01 Welcome INTERNATIONAL 02 Accommodation 05 Getting started as a student 06 Internet access ARRIVAL GUIDE 07 Opening a bank account FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF 08 Healthcare 09 Police registration 10 Your first week 11 Events in your first week Practical guidance for 14 Academic support 17 Need more advice? international students 2016 18 Shopping 21 22 Useful links International Arrival Guide for the 2016 01

Welcome

The University of Edinburgh has advice during your studies here. We Our main wish is that you enjoy been welcoming overseas students very much look forward to meeting your time here and have a positive since its very foundation in 1583. you in Edinburgh and helping you experience. We hope that you Today, we welcome nearly 14,000 adjust to your new life here. find, as many have in the past, that students from over 140 different Edinburgh becomes your ‘home The International Office is centrally nations to the University. We are away from home’! located at 33 Buccleuch Place extremely proud of the global which is in the main University area Best wishes, nature and diversity of our student and we encourage you to come community and the significant and visit us if you have any issues contribution that you make to our or concerns that you wish to seek living and learning environment. Director, International Office assistance with. We understand that The University of Edinburgh settling into a new environment The International Office exists to can be challenging but there are a support you and your transition variety of support services on hand to Edinburgh and the University, to assist you with this including the providing expert guidance and International Office. International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 02

Accommodation

Arrival at your University You can check where and how to Finding temporary accommodation access your accommodation on our accommodation website at: If you have fully accepted your www.accom.ed.ac.uk/for-students/ It is important that you arrange for offer of University accommodation, arrival-information/arrival- a place to stay before travelling to you will be able to move into your information-september-2016 the UK, whether getting here before, accommodation from 09:00 on during or after Arrivals Weekend. Saturday 10 September during Arrival In addition, and once you have Weekend (Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 completed your online check-in/ Unless you have already organised September). induction on MyEd, you will have University accommodation, it the option to display and print an can be difficult to find long term Keys to your accommodation will be Arrivals Pass providing information accommodation while still in your issued between 09:00 and 22:00 specific to you and your allocated home country, so you should look to each day of Arrival Weekend. If accommodation. make temporary arrangements and you are moving into self-catered ensure you have somewhere to stay accommodation this will be at the The above options also advise you when you first arrive in Edinburgh. local Site Office. If you are moving what to do if you arrive after 22:00 into Pollock Halls, keys will be issued over Arrival Weekend; in most You can find information about from the Common Room in your cases, you will be admitted to your temporary accommodation options, allocated house. accommodation on a temporary basis including hotels and guest houses, on by security staff, and will be able to the VisitScotland website. Our staff will be on hand throughout collect your key on the following day. www.visitscotland.com/ the weekend and beyond to help with accommodation your check in and with your arrival. Please check the information provided on MyEd about items you may need to bring, such as bedding or crockery. www.myed.ed.ac.uk International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 03

 



               



S. CL  PK RD

E  RK ST OOD R LY HO L  P  LD   

NTSFIE  RU B 

MORNINGSIDE RD 



 

Pollock Halls 12 Holland Annexe 24 Ratcliffe Terrace 01 Abbeyhill 13 Holyrood North & South 25 Richmond Place 02 Ascham Court 14 Kincaid’s Court 26 Riego Street 03 Blackfriars Street 15 Kitchener House 27 Robertson’s Close 04 Blackwood Crescent/Causewayside 16 Mansion Fountainbridge 28 Roxburgh Place 05 College Wynd 17 Meadow Court 29 Sciennes 06 Darroch Court 18 Morgan Court 30 Shrubhill 07 David Horn House 19 Murano Place 31 South Clerk Street 08 Deaconess House 20 Mylne’s Court 32 Sugarhouse Close 09 East Newington Place 21 New Arthur Place 33 Warrender Park Crescent 10 Fraser Court 22 Nicolson St/South College St 34 Warrender Park Road 11 Hermits Croft 23 Portsburgh Court 35 West Mains Road International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 04

