Transitioning to life in Edinburgh as a student from China can involve a journey both inside and outside the classroom. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and offer tips aimed at not only students from China, but all international students embarking on this exciting adventure.
by Esther Yang
Academic life
The University of Edinburgh offers a world-class education with a diverse range of courses. I found that the teaching methods are similar to those in China, but there are some differences:
– you may need to spend additional time studying certain topics independently. There will not be time in lectures to cover all material in sufficient depth, so self-study is required to cover certain work.
– manage your time: the semesters in the UK are relatively short, coupled with various holidays, and there are many assignments during the semester, so it is important to arrange study time appropriately.
– refer to the recordings: some of the course organisers may speak at a faster pace that what you are used to. If you don’t understand them in class, you can refer to the recording after class.
Health and wellbeing
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming. It’s important to take care of your mental and physical health. Tips for staying healthy:
– NHS registration: register with a local General Practitioner (GP) upon arrival in Edinburgh.
– exercise and stay active: there are lots of places to walk around the university and city, or you can hit the university gym where they offer a range of classes and activities.
– mental health: seek support if you’re feeling homesick or stressed. Counselling services are available or turn to your GP or School wellbeing team for help.
Life tips
There are some recommendations on making the most in the city.
– in terms of weather, it is quite windy in Edinburgh. In addition, the weather in Edinburgh in September is not as warm as in southern China, so a warm coat is essential, and much more useful than an umbrella.
– transport: if you live near the central campus at George Square, you can take the shuttle bus to King’s Buildings. If not, or if you have to catch the bus frequently, you may wish to get a bus pass for the local Lothian buses. You should also download the bus app to keep an eye on when the buses are due.
– in terms of food, there are many good Chinese restaurants near the central campus at George Square.
– it is very convenient to travel from the UK to neighbouring countries and there are longer holidays outwith semester time. If you want to travel to Europe, remember to get your Schengen visa early.
Tips for socialising
– student societies: there are over 200 societies at the University – join some that interest you as it’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
– events: attend university and city events. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a must-see!
– local interaction – don’t just stick to the student bubble. Engage with locals and experience true Scottish hospitality.
Overall, Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a relatively slow pace of life. I believe that studying at the University of Edinburgh can offer a wonderful experience for everyone.
Some useful links
Transport and getting around the city
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
