When I moved from Calgary, Alberta to Edinburgh, Scotland in 2017 for my master’s degree, I was pretty anxious even though I had been the to UK many times, and had friends here to help me out. The process of moving overseas can be a real challenge because even though many things are similar — they are not the same.

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. I stayed at Buccleuch Place on the third floor which comes with weekly cleaning, a large kitchen, and various sized bedrooms. My room had a large double bed, a defunct fireplace, and a large window overlooking the Pentlands.

PhD students can also apply for student accommodation, however, I recommend getting a building exclusively for postgraduate students who tend to be a bit older. You can also get private accommodation 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.

• 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 /pound 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.

You can open an HSBC account in Canada BEFORE to depart, and you can use it while in the UK.

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, people don’t go to any doctor they 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. You can pay privately for things like massage, dental, or other benefits and claim them through insurance in Canada.

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.

Groceries

I find groceries are cheaper compared to Canada. There are budget grocery stores like Lidl, as well as more general shops like Tesco’s or Sainsbury’s. There is also a Costco in Edinburgh and they DELIVER. You don’t need a membership for delivery. And this is how i bulk ordered toilet paper and paper towel for my student flat.

Phones

You can get a pay-as-you-go eSIM card before you travel. I use vodafone and get a 10 Big Value Bundle.

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