Finding long-term The Advice Place Facebook pages accommodation The Advice Place is an advisory service You can connect with other students Finding somewhere to rent can be a run by Edinburgh University Students’ looking for accommodation, or find daunting prospect, especially if you Association. They have specific advice out about any private vacancies are new to the UK. The following online, including what to look for and on the University or departmental resources can help you in your search, expect when taking up a tenancy in Facebook pages. and in completing the paperwork and the private sector: procedures. www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/ Scams accommodation The University’s Accommodation Do not, under any circumstances, send money to anyone for service, in conjunction with Lease and tenancy agreement accommodation before you have Edinburgh University Students’ advice Association, will be providing specific seen the property. Make sure that the accommodation advice in Room You can ask the Accommodation person who shows you the property is 3.10 of the Dugald Stewart Building team’s Private Sector department either the landlord or a representative (on Charles Street, between Bristo to check over any lease (tenancy of the landlord (such as a letting Square and George Square) from agreement) you are asked to sign, to agent) and always read the tenancy Wednesday 7 to Friday 16 September, ensure there are no hidden surprises agreement carefully. within the small print. You can also at 10:00 to 16:00 each day. You can You should be very wary if you are ask the Advice Place for help with get advice from staff about arranging asked to send money via a payment leases. permanent accommodation in service like Western Union, Bidpay or Edinburgh if you need help. Studentpad Money Gram. If you feel unsure about anything, contact the Advice Place Student Homes You can find detailed adverts for before handing over any money. Throughout the year the University’s privately rented accommodation Accommodation department may for groups of students, couples and have some accommodation available. families through Studentpad. It also You can check the Student Homes has several message boards where website to see if anything suitable for you can post notices if you are your needs is available: looking for a vacancy for yourself, or if you want to find other people to www.studenthomes.accom.ed.ac. uk/student/search.aspx share accommodation. www.edinburghstudentpad.co.uk/ Private sector accommodation accommodation

Edinburgh is well supplied with Property agents and lawyers private accommodation for students. Over 50% of our students live in There are numerous firms of estate privately rented accommodation. For agents and property managers useful information on renting private in Edinburgh, and many firms of housing see: solicitors (lawyers) also specialise in the buying, selling and renting of www.accom.ed.ac.uk/ property. accommodation/private-housing Visit: www.espc.com International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 05

Getting started as a student

Paying student academic manageable and follow twitter.com/ may receive it when you collect your fees UoEpayfees for finance updates. keys.

To make the best use of your time During the rest of the year you can If you are not staying in University at matriculation and during the year contact Finance at the Student accommodation you will be able to it is suggested to pay online or use Administrative Services at Old collect your student card from the bank to bank transfer if you are self- College. Main Library in George Square. The financing. timetable is available at: Payment of fees, in pounds sterling, www.ed.ac.uk/information- can be made with one or a Evidence of financial support or services/help-consultancy/card/ sponsor funding can be sent as an combination of the following options: getting-first-card/first-student-card attachment to: • Financial Support/Sponsor For further information and updates [email protected] Funding about student cards please visit: Answers to general payment queries • In advance and/or at www.ed.ac.uk/is/card/firstcard/ (FAQs) can be found here: matriculation student edin.ac/1oBXtK2 • By instalment

Finance staff will be available to give For more information visit: individual advice about paying fees at www.ed.ac.uk/finance/students/ Appleton Tower, George Square on: fees Sunday 11 September 2016 from 10:00 to 16:00 Getting your student card

• Monday 12 - Friday 16 September You should have already applied for 2016 from 09:30 to 16:00 your student card before you arrive Please stick to the timetable at: in Edinburgh. If you are staying in www.ed.ac.uk/finance/students/ University accommodation and have fees/matriculation to keep queues applied for a University card then you International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 06

Internet access

Get connected You can connect to the University’s Wireless Network (WiFi) from your tablet, iPad or smart phone.

