Welcome to Edinburgh A guide for international students Welcome to Edinburgh
Welcome
I’m delighted to welcome you to the University, to Edinburgh, and to remind yourself that learning to Scotland. We are immensely does not only take place in the proud of our international student classroom, lab or lecture hall. community, which is one of the It also takes place through the largest and most diverse in the people you meet, the clubs you world. Your presence enriches our join and the experiences you classrooms, our community and build up. You may never have the our city. opportunity again to meet so many different people, get involved in Settling into a new home, new activities, or live somewhere grappling with a new culture, so far from home. You’ve already and living and working through a made a brave decision in studying second language is a challenge overseas, I’m asking you to be but you’re not alone. Many braver still and chat to people supports and services are you don’t know, explore a student available to assist you in settling in society or two, and explore the and diving into your work, studies university, city and country. And and life in Edinburgh. study hard of course! If I had to give one top tip for Professor James Smith starting university it would be Vice Principal - International Preparing to come to Edinburgh 3 Planning your accommodation 4 Packing list 5
Your first week in Edinburgh 6 Police registration 7 Opening a bank account 8 Registering with a doctor 9 International check-in 10 Events 11
Settling into your life in Edinburgh 14 Transitioning into your life here 15 Academic style & support 17 Support services 18 Staying safe 19 Opportunities 20 Shopping 21 Sports 23 Transport 24
Common abbreviations 25 Useful links 26 Welcome to Edinburgh 3
Preparing to come to Edinburgh
Before coming to study at the University of Edinburgh as an international student, there are some things you’ll need to do to prepare. Many of these things are the same for all students, and you can read more about them in the Getting Started Guide. For international students, things can be a little different. This section will guide you through these differences, to make your arrival in Edinburgh as smooth as possible.
Read the Getting Started Guide: edin.ac/getting-started-guide
Welcome to Edinburgh 4
Planning your accomodation
It’s important to arrange a place local Site Office or the Reception temporary accommodation options, to stay before travelling to the UK, Centre at Pollock Halls. If you know including hotels and guest houses, whether you arrive before, during or you’ll arrive after 22:00 email your go to the VisitScotland website: after Arrival Weekend. accommodation to let them know. www.visitscotland.com/ If you’ve been unable to accept accommodation Applying for University your accommodation contract accommodation (also known as a lease or tenancy Further information about finding agreement) before you arrive you’ll long-term private accommodation is Applications for University be given temporary access to your in the Getting Started Guide. accommodation should have been accommodation and can collect made when you accepted your offer. your key the next day. Scams Once you’ve completed your online Information about how to contact Do not, under any circumstances, Check-in/Induction on MyEd, accommodation can be found here: send money to anyone for any you can print/view an Arrivals accommodation before you’ve seen Pass, which gives specific arrival edin.ac/arrival-information the property. Make sure the person information for your room. General Applying for private who shows you the property is the guidance on applying, moving into landlord or their representative (such and paying for accommodation is in accommodation as a letting agent) and always read the Getting Started Guide. Unless you’ve arranged University the tenancy agreement carefully. accommodation it can be difficult to Be very wary if you’re asked to send find long term accommodation while MyEd is the University’s web money via a payment service like portal. It contains links to still in your home country. You should Western Union, Bidpay or Money online resources and access make temporary arrangements and Gram. If you are unsure about to your University emails, ensure you have somewhere to stay anything, contact the Advice Place timetables, course materials when you first arrive in Edinburgh. before handing over any money. and course information. How to find accommodation If you’re in doubt about anything in regards to your lease get in touch You can find support and advice on Arriving late with the Advice Place. They can looking for accommodation on the check your tenancy agreement for Your online Check-in/Induction on Students’ Association website: free. For further advice on how to MyEd also explains what to do if edin.ac/the-advice-place- avoid scams see: you arrive late (after 22:00) during accommodation edin.ac/scams Arrival Weekend. In most cases, For more information about you’ll collect your keys from your
5 Welcome to Edinburgh
Packing list
In preparing to come to Edinburgh, you can use this list to make sure you bring everything you need. It’s a good idea to pack as little as possible – you’ll be able to get most things you need while you’re here. You should carry any valuable items in your hand luggage. Never put cash or other valuables in your check-in luggage.
