I don’t know about you, but before I came to Edinburgh, I would religiously watch “Day in the life at Edinburgh Uni” (DITL) YouTube videos, Tiktoks and Instagram reels. Now being here myself, I still scour the internet for these vlogs. But why do I still find myself searching for new Edinburgh university creators? Why are we so interested in them?
For me, the primary reason (aside from being nosy) is motivation. Watching these vloggers make a healthy and aesthetic breakfast, go to their 9am class, the gym and library before 1pm is both impressive and inspiring. I want to be like them! I find, after flicking through DITL Tiktoks, I have a desire to emulate these productive students. I set my alarm a little earlier, make a colourful breakfast – not just beige – and also attempt to up my step count by ditching the buses to and from uni (easier when it’s not rainy and miserable).
Another reason why I love these Edi vloggers is their ability to romanticise! When I’m in week six of the semester – midterms are still dragging, group presentations are spawning, the kitchen is not getting any cleaner, and Spring is just not staying – I need someone else to remind me of the amazing city in which I live. Their ability to romanticise George Square between classes, Lidl at 6pm and the streets of Newington is very admirable, but also essential. I need the reminder that I live in one of the most aesthetic cities in the world, with beauty on every street corner (even Princes Street!).
The debate about the relatability of these DITL vlogs and how they may subconsciously provoke comparison to one’s own mundane life is all is often discussed in the comment section. However, whilst some may not relate to these vlogs, it does not mean they are redundant. For me, they are the equivalent to the self-help books that millennials love – they serve to inspire.
The idea of filming my student life and making money from that is very appealing. It’s a side hustle where you hone editing, filming skills and get a little money! If my life wasn’t so dull I’d really consider participating…
My personal favourite Edinburgh vloggers who do/did this at Edinburgh include Emmaxolouise and Nayna Florence – I really think they simultaneously capture Edinburgh at its best and the hard realities of being a student!
Photo by Andrés on Unsplash