Things to do to understand if Edinburgh is the city for you
By Holly, from Scotland, studying Classical Studies
My first memories of Edinburgh are pretty blurry. I was really young when I used to visit my dad on weekends so what I remember are little flashes, walking up steep streets holding my dad’s hand, or seeing the castle from a distance. After he moved away, I only came back now and then for day trips, so when it came to thinking about university, Edinburgh felt familiar in some ways but also like somewhere I didn’t really know.
Going to the University of Edinburgh’s Open Day was my chance to see the city properly and imagine what it would actually be like to live here as a student.
Explore how the university and city blend together
The Open Day itself was busy and there was loads to fit in. I went to a subject talk, which helped me get a sense of how my course worked and what kind of opportunities were available within my course. I also joined one of the student-led tours around campus, which took us through George Square, the library, and Old College. I’d seen some of those places before, but this time it felt different. I was looking at them as a possible student, not just a visitor.
After the official stuff, I wandered around a bit by myself. I walked through the Meadows, along Nicolson Street, and up to the Royal Mile, back to the train station. I really loved how the university and the city blend into each other, which isn’t something you get everywhere.
What made me feel sure Edinburgh was right for me was the atmosphere. It’s a capital city, so there’s loads going on, but it didn’t feel too overwhelming. I liked how easy it was to get from campus to a park or to climb Arthur’s Seat, and how the busy parts of the city are balanced with quieter, green spaces. It felt like a big city, but also like somewhere you could settle in and feel at home.
Seek out the everyday student spots
Looking back, I do think there are things I could have done differently on the day. I stayed mostly around the central campus and Old Town, which are amazing, but I didn’t go and see where students actually tend to live, like Marchmont or Newington. That probably would’ve given me a better idea of everyday student life. I also didn’t really chat to many current students who were already on my course, which I think would’ve been useful, they probably would’ve given me a more realistic idea of what life here and my course was actually like.
Give yourself as much time as possible
Another thing is that I only came for a few hours and then got the train back home. If I could do it again, I would’ve stayed overnight to get a feel for what it’s like to spend more time in the city, maybe see what it’s like in the evening when it’s a bit quieter and less touristy.
Consider what your routine would look like if you lived in Edinburgh
If you’re going to an Open Day in Edinburgh, my advice would be to make time for both the official events and just exploring on your own. Go to the talks and tours, but also wander off a bit, sit in a café, walk through the Meadows, or check out areas you think you might end up living in. Try to imagine what your normal routine would look like, not just the exciting tourist bits.
For me, that Open Day really helped me. Edinburgh wasn’t just a city I had distant childhood memories of anymore; it felt like the right place to start this new part of my life.