Essentials Clothing Essential for travel into the UK, setting up a The weather in Edinburgh varies greatly, so bank account, registering with a doctor and it’s best to pack a range of clothes for all checking in as an international student. weather. You’ll be able to buy warm clothes in Passport Edinburgh but it’s also sensible to bring: Study visa Jumpers Additional proof of identity (Driver’s A waterproof jacket licence, identity card, etc.) Long trousers Scanned copies of passport, visa and Durable shoes any other important documents Printed copy of unconditional offer Electricals confirmation (found on MyEd) The electrical voltage in the UK may be Proof of your address in Edinburgh different from the voltage of your electrical items. You’ll need plug adapters for any Original certificates of qualifications electricals you bring with you. used to apply for your visa CAS statement (found on MyEd) or Homeware student visitor invitation letter Depending on your accommodation Address of your accommodation, (University or private, furnished or accommodation contact, or evidence unfurnished), you may need a few things for of where you’ll stay on arrival your new home. Printed confirmation of travel tickets If you’re staying in University accommodation you can check what you might need in the Marriage and birth certificates (if facilities section of your accommodation: travelling with dependants) edin.ac/search-for-accommodation A small amount of cash and a credit card (avoid carrying a lot of cash) You might want to bring photos of friends and family to make you feel more at home. Read 2 passport-size photographs (for more tips about settling in in our section Police Registration, if applicable) about culture shock on page 15. TB certificate (if applicable) English Test Score results (if applicable) Any medication (if applicable) Welcome to Edinburgh 6
Your first week in Edinburgh
There are a few tasks you should do in your first week in Edinburgh. You can find the tasks that must be completed by all students in the Getting Started Guide. This section will guide you through the additional or different tasks for international students.
Read the Getting Started Guide: edin.ac/getting-started-guide
7 Welcome to Edinburgh
Police registration
What is it? Some international students need to register with the police. This is normally within seven days of collecting your BRP. Check your visa to find out if you’re required to register. How do I register? To register with the Police, you need to make an appointment at the Nationality Department (Police Headquarters) at 5 Fettes Ave, Edinburgh EH4 1RB. You can make an appointment in person during the following times: Monday-Friday 9am-12.30pm. Details are available here: edin.ac/police-registration What will I need to bring? To register you must bring: • Your passport • The registration fee - £34 (cash only) • 2 passport-size photographs • A printed copy of your unconditional offer confirmation (this can be found on MyEd) • Proof of your address in Edinburgh (for example, your University accommodation contract in MyEd, other accommodation contract, a utility bill, a bank statement) • Your completed initial registration form. You can download this from our website: edin.ac/police-registration • Your UK visa/Biometric Residence Permit and accompanying letter
Welcome to Edinburgh 8
Opening a bank account
Can I open an account? Opening a new bank account and setting up a bank account may take If you’re studying at the University longer than expected. Ask how long for more than one semester then the process will take for each bank, you can open a bank account. For and be prepared for it to take up to shorter visits, you’ll need to find a two weeks. bank that will accept your business – for example, Santander, Barclays For more information about opening Bank or Bank of Scotland are worth a UK Bank Account: contacting. edin.ac/banking What sort of bank account For information and to apply for a should I open? Bank Introduction Letter, please visit: edin.ac/bank-letter Banks offer different types of accounts. As a minimum you should Further details on accounts you can be eligible for a basic account which open and the documents required allows paying in and withdrawing can be found in our Banking cash in person or at an ATM (cash Comparison Table: machine). A basic account will not edin.ac/banking-international- offer credit such as an overdraft or a students credit card. Ask the bank what type of accounts they have available and what account best suits your needs. Which bank to choose? It’s up to you to research different banks and decide which suits you best. Some branches have more experience in dealing with international students, which may make it easier to open your account. How do I open an account? To open a new bank account you need to bring: • Your passport and visa/BRP • Original unconditional offer letter from the University of Edinburgh • Bank Introduction Letter If you’re in University accommodation, once you’ve checked in you’ll be able to download and print a Bank Introduction Letter from the Accommodation Information Centre on MyEd; this will provide proof of your Edinburgh address.