For full instructions on registering and using the Wireless Network, please visit the Information Services website: www.ed.ac.uk/information- services/computing/desktop- personal/wireless-networking

Please make sure you read the information on using the correct username and setting passwords, before registering.

If you need help, you can contact the IS helpline on +44 (0)131 651 5151.

You can also email them: [email protected]

Open-access computing labs at the University If you do not have access to the University network through your personal computer, or wish to access course software, there are many open access and departmental computing labs for use by all matriculated students and staff of the University. You need a username and password to use any computing lab: these are issued to students at enrolment.

For more information on locations and availability of computing labs please visit: www.ed.ac.uk/information- services/students/useful-info

There are also internet cafes around the city, mostly situated in the area around Nicholson Street, close to the central campus.

You can also access the internet at Edinburgh Council public libraries. Visit their website to find out about locations and opening hours: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/ directory/12/libraries International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 07

Opening a bank account

Can I open an account? your Edinburgh address. The following branches of banks have agreed to If you are studying at the University accept this letter: for more than one semester then you can open a bank account. For shorter visits, you will need to find a • 51 South Clerk Street, EH8 9PP bank that will accept your business – for example, Santander, Barclays Bank or Bank of Scotland are worth contacting. • 61 Forrest Road, EH1 2QP • 30 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DL What sort of bank account should I open? Barclays Bank

Banks name their accounts differently; • Unit 2, 10-15 , EH2 however, as a minimum you should 2AN be eligible for a basic account which allows paying in and withdrawing HSBC Bank cash in person or at an ATM (cash • 118 Princes Street, EH2 4AA machine). A basic bank account will • 76 Hanover Street, EH2 1EL not offer credit such as an overdraft or a credit card. Ask the bank what TSB type of accounts they have available and what account best suits your • 9-11 Clerk Street, EH8 9JH needs. • Cameron Toll Centre, EH16 5PB

Which bank to choose? Santander It is up to you to research different • Potterrow, 5/2 Bristo Square, EH8 banks and decide which suits you 9AL best. Some branches of banks have more experience in dealing with For information and to apply for a international students and you may letter of introduction, please visit: find it easier to open your account at www.ed.ac.uk/student- one of these branches. administration/order-documents/ bank-letter How do I open an account?

To open a new bank account you will need to take: • Your passport and visa • Original unconditional offer letter from the University of Edinburgh • Bank Introduction Letter

If you are in University accommodation, once you have checked in you will be able to download and print a bank letter from the Accommodation Information Centre on your MyEd student account; this will provide proof of International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 08

Healthcare

Registering for healthcare You should register with a doctor, also known as a General Practitioner (GP), soon after you arrive in Edinburgh.

You are only able to register with a doctor near to where you live. To find the doctor surgeries close to your accommodation, check the NHS24 website and then contact them to enquire whether they will be able to accept new patients: www.nhs24.com/findlocal

When registering with a GP, you will be required to provide the following: • Passport/visa/identity card • Proof of full time student status • Proof of address

Registration involves completing a form and having a health check. Remember to keep your contact details (address, email address, phone number etc.) up-to-date so that your GP can stay in touch with you and so that you can obtain an appointment as soon as possible when required.

For more information on healthcare, please visit our website: www.ed.ac.uk/international-office/ student-advisory-service/welfare/ healthcare International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 09

Police registration

After arriving in Edinburgh, some international students may need to register with the police, normally within seven days of collecting your BRP. It will say on your visa if you are required to register.

