and elective system, so I will admit I haven’t entirely thought it through. But I can’t help but feel jealous of universities that get to enjoy their university in the summer, imagine a term of lunch on the meadows and impromptu outdoor pints. I’m not advocating for more university, just a little more sunshine and structure.
“Cricket in the Meadows, Edinburgh” by Kim Traynor is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.