9 Welcome to Edinburgh
Register with a doctor
Healthcare in the UK is mainly provided through the National Health Service (NHS), a free service for all residents in the UK. You should register with a doctor, also known as a General Practitioner (GP), as soon as possible after you arrive in Edinburgh. How do I register? You can only register with a doctor near to where you live. To find a doctor 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.scot When registering with a doctor you’ll need: • Passport, visa or identity card • Proof of full-time student status • Proof of address (printed) 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 your doctor can stay in touch with you and so you can make an appointment as soon as possible when you need to. For more information on how to register with a doctor visit: edin.ac/register-doctor For further information on healthcare, visit our website: edin.ac/healthcare You can find more information on when and how to register on the University Health Service’s website: www.health-service.ed.ac.uk
Welcome to Edinburgh 10
International check-in
What do I need to do? UK, but you should only upload a copy of your visa after you’ve arrived All new international students who in the UK and it has been stamped require a visa to enter the UK for by Border Force at the UK border. study purposes (on a Tier 4 and a visiting student visa) must attend the From Saturday 07 to Friday 13 in-person registration event, called September 2019, the International International Check-In, to complete Check-in will take place in McEwan the matriculation process. Hall. After Welcome Week our staff are able to help you complete the You’ll need to upload copies of your International Check-In at the Student passport and visa to MyEd before Information Point in Old College. attending the Check-In. You can upload the personal details page of More about International Check-in: your passport before entering the edin.ac/international-check-in
11 Welcome to Edinburgh
Events
Welcome Week 2019 Association, which are designed to Key events help you settle in and get access to The week before your first semester University services. You can find all events on the Events at the University of Edinburgh is app, but the next pages list some known as Welcome Week. Get the events app key events for international students that are helpful to get off to the best During Welcome Week you’ll have With over 400 events, this year’s start here in Edinburgh. the opportunity to familiarise yourself Welcome Week programme is with life as a student at Edinburgh. packed! The Events app is the best You’ll officially enrol at the University way to help you find the events you and can attend information need to go to as well as activities sessions, orientation events and that might interest you. a range of activities organised by edin.ac/events-app Edinburgh University Students’
Welcome to Edinburgh 12
Parent & Supporter’s Principal’s Welcome Welcome talk Ceremony Session one Morning ceremony 7 September 9 September 14:00-15:00 11:30-12:15 McEwan Hall Afternoon ceremony 9 September 14:30-15:15 Session two McEwan Hall 8 September 11:00-12:00 No booking is required to attend McEwan Hall these events. However, it’s strongly recommended that you arrive 15 An exclusive event to introduce minutes before the start to avoid parents and/or supporters of queuing. new students to the University of Edinburgh and the Students’ edin.ac/welcome-ceremony Association. Learn about what changes students can expect in their Course Options Fair (UG) first year, and explore ways to prepare Earlier timeslot for any practical and unexpected 10 September changes during this time. This is 12:00-14:00 followed by an informal opportunity to 50 George Square ask University staff questions. Later timeslot International Student 10 September Orientation 14:30-16:30 50 George Square Welcome Event 8 September The Course Options Fair is for 09:30-10:30 undergraduate students who McEwan Hall can choose from a wide range of optional courses as part of their Services Fair & Activities degree programme. This is an ideal 8 September opportunity to ask