To make it simpler for you, the local police come to the University to offer registration appointments. You should have received details during August with details of how to book an appointment - otherwise you will need to attend the Police Headquarters. More information is online: www.ed.ac.uk/international-office/ immigration/while-you-are-here/ police-registration

What will I need to bring? To register, you must bring the following: • Your passport • The registration fee - £34 (cash only) • 2 passport-size photographs of yourself • A print-out of your unconditional offer of study at the University of Edinburgh (this can be found in your MyEd email inbox) • Proof of your address in Edinburgh (e.g. University accommodation contract in MyEd / other accommodation contract / a utility bill / a bank statement, etc.) • Your completed initial registration form (you can download this from our website) • UK visa / Biometric Residence Permit and accompanying letter International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 10

Your first week

Welcome Week 2016 Some examples of events you can Online registration attend are: The week immediately before your Make sure you read the information first semester starts at the University is • Activities Fair – your first provided specifically for new students known as Welcome Week. chance to see which societies are starting your degree. This may be available to join posted or sent electronically. During the week you have the • Edinburgh International Day – opportunity to familiarise yourself The registration process consists of a great welcome to international with life as a student at Edinburgh. three elements: students and a fantastic insight You will officially enrol at the into studying in Scotland 1. Make sure you have registered via University and can attend information your MyEd portal sessions, orientation events and • Freshers’ Ball – your opportunity a range of activities organised by to celebrate with your new found 2. Confirm attendance. The School/ Edinburgh University Students’ friends College in which you will be studying will supply you with Association, which are designed to • School/Programme Welcome details about the arrangements help you settle in and gain access to Talk – to welcome you to your services. academic studies and introduce 3. Fulfilling any admission criteria as you to staff and students in your prescribed by your College School 4. In addition to the formal matriculation steps, where applicable you will also want to send the Fees and Student Support International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 11

Events in your first week

International Arrivals Lounge Parents and Family Reception Academic Fair

Friday 09 September Session one: Saturday 10 Tuesday 13 September Saturday 10 September September Group A: 12:00 - 14:00 Group B: 14:30 - 16:30 10:00 - 16:00 Presentation in George Square Lecture Theatre 50 George Square Project Room, 15:00 - 16:00 50 Bristo Square The Academic Fair is for Afternoon Tea Reception in the undergraduate students who can This is an opportunity to meet New Amphion, Teviot Row House choose from a broad range of International Office staff and other 16:00-17:00 ‘outside’ courses as part of their new students, have your questions degree programme. The Fair is an answered and have a cup of tea or Session two: Sunday 11 ideal opportunity to ask questions coffee in an informal environment. September and get more information from both Keep up with our International Arrivals academic staff and current students. Lounge updates on our website: Presentation in George Square www.ed.ac.uk/international- Lecture Theatre To ensure that you get the most out office/student-advisory-service/ 11:00 - 12:00 of this event we strongly recommend orientation-events/orientation that you begin to research your Afternoon Tea Reception in the course options before attending New Amphion, Teviot Row House and that you check out the full 12:00-13:00 programme for the event in advance. International Day The event runs from 12:00 - 16:30 While new international students but students should attend at the Sunday 11 September are attending the International Day specified time allocated to their From 10:00 programme, parents and relatives School (Group A: 12:00 -14:00 and accompanying them are invited to a Group B: 14:30 - 16:30). Please Appleton Tower Foyer, reception held by the International consult the Academic Fair section George Square Office and Edinburgh University of the New Student Webpages for Students’ Association. This is an further information and links to useful International Day is a great opportunity for parents and relatives tools to help you consider your course opportunity to get off to the best to meet some of the International options: edin.ac/21eofJf start. You’ll learn about practical Office staff and learn more about and important things to do in your the University and the wide range of first week, the academic and social services provided to students here. International Welcome Bus experience at Edinburgh, and meet new friends. Get involved right From: away by learning more about the Monday 12 September to Students’ Union, clubs and societies, Wednesday 14 September, volunteering opportunities, and 10:30 to 15:30 the support available to you as an international student. George Square, Central Campus

Finish the day trying your hand at Come and see us on our beautiful some traditional dancing at the Ceilidh vintage double-decker bus! Our in the Teviot Debating Hall! student ambassadors will be available to answer your questions, provide

information, and share their own experiences of being a student at Edinburgh. International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 12

