Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Love Edinburgh Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 05/27/2017 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a great time in Edinburgh. I liked that I could direct enroll and go to a new place to study for awhile while getting credits towards my degree. It's a really valuable experience being somewhere new and having to move out of your comfort zone to meet new people and establish your little life there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the learning environment in Edinburgh. I learned a lot from my classes and built strong relationships with classmates and lecturers. There are relatively few small assignments and few weekly hours for social sciences. Your entire grade is made up of a midterm paper + an exam or final paper. I really enjoyed it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Edinburgh admin is excellent. They are easily reachable and hold open hours for international students. You are able to meet with your tutor to choose classes, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in the dorms was fine. Choose a self-catered one that is really close to George Square (unless you study science). I lived off-campus second semester and preferred that. It's a good option, especially if you're planning to stay in Edinburgh for the year. Sublease/short leases can be found on Facebook groups Edinroom, Edinburgh room search, queer housing Edinburgh, etc. and some housing sites. Make sure you're living with other students so you can avoid council tax. The flats in Edinburgh are really nice and if you're paying for your housing you can save some money.

* Food:

Food in the UK is notoriously not the best. Chip shops and curry shops are reliable. Food shops like Lidl and Aldi are very affordable. There are vegan and veg options everywhere you go.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love Edinburgh!!!! Culture in the UK is not so different from the US. It's not difficult to meet people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Free health care. You must register with a GP when you arrive, there are no walk-in clinics unless you want to pay. Free prescription medicine, and all over the counter stuff is insanely cheap.

* Safety:

Edinburgh is very safe but bike theft is common.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Direct enroll was ideal for me. I wanted that flexibility, and Edinburgh is an amazing city.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Lidl and Aldi are affordable grocery stores. Public transport is pretty affordable. There are lots of student discounts and places/communities (housing coop, hearty squirrel, shrub coop Forest Cafe) that host communal dinners, clothes swaps, free food, etc. That being said, things can really add up if you don't budget well. Everything is a bit cheaper than London though. I also had a part-time job while I was there, which was a great way to meet people and have some cash to travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own food if you can. Buy bulk bags of rice/lentils/chickpeas that will last you. Try to avoid buying anything in an airport.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Scotland
  • Being in Europe
  • U Edinburgh
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing I can think of. People who end up in the catered residence halls seem to not like it. Maybe recommend against that?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have known I'd want to stay for a year!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.