questions and get 10:30 15:00 more information from both academic Appleton Tower staff and current students. A day-long programme of events, To get the most out of this event we presentations and workshops to strongly recommend that you begin welcome international students to the to research your course options university. Get help and advice about before attending and that you check starting off in Scotland, sessions the full programme for the event in about academic culture in the UK, advance. student life, and Scottish culture. You’ll also hear about important Check the Course Options Fair things to do in your first weeks here, information on the New Students meet fellow international students and website for more details and tools engage with services that will support to help you consider your course you throughout your studies. The options: afternoon programme is full of social edin.ac/course-options-fair and cultural events, like language tandem and traditional Scottish dancing. edin.ac/international-students- orientation
13 Welcome to Edinburgh
Postgraduate Research and networking, make connections, Students Welcome Talk & and meet current and former students Services Fair (PGR) to gain key insights for your student journey. 10 September 12:00-14:00 IESS Meet and Greet McEwan Hall 10 September Inviting all new PhD and Masters 15:30-17:30 postgraduate research students Pleasance Pentland Room to your official welcome event! Find out what you need to know to The International and Exchange succeed in your career as a research Student Society (IESS) is the student- student. Hear a formal welcome and run arm of Edinburgh Global, insights from alumni, followed by dealing with the social aspects of the opportunities to network and speak international community in Edinburgh. with our support and development Run by volunteers, it aims to make services. Book your free ticket: every student’s time at the University edin.ac/pgr-events of Edinburgh an unforgettable one. Join the IESS for the first coffee Postgraduate Taught Students events of the semester. Meet the Welcome Talk & Services Fair committee and get involved. (PGT) www.facebook.com/iessedinburgh Session one Postgraduate Taught Students 10 September Social and Networking 14:00-15:30 McEwan Hall Evening (PGT) Session two (repeat) CAHSS Events 10 September 11 September 15:30-16:00 15:30-17:00 McEwan Hall Playfair Library, Old College Inviting all new taught postgraduate CMVM & CSE Event students to your official welcome event! 11 September Find out how to get off to the best start 17:30-19:00 in your studies. Hear a formal welcome Playfair Library, Old College and top tips from alumni, followed by The University of Edinburgh opportunities to network and speak with and Students’ Association invite support and development services. postgraduate students (taught and edin.ac/pgt-events research) to the famous Playfair Library in Old College for an Postgraduate Research entertaining postgraduate-specific Students Social & Networking event of socialising with fellow new Session with Platform One students, meeting current students and networking with alumni. Staff (PGR) from your associated college will 10 September also be present and look forward to 14:30 - 16:00 meeting you in an informal setting. Playfair Library Book your free space: The Development & Alumni team www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ invite you to an exclusive social and postgraduate-taught-students- networking session for postgraduate social-and-networking-evening- students starting their research careers. tickets-64801337545 Join fellow students for refreshments Welcome to Edinburgh 14
Settling into your life in Edinburgh
This section provides guidance for things to consider after you’ve set up your essentials and begun to settle into your new chapter as a University of Edinburgh student. To read more about things like getting to know your campuses, managing your money and taking care of yourself whilst here, take a look at the Getting Started Guide. In addition to this, the guidance here provides extra knowledge and considerations for international students.