Other events Transitions: Teaching and Learning at Postgraduate Welcome the University of Edinburgh Dealing with Culture Shock Tuesday 13 September Session one: Wednesday 21 13:00 - 15:30 Transitions: Culture & Everyday Life September 14.00-16.00 Festival Theatre Session one: Friday 23 September 14.00-16.00, Project Room Project Room, 50 George Square This event includes a formal welcome from the University as Project Room, 50 George Square Session two (repeat): Friday 30 well as opportunities to hear from September Session two (repeat): Wednesday current postgraduate students about 14.00-16.00 28 September their experience. There is also an 14.00-16.00 Project Room, 50 George Square introduction to the various student support services that are available to Project Room, 50 George Square UK academic culture might be very assist you throughout your time at the different to what you are used to, University. Are you feeling a bit anxious but help is at hand! This session, about living in a new country? The After the formal welcome talks you hosted by the Institute for Academic International Student Advisory Service will have the opportunity to meet Development, will examine the are running a series of workshops that fellow new students and attend the challenges of transitioning from will help you explore what is meant Student Services Fair where you one teaching and learning style to by ‘culture shock’. We will look at can speak individually with support another and suggest ways to help you what impact this might have on your services teams. There will also be succeed in the classroom. mind and body, explore how to best complimentary tea, coffee and juice. manage the difficulties that arise All sessions are free but ticketed – to Doors will open at 12:30! whilst adjusting to studying and living sign up please visit: in a new cultural environment, and teaching-learning-uoe.eventbrite. If you are unable to attend on this day co.uk don’t worry – the event will be filmed help you identify coping strategies. and available on the New Student All sessions are free but ticketed – to website shortly! sign up please visit: www.ed.ac.uk/students/new- cultural-transition-uoe.eventbrite. students/events/academic/ co.uk postgraduates/pg-induction-videos International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 13

Social opportunities English Language Education Student Parent and Partners (ELE) Welcome event Welcome Go Connect

Wednesday 14 September Monday 12 September Meeting a local person or family can 14:00 - 16:00 15:00 - 16:00 help you settle into University life, learn more about Scotland, enhance Room G21, Paterson’s Land Loft Bar, Teviot Row House your experience of studying abroad and increase your understanding of This is a family-friendly welcome event This is an event for international local traditions and customs. students who do not have English as for student parents and partners! their first language. Students will be Whether you’ll be juggling studying Go Connect is a forum for able to find out more about the free with parenting or supporting your international students to meet with courses and support provided and will partner while they study, come along members of the local community. You have a chance to speak to some of and meet people in the same position. can sign up online: the English language tutors. There will be plenty of opportunities www.ed.ac.uk/studying/ to chat about your hopes and fears international/student-life/ for the year ahead, plus staff from our goconnect Make yourself at home: Advice Place will be there to answer A networking event for international any questions you might have about students’ families and partners childcare, funding, or settling in to International Student Centre Edinburgh life. Thursday 22 September The International Student Centre 16:00 - 17:30 Sunday Lunch (ISC) is the student-run arm of the Dining Room, Teviot Row House International Office, dealing with the social aspects of the international Sunday 18 September community in Edinburgh. Run This is a informal get-together for all 12:30 - 14:30 families and partners of international completely by volunteers, the ISC students. Meet your peers, enjoy a cup The Chaplaincy aims to make every student’s time of coffee in a friendly environment in the University of Edinburgh be an and find out what support is available The Chaplaincy and the International unforgettable one. at the University and beyond. Office invite you to join us for an Find out what is happening at the www.facebook.com/groups/ informal buffet lunch. This is a chance ISC via the ‘UoE Events App’ or by internationalstudentsanddep to mingle with staff and other new following them on Facebook: students in a relaxed environment. endantsuoe www.facebook.com/iscedi The Chaplaincy Centre is for students Please note, due to room size you of all faiths and none and is a hub of www.ed.ac.uk/students/new- must use the following link to sign up: creativity and community. Chaplains students/events/sept-welcome make-yourself-at-home.eventbrite. are available to offer one on one co.uk confidential listening support. www.chaplaincy.ed.ac.uk International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 14

