Delving Into King's Buildings: A Campus Review

Synopsis:

In this newsletter issue, I invite you to join me on a personal exploration of King's Buildings campus at the University of Edinburgh. Having studied here for two years, I'm excited to share my in-depth review of campus life, facilities, and experiences. Come along as I reveal what makes King's Buildings a truly distinctive academic environment. Additionally, I may provide some insider insights for newcomers and the wider public, helping you navigate the vibrant world of King's Buildings students. Together, we'll uncover hidden gems, explore bustling activities, and discover valuable tips that define the King's Buildings experience from my perspective.

Introduction:

Welcome to King's Buildings - a place unlike any other.

While I often jokingly refer to it as a "technologists' utopia," you might find that there's a hint of truth in that description. My journey here began with a campus tour at the start of my first year, and since then, I've come to appreciate the unique essence of this university in ways I could have never imagined.

Main Story - First Year:

On September 16, 2021, my first visit to King's Buildings, specifically for a tour of the School of Engineering, left me with a distinct impression. Amidst the industrial ambiance, there was an unexpected sense of tranquility. The Sanderson Building, though dating back to the late 1920s, still fulfills its role as a hub for engineering students' studies and research. Regrettably, time constraints and safety considerations prevented me from exploring the entirety of the engineering complex. However, this initial visit filled me with optimism, eager to begin my studies and delve deeper into the multifaceted world of King's Buildings.

Ever since my first week of study, I eagerly embarked on a journey to explore every corner of King's Buildings. As I strolled to my classes and enjoyed lunch breaks, I uncovered the unique character of each building within the campus. Alrick Building, home to my Engineering Principles 1 and Engineering Design 1 courses, exudes an intriguingly liminal ambiance, a sentiment shared by the quieter indoor areas of the entire KB campus.

Hudson Beare Building, with its Eng Inn, a cozy cafe, quickly became a favourite among engineering students. It provided the perfect setting for group work and relaxation in a casual atmosphere. Meanwhile, Fleeming Jenkin Building stands tall as a spacious, segmented workshop catering to various engineering disciplines, most notably electronics and electrical engineering.

As a chemical engineering student, I found myself in Christina Miller Building for the chemistry labs. The building's modern design presented a striking contrast to the historic Joseph Black Building, King's Buildings' pioneer structure, which dates back to the early 1920s. Additionally, Murchison Building hosted my chemistry tutorials, adding another dimension to my academic journey.

During my first year, I frequently strolled past a construction site, unaware of the significance it held for the future of King's Buildings. Little did I know that this site would become the Nucleus Building, a key player in the modern history of King's Buildings, where I now play a role in shaping its future to benefit the entire KB community.

Main Story - Second Year:

In my first year, I didn't spend much time in a couple of buildings like the Michael Swann Building (MSB) and James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB). I visited them briefly for specific events – the MSB for an introduction lecture to Engineering Mathematics 2A and the JCMB for a briefing session on Separation Processes 2 experimental coursework.

I initially overlooked the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, but I corrected that oversight in early 2023. I found it to be a great place for studying and revising with friends, particularly in its group study rooms. Additionally, I've discovered that the group study rooms on the 4th floor of Alrick Building are often vacant, so I've been using them for my solo study sessions.

On October 31, 2022, the Nucleus Building officially opened its doors to the King's Buildings community. It was truly remarkable to step inside this modern, expansive building, equipped with lecture theatres and study areas, right in the heart of King's Buildings. Since then, I've spent time going to lectures, studying with friends, and connecting with fellow students from various schools within King's Buildings, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.

I almost forgot to mention KB House, a students' union building under the management of EUSA (Edinburgh University Students' Association). KB House offers a convenient takeaway cafe named Tempo and provides ample space for socializing and studying during weekdays. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of services such as the Mayfield Bar & Restaurant and KB Fitness. Here's to hoping that KB House can return to its former bustling self, meeting the high demand and serving as a vibrant hub for students once again.

Side Story - King's Buildings Community:

I am just one of many Edinburgh University students who study at King's Buildings over the years, and most of us contribute in our own meaningful ways to the vibrant student life here. Some of us join student societies to spend time with peers or take on committee roles. Others, such as myself, become student representatives, voicing the concerns and aspirations of our classmates as we work together to create a better future for everyone. Amidst our engagement in student life, all of us are here to earn our degrees and graduate from the university. Each of us brings unique strengths and areas for growth that we leverage to excel in our studies.

Currently, the King's Buildings community is somewhat fractured among the different schools within the campus. Student groups such as Student Formula and HYPED play a crucial role in fostering connections between students from different academic disciplines. However, the primary links between these schools consist of the personal networks students develop. Personally, my network primarily includes students from the School of Engineering, and I must admit that there are some I haven't had the chance to meet in person yet, which is something I'm actively working on.

One drawback of student groups is that while they include King's Buildings students, many of their events tend to occur off-campus. This is primarily due to the fact that King's Buildings doesn't have a significant weekend student presence to support large social events within the campus community, such as those organized by wide-reaching friend circles, class cohorts, and student groups. I'm uncertain whether there are strict regulations at King's Buildings regarding the use of campus facilities for any weekend events.

Insider Insights:

With the recent opening of the Nucleus Building, it serves as a microcosm of the King's Buildings student community, reflecting the existing Discipline-based Friendship System that prevails among these students on a daily basis. It would be refreshing for King's Buildings students to engage with one another based on shared hobbies and interests rather than solely within their field of study. Through my role as a founding member of the Nucleus Building Special Interest Groups, I hope to facilitate social gatherings such as movie nights and ceilidhs that can contribute to the growth of the King's Buildings community. The Nucleus Building has already played host to academic talks and art exhibitions, so there is a precedent for pushing forward with student-led leisure events.

Other than the Nucleus Building, you can explore the various buildings at King's Buildings. However, avoid the James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) because you can get lost there, and it might remind you of "The Backrooms." A few buildings, such as the Joseph Black Building (JBB) and the Sanderson Building (SB), have relics. In JBB, there is a mini-museum of chemistry in its main study space. In SB, there is a chassis made by students and a cabinet of 3D mechanical parts. I forgot if the chassis is for a hyperloop pod or a race car. Regardless, it is an artifact for some of our students. The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh (ROE), located on Blackford Hill, is associated the School of Physics and Astronomy. ROE has a visitor center, but I have not been there myself, only passing by the place on my way up Blackford Hill.

Conclusion:

In the past two years, my exploration of King's Buildings has been a remarkable journey filled with discoveries, both academic and personal. From the historic halls of the Sanderson Building to the modern, bustling Nucleus Building, I've had the privilege to witness the diverse facets of this vibrant academic community.

As I step into the next phase of my university life, my commitment to King's Buildings remains steadfast. Over the next three years, I'm excited to continue my academic pursuits and actively contribute to the King's Buildings community. Whether it's through my role as a founding member of the Nucleus Building Special Interest Groups or my ongoing engagement with my fellow students, I'm dedicated to fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared interests that go beyond our academic disciplines.

I believe that our King's Buildings community has immense potential, not only in nurturing academic excellence but also in creating a thriving social environment. By working together, we can bridge the gap between students from different fields of study, turning King's Buildings into a place where friendships are forged over shared hobbies and passions.

In closing, I look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead. Let's continue to explore, connect, and grow as a community, making King's Buildings an even more enriching and vibrant place for all its students. Together, we can shape the future of our beloved campus.

Post-Script:

There may be a follow-up article to cover more on the "King's Buildings Insider Insights" with less personal accounts, because this article was more about a review of my own experience at King's Buildings.