Read the Getting Started Guide: edin.ac/getting-started-guide
15 Welcome to Edinburgh
Transitioning into life here
Studying in a new country can making new friends and trying new Mental isolation be both exciting and challenging. things. All your hard work has paid On returning home, for example Everyone has a unique experience, off and you’re finally here! You may during the holidays, you may but there is a pattern of adjustment feel homesick, but it’s mixed with the feel another dip. Maybe you from when you start university, excitement of a new experience. returned home to find that things through to settling happily into your have changed. Or maybe you’ve new life. You might experience all or Culture shock changed, but home life hasn’t. none of it, but here’s a little about Halfway through your first semester, Returning to University, you might what to expect. you may start to miss old routines. feel the need to re-adjust, resulting For more information see the Your new friendships, even if in possible isolation. Students’ Association’s top tips: they’re going well, might not feel as comforting as ones from home. edin.ac/homesick-top-tips Acceptance & integration Academic pressures of end of term You’re halfway into your second assessments are also building. This The W-curve semester and you start to feel may feel like a challenging time – connected to your new life and The best way to address culture but things will look up soon! shock is to understand where it’s confident in your friendships. It coming from. We use the ‘W-curve’ Initial adjustment doesn’t mean everything’s perfect, to highlight stages of transition you but you feel part of a community and It’s the end of your first semester, might experience in your first year. confident being yourself. and you’re settling into routines and The honeymoon responsibilities. Friendships are becoming deeper and comfortable, It’s your first week and you’re and things are falling into place. surrounded by people, open to
Welcome to Edinburgh 16
How can I cope? Many international students have experienced these feelings and have suggested ways to cope with them: • Keep in touch with family and friends at home • Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning, e.g. photographs • Make friends with other international students going through the same experience, e.g. IESS organises coffee meetings and trips: www.iessedinburgh.com • Join societies to meet people and find activities you like to do: edin.ac/eusa-societies • Keep a diary so you can see how things are changing • Find someone to talk to, don’t isolate yourself. Chaplaincy, Counselling service, Nightline and Bigwhitewall are here to help: edin.ac/chaplaincy edin.ac/student-counselling “I took it step-by-step and started ednightline.com making myself a routine...It went really well. I’m so happy here.” www.bigwhitewall.com - Hugo, BSc (Hons) • Find shops selling food that you student from Spain might eat at home • Take regular exercise or join a sports society: edin.ac/sport-exercise • Eat a healthy and balanced diet Listen to more current international students’ experiences in transitioning into life in Edinburgh, adapting to local culture, academic life and passing on their top tips: edin.ac/culture-shock
17 Welcome to Edinburgh
Academic style & support
The academic style and marking skills resource prepared by study Programme system at the University might be development advisors at IAD to help different from what you’re used to. you go about your academic work Tandem is a popular language In certain subject areas, you may effectively and successfully. exchange programme run by Edinburgh University Students’ be asked to adapt to different kinds edin.ac/iad of learning including independent Association. All students are welcome! It’s designed to help you study, critical thinking, group work or English Language Education extensive reading. meet people and learn languages (ELE) in a fun, relaxed, social environment LEARN English Language Education without tutors, exams or lectures. provides English language edin.ac/eusa-tandem The best way to keep track of your support in the form of courses, course requirements, assessment materials, and one-to-one tutorials criteria and deadlines is to look at for international students at the your Course Handbook, available University to achieve their full on your course page on LEARN. academic potential. Further Lecturers and tutors also offer information about our non-credit guidance on studying and what’s English support is available online: expected of you, either on LEARN or during your classes. edin.ac/ele-elsis ELE also offer credit-bearing academic English courses for LEARN is the University’s visiting students: Virtual Environment. You’ll edin.ac/ele-visiting-students be able to find course materials, course handbooks, Effective English Learning assignments, marks, feedback and more for each These independent study materials of your courses on LEARN. are ways of improving your English informally, beyond the