Studying in Edinburgh as an international student
By Freiza, from Vienna, studying Biomedical Sciences
Arriving in Edinburgh for the first time, I was extremely nervous as I’d never been there before. However, the more I explored and experienced the city, the more I realised how incredible it is, and it has become one of my favourite cities in the world.
Thinking about moving abroad to study can feel both exciting and daunting, so these are my tips to think about before your move, and hopefully make your transition smooth. I hope this helps!
Visa
When I was going through the UK VISA process for the first time, it felt intimidating; however, looking back, it wasn’t too bad! I would recommend starting early with this process to avoid any complications, especially with extended waiting times. I’d say to always check the specific documentation requirements for the country you’re a citizen of, as this may vary. And check out the gov.uk website, as this will have the updated information on the steps to take to apply for a UK visa.
Once all the necessary documentation has been collected, it would be good to keep a digital copy on a device like your phone, just in case. I simply photocopied my papers and saved them in my files folder on my phone for easy access. Once your application is submitted and when you get your visa, make a copy of that on your phone also.
Packing essentials
These are some must-haves to bring with you to Edinburgh!
Everyone jokes about how unpredictable the weather is – it’s true. Come prepared with a warm raincoat, sunglasses, umbrella, wooly hat, gloves, fluffy socks, and thermals – you will need these! If you are far from home, it would be a great idea to bring some things that remind you of home. For me, I brought some printed pictures, a stuffed animal, my favourite mug, and snacks. Bringing spices, soup packages, or tea are some other ideas however, do always look on the gov.uk website to check what you can and can’t bring from your country into the UK. Absolutely remember to bring a charging adapter with you as the plugs can be different depending on where you are from.
Cultural adjustments
As an international student, there are some things you definitely should be aware of. In my experience, the local people are so nice and lovely. For the most part, Edinburgh is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. You will come across people asking, “you alright?”, thinking that they think there is something wrong with you, but it just means a friendly “How are you?”. Playful teasing and jokes are very common, so don’t take it to heart.
Edinburgh is small compared to most cities like Vienna, where I am from, but it makes it so easy to get around, and there is so much to do. The Young Scots Card is a game changer as this allows free bus travel up to 22 years old, so remember to apply for one!
Lastly, like me, you may be surprised at how old and gothic the buildings may look here, and you’ll soon notice, especially when it rains, how beautiful the aesthetic is.
Considering the huge mix of cultures in the city, I felt very comfortable and welcomed as an international student. The number of societies that celebrate various national, cultural, and lifestyle identities at the university made it easy to find people I can connect with. To add, I also find Edinburgh a very safe city to live in, however, like any major city, common sense applies when it comes to safety, such as not walking alone in the dark in the meadows. Overall, I love my experience living in Edinburgh!