Academic support

Learning at university will often be Institute for Academic different from what you are used to Development and it may take some time to fully understand how to learn and study The Institute for Academic here. You will need to get used to the Development (IAD) aims to help different kinds of learning required students succeed in their current in certain subject areas and the studies and in their future careers. demands made as your programme of This is done in a range of ways, study progresses. Lecturers and tutors including courses and events, learning will offer you guidance on studying resources and study advice. Advice and what they expect of you, but we and information is also available also offer additional forms of support. via LearnBetter. LearnBetter is a study skills resource prepared by study development advisors at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Academic Development to help students go about their academic work effectively and successfully. www.ed.ac.uk/iad International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 15

English Language Education Effective English Learning Tandem Language (ELE) Programme This shows you ways of improving English Language Education offers a your English informally, beyond the Tandem is a popular language range of academic English courses classroom. It is based on English exchange programme run by to both undergraduates and Language Education research into the Edinburgh University Students’ postgraduates. All the courses are experiences of international students Association. All students are welcome! non-credit bearing and some have at the University of Edinburgh. The It is designed to help you meet people both online and face-to-face versions. areas covered are listening, reading, and learn languages in a fun, relaxed, There is currently no charge. The grammar, vocabulary, writing, social environment without tutors, aim is to help students whose first speaking and pronunciation. exams or lectures. language is not English achieve their www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic- www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/activities/ full academic potential. development/undergraduate/ global/languages/tandem/ www.ed.ac.uk/english-language- services/englishlearning teaching/students/current- Visiting Student Offices (VSO) students/elsis EPAX (Academic Writing) Visiting Students are typically Undergraduate visiting and exchange This is a complete independent study undergraduate students taking students can also take Academic package for students with English as a semester or an academic year English for International Students a second language, helping you to abroad while enrolled at their home (AEIS) for credit. improve your essay writing. It includes institution. www.ed.ac.uk/english-language- work on areas such as academic teaching/students/current- English style, essay structure, grammar students/aevs1-2 and referencing. To access it, go to the Studies tab in MyEd, click on Students wishing to take any of these Learn and then Launch Learn. Under courses must take the Test of English Self-enrol courses you will find Epax at Matriculation (TEAM). (academic writing). www.ed.ac.uk/english-language- teaching/students/current- students/elsis/team-test International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 16

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science (CAHSS)

The key support office for visiting students in the CAHSS can be contacted via phone or email:

Tel: +44 (0)131 651 1700

Email: [email protected]. uk www.ed.ac.uk/chss/visitingstudents

The Visiting Students Office (VSO) can advise you on any administrative matters relating to your studies, and will offer guidance and referral if you are having personal, health or other issues that are affecting your work. The office is open 09:30 - 13:30, Monday to Friday for drop-in hours and from 13:30 - 16:30 by appointment only.

College of Science and Engineering (CSE / SCE)

Here the majority of support will be provided by your Personal Tutor (PT), Student Support Team, or School Teaching Organisations (school offices). Although you will have corresponded with the SCE Visiting Student Admissions Office during the application process and you may meet them on arrival in Edinburgh to find out the details of your PT, responsibility for on-programme visiting Students in SCE belongs with individual schools.

Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5739

Email: [email protected] International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 17

Need more advice?

International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) The International Student Advisory Service team provide immigration and welfare advice to all non-UK students. They coordinate the University’s international welcome in September and January, and run year-round cultural, social and student led activities such as Go Connect, Lunar New Year and the International Partners and Families Network.