classroom. It’s based on English Language Marks Education research into the The marking system at the University experiences of international students is something that many new at the University of Edinburgh. The international students find different. areas covered are listening, reading, Learn more about the Common grammar, vocabulary, writing, Marking Scheme for your degree: speaking and pronunciation. edin.ac/common-marking-scheme edin.ac/iad-english For further information, read about Pre-arrival Academic Support Study skills for success: Many international students feel www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information- unprepared for academic life in -Advice/Preparation-and-Arrival/ the UK. Prepare for Success is Study-skills-for-success an interactive web learning tool Institute for Academic containing activity-based learning resources. Development Another resource is the Epax The Institute for Academic Academic Writing course, which Development (IAD) aims to help you teaches key features of academic succeed in your current studies and writing. It includes work on areas future career. They provide courses like academic English style, essay and events, learning resources structure, grammar and referencing. and study advice. Advice and edin.ac/ele-pre-arrival-support information are also available via LearnBetter. LearnBetter is a study Tandem Language
Welcome to Edinburgh 18
Support services
There are many support and advice for all administrative and pastoral services available at the University. matters including degree transfer, The Student Immigration You can learn more about them absences, learning adjustments, etc. Service provides support at Services Fairs during Welcome for students studying on a Both personal tutors and the Student Week. student visa. They can give Support Team can guide you to the advice if: Personal tutors wider network of university-wide specialist student support services, • Your visa or passport is There is also support available in like Counselling Services, Student lost or stolen your School through your personal Disability Services, Finance, and • There are changes to tutor and the Student Support Team. Student Administration. your studies (length, level, Your personal tutor, a member of resits) academic staff, will provide you with Advice Place academic guidance and help you • You need a new Tier 4 For advice outside your school, reflect on your academic progress application the Advice Place is a professional throughout your studies. You’ll be confidential advisory service, run • You’re bringing your assigned a personal tutor during by the Students’ Association. They family to Edinburgh your first week of studies. provide support on queries relating More about these services: edin.ac/personal-tutors your studies, health and wellbeing, edin.ac/student-support accommodation and finances. Student Support Team edin.ac/advice-place Your School Student Support Team Officer is your first point of contact
19 Welcome to Edinburgh
Staying stafe
Edinburgh is a safe city with a low crime rate, but it’s still important to pay attention to personal safety. Advice for staying safe • Don’t leave valuable property (like phones, tablets or laptops) unattended in libraries, study rooms or other open spaces. • Use common sense. If studying late or by yourself, tell somebody. If you feel unsafe or something isn’t right, contact the Security Section or Police Scotland. The University Security team is always available on campus for advice or assistance and are easily recognisable by their red jackets. The Security Section can assist in an emergency, give out-of-hours student support, and help prevent crime in your area. You can call them on 01316502257 at any time of day, every day (including holidays). www.ed.ac.uk/security
In an emergency:
Call 2222 from an internal campus phone
Call 999 for police/fire/ ambulance (Emergency services are available 24/7)
Non-emergency services:
Call 101 for police
Call 0131 228 2401 for fire services
Call 111 for NHS24
Welcome to Edinburgh 20
Opportunities
You might be interested in working or volunteering, in a part-time job during the semester, or during the summer. Career resources The Careers Service has a range of resources available for all international students. They offer career advice, networking opportunities, and access to internships and graduate vacancies. They can also help you find part- time work and build your CV. What you’ll need To work in the UK you’ll need a National Insurance (NI) number. Apply for your National Insurance Number as early as possible. Find out how to apply: edin.ac/NI-guide edin.ac/careers If you’re from a non-EU/EEA country or Switzerland, there are restrictions on the amount and type of work you can do in the UK. Find out more: edin.ac/working-in-uk-during- studies
MyCareerHub is a jobs and opportunities database for current students and graduates of the University of Edinburgh. You can search for jobs and events, ask career- related questions or find resources.
