Hi, everyone! I’m a Political Science major at USC and am planning to study abroad during the fall of my senior year.
While I have quite a few options, the two that sound the best to me are the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh and Queen Mary University London. If I study abroad in Edinburgh, I’d get to intern directly for a member of the Scottish Parliament and contribute policy research. London doesn’t have that program, but it’s -London-, so I’m still torn.
Other things about me: I’ve never been to Europe and definitely want to travel while I’m there; I’m from Southern California, so the cold weather and dark days are something that I’m nervous about in regards to both places, but more so Edinburgh; I don’t drive, I hate long commutes (been living in LA for a year and am already tired of it for that reason), and I love to walk, which makes me think Edinburgh might be better for me.
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated!
Academically, Edinburgh is obviously the stronger choice for you- that internship alone is worth the differences. But to address the other concerns:
I’ve never been to Europe and definitely want to travel while I’m there
There are low-cost flights to everywhere in Europe direct from Edinburgh, and it is much cheaper and easier to get to the airport in Edinburgh than it is in London (bar London City, but there aren’t that many cheap flights from there)
I’m from Southern California, so the cold weather and dark days are something that I’m nervous about in regards to both places, but more so Edinburgh
Well, yes: it will be colder and darker in the UK than SoCal and yes it will be more so in Edinburgh. But, it’s only 3 months total, and you will be so busy having your adventure that it will be over before it is more than an oddity to you.
I don’t drive
There isn’t a hope that any of your peers will have cars in either place- they will all be on public transport or shank’s mare.
I hate long commutes
Check out how far the QMU study abroad accommodation is, but my guess is that it’s pretty close- both unis should be pretty easy commutes.
I love to walk, which makes me think Edinburgh might be better for me.
You will do a lot of walking in either place…
My daughter had to make a choice between London and Edinburgh. I am glad she chose Edinburgh 
i just dropped her off for her freshman year. The city is incredible, very compact and walkable. Uni is very student-friendly, nice facilities, even the weather was great 
Go for Edinburgh! It is a great, fun city and the internship sounds fantastic, particularly in light of Brexit and the potential for a new Scottish Referendum.
Thanks for the replies!
I am definitely strongly leaning toward Edinburgh now. I guess there is just a small part of me that wonders if giving up the chance to live in London for four months is something I’ll regret.
Edinburgh is a lovely city but it’s a small city in terms of the city centre. London is London. It’s also more of a target for terrorism. You can’t go wrong.
London’s not going anywhere and your life will likely be long.
When you get older, you’ll definitely not regret living somewhere rather than somewhere else.