Contact us

International Office 33 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh, EH8 9JS

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)131 651 5294

Social media: www.facebook.com /edinburghuniversityinternational

@IntOffice_UoE

isasuoe.wordpress.com

@uoe_international

Online: www.ed.ac.uk /international-office /student-advisory-service International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 18

Shopping

Clothing You will usually have two options when you approach a mobile phone Princes Street is a famous shopping provider - contract or Pay As You Go. street where you can find many high Depending on your usage, contracts street shops such as H&M, Zara and tend to be cheaper, but please note Topshop. More upmarket shops can they are subject to UK credit check. be found on and around George Street and Multrees Walk nearby. Food shopping There is also a big shopping mall in the city centre, Princes Mall. Most people in Edinburgh buy their food at supermarkets such as Lidl, Charity shops Sainsbury’s, Tesco or Asda. There is a variety of supermarkets in the area Charity shops are operated by around Nicholson Street, close to the charitable organisations for the central campus. purpose of fundraising. There is a wide selection of charity shops The Hearty Squirrel Cooperative, (Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, organised by the Edinburgh University Shelter and many more) within the Co-Operative Society (EUCS), provides vicinity of the University central healthy, ethical and organic food at campus, between South Bridge affordable prices. and South Clerk Street, on the west www.heartysquirreledinburgh. side of the city, between Home weebly.com Street and Leven Street, as well as in Stockbridge. Most of their products You can also shop at a farmers’ are second hand items in very good market, where stalls usually offer condition, ranging from clothes to a variety of local produce. In the toys and household items. city centre, there are two every Saturday, 09:00 – 14:00 on Castle Mobile phones Terrance, and 10:00 – 17:00 on the Grassmarket. If you are using a mobile phone that you bought abroad, you could be paying much more than you need to in order to make calls from the UK. You can simply change the SIM card if your phone is unlocked. You can also buy a mobile phone in the UK for a very reasonable price. Before you proceed with any purchase, you should do a bit of research on the various tariffs available. Price comparison websites are a good place to start: www.moneysupermarket.com www.confused.com International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 19

International food

Please see our map on page 20 for location of the following specialist shops and supermarkets.

Specialist Shops • Made in France (French) • Aihua (Chinese and Asian) • Maqbool’s (Halal meat, Asian and Middle East) • Al-Medina (Middle East) • Orient Thai Market (Thai and Asian) • Bismillah Food Store (Middle East) • Rajah’s Supermarket (Halal meat, Indian and Oriental) • De Africa (African and Mediterranean) • Red Sea Food Store (Halal meat, Middle East and • Deli Polonia (Polish and European) Mediterranean) • Hua Sing Ltd (Chinese and Asian) • Salut le petit marche (French) • Janatha Food Store (Indian) • Valvona & Crolla (Italian and Mediterranean) • Lupe Pintos (Mexican, Latin American, Spanish and Mediterranean) International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 20

TO LEI TH 4 12 6 ALBERT ST

K 19 5 AL W

ER RD EITH T L 7

EAS 18 20 3 5

ACE TERR 14 TROSE MON 3 HANNOVER ST ST JAMES CENTRE 5

PRINCES MALL 7 5 5 TO DALRY RD 7 7 4 19 1 5 20 10 9 11 5 4 2 7 16 6 6 C 5 L E RK ST 7 8 17

S. C

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE L ERK ST 5 RD K 15 P D O O YR 6 OL H