Register here: www.hub.ed.ac.uk/ students/login
21 Welcome to Edinburgh
Shopping
Food shopping Halal and Kosher foods are available Mobile phones from both specialist stores and Edinburgh has many different some larger supermarkets. If you’re using a mobile phone that supermarkets, local food shops you brought with you, you could be and places to eat out, many within Local & ethical foods paying much more than necessary easy reach of the University’s central to make calls from the UK. You area. Here are some tips to make There are a number of food shops can simply change the SIM card if the right choices and stay in budget that offer local and ethical options your phone is unlocked. You can while studying in Edinburgh. in and around Edinburgh. Whether also buy a mobile phone in the you’re looking for organic food, UK for a reasonable price. Before Top tips vegan options, gluten-free or locally you buy anything, you should do grown ingredients, you’ll be sure to a bit of research on the various • Buying food on a weekly basis find something that suits your needs. can keep costs down and avoid tariffs available. Price comparison websites are a good place to start: waste. Clothing www.moneysupermarket.com • Sharing food shopping with Many popular clothing shops can be www.confused.com flatmates can save time and found in the city centre, on Princes money. Street. More exclusive shops can be • Most supermarkets offer online found nearby around George Street shopping and delivery for a and Multrees Walk. There is also small charge. a shopping mall in the city centre, Waverley Mall. • Most supermarkets have a reduced section, with discounts Charity shops on foods with a short life-span. Charity shops are operated • Preparing fresh meals is by charitable organisations for cheaper and healthier than fundraising purposes. Most of their buying pre-prepared meals or products are second hand items in take-away food. very good condition, ranging from • Frozen fruit and vegetables are clothes to toys and household items. just as healthy as fresh; they There is a wide selection of charity can be kept longer and are often shops close to the University central cheaper. campus, between South Bridge and South Clerk Street, on the west side • Student discounts are often of the city, between Home Street offered in restaurants and take- and Leven Street, as well as in aways. Stockbridge, Leith and Morningside. Supermarkets Household items Most major supermarket chains You can buy items such as lamps, have stores in and around furnishings and small appliances Edinburgh. Many of these are close at a few different shops. IKEA is an to the central area of the University. affordable option, located outside International foods the city. Many students make group trips to IKEA during Welcome Week. There is a wide variety of food Argos is another option, and can available from local shops. be found on South Bridge or in Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan various shopping complexes. The city with many specialist and city centre is also home to shops international shops and restaurants. like TK Maxx and Primark which also Meat, fruit, vegetables, spices and sell affordable household items. For other products from around the a range of smaller household items, world can be found close to the Poundland or Poundsavers are University and throughout the city. noteworthy discount retailer shops.
Welcome to Edinburgh 22
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Supermarkets 10 Al-Medina (Middle East) 16 Starlight Chinese Supermarket E Y S 1 Asda 10 Nicolson Square E E Y E E (Chinese, Asian) 2 Farmfoods 11 Bismillah Food Store 25-29 Clerk Street (Middle East) 3 Iceland 17 Rajah’s Supermarket 3 Nicolson Square (Halal meat, Indian, Asian) 4 Lidl 12 Continental Food 33 Albert Street 5 Sainsbury’s (Eastern European) 18 Valvona & Crolla 6 Scotmid 368 Gorgie Road (Italian, Mediterranean) 7 Tesco 13 Janatha Food Store (Indian) 19 Elm Row 34-36 Montrose Terrace 19 White Eagle (Polish) Specialist shops 14 Lupe Pintos 5 Earlston Place, 8 Aihua (Chinese, Asian) (Mexican, Latin American) Edinburgh EH7 5SU 36 West Crosscauseway 24 Leven Street 9 Africa Crest (African) 15 Maqbool’s 193 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh EH11 (Halal, Asian, Middle East) 1TT 36 Potterrow
23 Welcome to Edinburgh
Sports
Edinburgh is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading sporting universities. There are plenty of sport and exercise facilities across campus, with access to gyms, dance studios, boxing and martial arts areas, archery, climbing and much more. edin.ac/sport-exercise Edinburgh University Sports Union With over 8,000 members, the Edinburgh University Sports Union is made up of 65 different sports clubs to choose from. The clubs are well managed and equipped, catering to all levels of ability. For further information about our range of sports clubs, and links to club websites, please visit the EUSU website. edin.ac/eusu Staying active It’s easy to stay active in Edinburgh. Walking is often the easiest way to travel and there are a range of bike routes across town. You don’t even have to leave the city to find good hiking trails but can find them on Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill or in the Pentland hills nearby.
