Top 5 tips for a Scottish summer…
…by Cate / from England, UK / studying Astrophysics (MPhys)
With the Fringe festival, amazing green spaces and the chance to enjoy the lively, international festival, summer in Edinburgh can be brilliant. Whether you are working in the city, travelling, or just relaxing, the city has a lot to offer over the long university break. It may, however, be very different from the summer you have experienced before. Here are some of our top 5 tips for making the most of the long break.
1) Don’t expect to be wearing t-shirt and shorts all summer
You can experience all 4 seasons in one day, and it’s important to be prepared for showers and cooler evenings even if it is warm in the daytime. Don’t get caught out in the rain or dehydrated in the sun – the temperature can range a lot.
2) The days get very long
Although Edinburgh doesn’t quite experience the ‘midnight sun’, it does stay light very late and get bright very early. Make the most of it by enjoying an early sunrise – but don’t forget to wear an eye mask to sleep, or else you will find yourself waking up at 4 am to the broad daylight. If you aren’t used to such long fluctuations in the day length, there are a lot of things you can do to relax in the evenings to keep your sleep schedule looking good.
3) Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear suncream
As soon as the sun comes out Edinburgh citizens flock to the parks and beaches in the city for some well-deserved vitamin D. If you are headed out to North Berwick or Portobello beaches for the day, don’t forget to bring suncream and/or a sun hat.
4) Get some good insect repellent for the midges
This isn’t a problem if you stay in the city, but travelling out to parks and the hills in Scotland will require some midge protection. Bringing some repellent will save you the annoyance of insect bites, and it’s worth checking yourself for ticks when you get home. It’s always better to be prepared if you know you will be walking through long grass or sitting by still water.
5) Be prepared for August
When the Fringe descends on the city, it transforms into a city-sized festival of music, performers and tourists. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the biggest cultural festivals in the world, and if you are looking for work people will always be hiring. Remember to book anything popular you want to see, and be prepared for big crowds in the city centre on the weekends. Don’t forget to enjoy the atmosphere – experiencing the Fringe is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
With these tips, a summer in Edinburgh should be free of any mishaps or unfortunate weather-related mishaps. Edinburgh’s vibrant culture creates an environment that’s not only perfect for studying but also for personal growth and adventures. If you can, use your free bus travel card to go up to the Highlands and see the wilder, more remote side of Scotland while the days are long and the weather is good. Just remember to be prepared, so you can fully enjoy what this beautiful place has to offer.
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