L P D 6 5 SFIEL T 5 UN BR 1 6 7 7

13 4

MORNINGSIDE

RD

5 CAMERON TOLL SHOPPING CENTRE

6

Supermarkets 10 Bismillah Food Store 17 Starlight Chinese Supermarket 1 Asda (Middle East) (Chinese, Asian) 3 Nicolson Square 2 Farmfoods 25-29 Clerk Street 11 De Africa (African, Mediterranean) 3 Iceland 18 Rajah’s Supermarket 163 Dalry Road (Halal meat, Indian, Asian) 4 Lidl 12 Deli Polonia (Polish, Bulgarian) 33 Albert Street 5 Sainsbury’s 237 Walk 19 Salut, le petit marche (French) 6 Scotmid 13 Hua Sing Ltd (Chinese, Asian) 18 Teviot Place 7 Tesco 48 Ratcliffe Terrace 20 Valvona & Crolla 14 Janatha Food Store (Indian) (Italian, Mediterranean) Specialist shops 34-36 Montrose Terrace 19 Elm Row 8 Aihua (Chinese, Asian) 15 Lupe Pintos Lupe Pintos 36 West Cross Causeway (Mexican, Latin American) 9 Al-Medina (Middle East) 24 Leven Street 10 Nicolson Square 16 Maqbool’s (Halal meat, Asian, Middle East) 36 Potterrow International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 21

Transport in Edinburgh

Travelling around Edinburgh Using University shuttle bus services For information on travelling to the You can travel around Edinburgh University’s main campuses go to the by bus, and train. See our Central Area to King’s Building: University Transport website: public transport website for more The University provides a free shuttle www.ed.ac.uk/transport/travelling- information. bus service for students and staff to here Buses run throughout travel between the Central Area and the King’s Buildings. A city to walk in Edinburgh and into and , making getting around Edinburgh is a beautiful and compact cheap and easy for students. A single Royal Infirmary to Western city. Walking is often the easiest ticket for any journey at any time is General Shuttle Bus: £1.60, or you can purchase a day way to travel. Try Walkit.com for The University and the NHS provide ticket for £4.00, if you are making suggestions of routes to take. a free shuttle bus from the Royal a few trips in one day. If you live Infirmary at Little France to the too far away from campus to walk A city to cycle in Western General Hospital. to lectures, you should think about Cycling is a popular choice amongst buying a Student Ridacard. The More information can be found on Edinburgh students. It offers a cheap, Student Ridacard costs £15 for one the University Transport website: quick and healthy way to travel. We week, £45 for a month, or £525 for www.ed.ac.uk/transport/travelling- offer lots of advice and support for the year. You can also save further here cyclists on the University Transport by paying via direct debit. Please website. remember Edinburgh buses only accept the correct change. International Arrival Guide for the University of Edinburgh 2016 22

Useful links

Accommodation, Catering and Events www.accom.ed.ac.uk

The Advice Place www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace

Careers Service www.ed.ac.uk/careers

Chaplaincy Centre www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy

City of Edinburgh Council www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Edinburgh University Students’ Association www.eusa.ed.ac.uk

English Language Education www.ed.ac.uk/english-language-teaching

Fee Payment www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/tuition-fees/payment

Institute for Academic Development www.ed.ac.uk/iad

International Office www.ed.ac.uk/international-office

IS Helpline support email [email protected]

Library www.ed.ac.uk/is/library

New Student website www.ed.ac.uk/new-students

Nightline nightline.ac.uk

Public Transport www.ed.ac.uk/transport/public-transport

Scholarships & Student Funding Services www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding

Security www.ed.ac.uk/security

Student Administration www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration

Student Counselling Service www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling

Student Disability Service www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service

Student Fees www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/fees

Student Administration Servicess www.ed.ac.uk/student-information-points

Timetabling www.ed.ac.uk/timetabling

Travelling to University www.ed.ac.uk/transport/travelling-here

University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk

University Health Service www.health-service.ed.ac.uk

Welcome events www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/new-students/events

Welcome Week Information www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/welcome2016 International Office The University of Edinburgh 33 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh, EH8 9JS

Tel: + 44 (0)131 650 4296

Email: [email protected]

Cover image: University of Edinburgh, New College, illustrated by Claudia Baldacchino

www.ed.ac.uk/ studying

© The University of Edinburgh 2016

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.