Top Tips for Welcome Week – My Suggested ‘To Do’ List

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By Katherine, fifth year, MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

Welcome Week can be both an exciting and daunting time for new students – personally I found my first Welcome Week to be a little overwhelming as there are so many activities to take part in!

Reflecting back on my experiences, I have created my own ‘to do’ list of activities that I would have found helpful in my first week.

The ‘Must Dos’

Matriculate and attend any School-based events – these events will tell you more about your programme and will let you meet your new peers and lecturers. Keep an eye on your University email, and download the University Events App, for details.
Visit the Sports and Activities Fairs and speak to representatives of societies that you may be interested in – sign up to activities that interest you, but don’t feel obliged to sign up to every activity. Sometimes the sports and activities fair stalls help you to rule out societies that don’t suit you, as much as finding those that do. Be prepared to try new or different activities – the societies I am still part of now do not necessarily align with those I envisaged I would enjoy!
Get to know your new flatmates – perhaps plan a flat dinner or other social gathering together.
Register yourself with a local GP – this will come in really handy if you fall ill during term time. Beware that GP practices close to the University have limited spaces, so it is well worth registering yourself before you need medical care.
Register for a Young Scot card if you don’t have one already – this will give you free bus travel within Scotland, among other discounts and benefits.
Give yourself some free time – Welcome Week can be daunting and it’s important to schedule some free time enjoying Edinburgh to yourself!

Go to society-based events and test out societies for yourself.
Explore some of Edinburgh’s beauty spots – here are some recommendations.
Prepare yourself for the upcoming semester by purchasing any stationery (such as notebooks, files, paper and pens).
Book an appointment with the Disability and Learning Support Service if this is relevant to your personal circumstances.
Orientate yourself in your new accommodation, including finding local shops or supermarkets.
If relevant (this would be outlined in your introduction lecture) purchase any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for lab and practical work – I can highly recommend Hewatts in George Square as a great shop with a good selection of PPE.

Optional

Buy a Pleasance gym membership, and enjoy the gym facilities and classes.
Consider how you are planning to commute to university – renting or buying a bicycle might be a good idea depending on your circumstances.