Welcome to Edinburgh 24
Transport
Edinburgh is a great city to walk or University shuttle bus service Cycle hire scheme cycle in. You can also travel around Edinburgh by bus, tram and train. The University provides a free shuttle Edinburgh also has a cycle hire bus service for students and staff to scheme called Just Eat Cycles. Find out more about travelling within travel between the Central Area and Docking stations are available at Edinburgh in the Getting Started the King’s Buildings. Find out more several university sites. Guide: about timetables and pick up points Bikes can be hired and returned on the University website. edin.ac/getting-started-guide to any cycle hire point at any time. edin.ac/shuttle-bus Use the mobile app to find hire points. Visit their website for more information including pricing. www.edinburghcyclehire.com
25 Welcome to Edinburgh
Common Abbreviations
CAHSS College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences EASE Your University login, used to access services including MyEd and LEARN ECA Edinburgh College of Art EDUROAM WiFi at many education institutions worldwide, including the University of Edinburgh ELE English Language Education (a University centre providing English courses) EUCLID Portal with student information, used by university staff EUSA Edinburgh University Student Association GP General practitioner (doctor) IAD Institute for Academic Development (study skills support for students) IS Information Services (provide IT support) LEARN A virtual learning environment which hosts course information, provides access to materials, grades, feedback and virtual submission boxes for assignments. LLC School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures MA Master of Arts, in Scotland this typically refers to an undergraduate degree MSc Master of Science, in Scotland this typically refers to a postgraduate degree MyEd The University’s web portal that includes access to your emails, timetables and course learning materials. It’s also where you can update your personal details, pay your tuition fees and apply for University accommodation. NHS National Health Service (healthcare system in the UK) PG Postgraduate PGDip Postgraduate Diploma PPLS School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences SPS School of Social & Political Science SQA Scottish Qualifications Authority UCAS Universities & Colleges Admissions Service in the UK UG Undergraduate UoE University of Edinburgh VP Vice Principal or vice president
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Useful links
Support at the University
Accommodation www.accom.ed.ac.uk Advice Place www.ed.ac.uk/advice-place Careers Service www.ed.ac.uk/careers/international-students Edinburgh Global global.ed.ac.uk International Student Support Facebook www.facebook.com/edinburghuniversityinternational IT & Computing Help www.ed.ac.uk/is/it-help New Students www.ed.ac.uk/new-students Students’ Association www.eusa.ed.ac.uk Student Counselling www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling Student Disabilities www.ed.ac.uk/student-disability-service Student Immigration www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/immigration Life at University
Chaplaincy Centre www.ed.ac.uk/chaplaincy Residence Life www.accom.ed.ac.uk/for-students/residence-life Sport & Exercise www.ed.ac.uk/sport-exercise Sports Union www.eusu.ed.ac.uk Student Societies www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/activities/societies Volunteering www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/activities/volunteering Academic support
English Language Education www.ed.ac.uk/english-language-teaching Institute for Academic Development www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development Peer Learning Support www.ed.ac.uk/peer-learning-support Workshops for UG www.ed.ac.uk/iad-ug Workshops for PG www.ed.ac.uk/iad-pg Writing guidance www.rlf.org.uk/resources-home Exploring
Edinburgh Festivals www.edinburghfestivalcity.com UoE Events App www.ed.ac.uk/events-app Visit Scotland www.visitscotland.com Walkinghighlands www.walkhighlands.co.uk Emergencies
Information www.ed.ac.uk/students/emergency Emergency Services edin.ac/2z04WNs Emergency healthcare edin.ac/2yYRk4W Nightline www.ednightline.com Samaritans www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help University Security www.ed.ac.uk/security Embassies & Consulates www.visitscotland.com/about/practical-information/embassies-consulates Produced by Edinburgh Global
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