Resources for moving from Canada to the UK to study abroad
When I moved from Calgary, Alberta to Edinburgh, Scotland in 2017 for my master’s degree at the University of Edinburgh, I was pretty anxious. Even though I had already been the to UK many times, and had friends here to help me out, moving overseas is difficult. The process of relocating is different for everyone especially based on your life stage. If you are married, or in a partnership, or have kids – this process becomes twice as difficult.
I was 33 when I first moved to Edinburgh for my master’s degree, and then came back again for my PhD in 2021. I first lived at Buccleuch Place in accommodation owned by Edinburgh Uni, and during my PhD I stayed at private student halls managed by HelloStudent. I stayed at their South Bridge location which is near the Old College.
I thought I would put together some tips for new students preparing to come to the University of Edinburgh to help make settling in a little bit easier.
Accommodation
If you are on a master’s program, you will be offered guaranteed student accommodation for the year and I recommend taking advantage of this. It is expensive. But every where in Edinburgh is expensive and this is a big issue for everyone. I highly recommend my post on all of the scholarships I applied for to help with funding.
PhD students can also apply for uni student accommodation, however, I recommend choosing a building exclusively for postgraduate students who tend to be a bit older. You can also get shared or private flats on websites like Gumtree (similar to Kijiji) or through external student rental companies like HelloStudent and CRM.
Items to purchase
I recommend purchasing a few products ahead of your arrival and having them delivered to an Amazon Locker or Post Office (Forrest Road is the ideal choice near campus). By ordering in advance, items like bedding or personal care products will be here for your arrival. Electronic items with UK plugs will make your life a little bit easier.
These links are part my of Amazon affiliate program, but there are similar products available too. I’ve tried to suggest inexpensive items that are easy to re-sell when you want to leave. Many students will sell or donate items when they leave.
- Toaster and Kettle Set
- iPhone chargers USB and USB-C
- Hair Straightener
- Hair Dryer
- UK Duvet (double size)
- UK fitted sheet (double size)
- Pillow cases (2 pack)
- Pillows (2 pack)
- Bath towel
- Cutlery (fork, knife spoon)
- Toilet Paper
- Kitchen Paper Towel
- Dish soap
- Laundry pods
- Door stop
- Frying Pan
- Pot
- Plate and Bowl Set with Glasses
- Cutting board
- Kitchen knife set
- Water bottle
Warning about dollar (pound) stores
Dollar stores, known here as “pound stores” are basically everywhere around campus. These are predatory operations because some of their prices are low for things like garbage bags or dish racks, but other prices are much higher than places like Amazon or Argos. The convenience factor for these stores is really high especially if you haven’t sorted out an address yet. I’ve often seen cheaper products at Tesco’s than at the local dollar stores.
Banks
Setup a bank account as soon as you arrive in Edinburgh. You can login to EASE then EUCLID to get get a copy of your banking letter. There are several banks available (NatWest, Bank of Scotland, Santander, HSBC). I use Santander and then use TD Global Direct Transfer to send money directly from my TD account to Santander. Some students also use the WISE app or Monzo to transfer money.
Banks here still send everything by post. So you need to have your address sorted out before they will send you a bank card and pin. Everything is done through the mail. So, you may need to use your Canadian banking card until your UK card arrives. Since COVID, a lot of places are tap/card only.
Doctor’s Office
Doctor’s offices are called ‘surgerys’ and it’s best to register for one within the first two weeks of your arrival because they fill up quickly. Unlike Canada, you can’t go to any doctor you want. You have to go to one within your postcode. So, it’s best to register at the Richard Verney Clinic on campus if you are living close by.
Transit
Edinburgh’s bus and tram system is easy to navigate and you can tap in using your bank card. you don’t need to tap when you get off. And people will say ‘thank you’ to the driver as they disembark.
Is there anything else you are curious about when relocating? Let me know in the comments.
