Preparing for your studies
These pages describe what to do in preparation for commencing your studies.
Particulars for Digital Education students
The students on the Digital Education programme produce a wide array of critical and highly creative work so we encourage you to take a look at our Showcase to draw some inspiration for the journey you are about to undertake with us. We hope to add your work there someday. You can learn more about alumni of the programme who work across a diverse range of sectors.
Preparing for your studies
Before starting at the University of Edinburgh, there are six essential tasks that you will need to complete including matriculating, paying your fees, and obtaining a student card and access to WiFi.
The New Student website contains a wide range of information on starting at the University of Edinburgh, including health and wellbeing guidance, keeping safe, and setting up IT. For those coming to Edinburgh for their studies, learn how to register with a GP, open a UK bank account, find accommodation, and get visa assistance as well.
It’s time to complete your ‘Making Transitions Personal’ pre-arrival review. This is a key part of preparing for the start of your course. It’s a chance for you to think about what you hope to achieve over the coming months and how you feel about the coming academic year.
Your responses will be available in your student record and will also be visible to your Student Support Team. You may want to discuss them with your Student Adviser. We will also get back in touch by email in a few weeks to highlight key resources and support that we think would be of interest to you, based on the responses you give.
Please complete your pre-arrival review as soon as you can, and by 15 September at the latest. It should only take 10 minutes:
2023-24 Making Transitions Personal review (via Sharepoint)
Please note this is not the place to disclose any important personal information that you have not disclosed before (e.g. a disability) or any important or urgent information you need a response to - please contact the Student Support Office directly for such matters.
Additional assistance and resources
Deadline to apply: Applications must be received by 23:59, Monday 18th September 2023.
We are hiring, become a Student Ambassador and represent your School and your University!
Like chatting to people and looking for a part-time job that is flexible around your studies? Apply to be a Student Ambassador and share your authentic experience with prospective students, through peer-to-peer text chat, social media, panels, campus tours and events, and much more. Find out more, including how to apply:
The University's Disability and Learning Support Service provides advice and support for students with additional support needs joining the University. Make an appointment to meet them to discuss your needs, and they can help to work out an appropriate package of support that matches your personal needs. This might include a note-taker, material captioning or transcription, a BSL interpreter, or additional time for assessments or completing assignments.
We have a number of support mechanisms within Moray House for students with additional support needs, as well as research expertise by way of the Scottish Sensory Centre.
The University offers free, non-credit-bearing courses for Postgraduate Taught and Research students from all disciplines. You may register yourself for this course prior to joining the University if you feel you could benefit from additional academic English support during your studies. There are typically two courses offered in the autumn term – one starting in September and one in October. Academic staff on your programme may also refer you for ALLIS but places are limited so early self-registration is recommended.
Students have access to the library, which is conveniently located in Dalhousie Land.
The Moray House Library is the centre of the School's knowledge base. It holds the University's education, sport and recreation collections, containing literature covering:
- Education
- Psychology
- English language teaching
- Physical education
- Sports sciences
- Leisure studies
- Recreational management
Designed to enhance and support the learning opportunities available to staff and students the School Library provides a point of ready access to textbooks, key academic journals, past dissertations and to many specialist subscription databases.
The School Library is a popular place for study and research.
Access to the majority of these services is available to students and staff from wherever they are in the world, from their place of work and at home.
The Reserve Collection of high-demand titles on student reading lists is shelved on the First Floor of the Library (entrance level).
The General Book Collections are on the First Floor.
The Print Journal Collections are on the Ground Floor.
Resources
The University libraries provide access to a vast range of e-books, e-journals, and databases. The main route to the University library's collection is via DiscoverEd. The majority of online resources are also available off-campus via this route. You can access library resources and services from the library website or via the MyEd 'Studies' tab.
DiscoverEd (Library discovery service)
Accessing e-resources on and off campus
University of Edinburgh Library website
Access and opening hours
Staff and students of the University of Edinburgh have full access and borrowing rights.
Moray House Library accessibility information
There are great spaces to study at the University. There are formal and informal areas, areas for quiet individual study or for group working, and all the facilities you need to study effectively. Some of the Main Library areas are open 24/7. Please note there may be restrictions to support social distancing.
Location
Dalhousie Land, 15 St John Street, Edinburgh EH8 8JR
Phone: 0131 651 6193
Email: IS.Helpdesk@ed.ac.uk
Campus maps and travel information
British Sign Language support
A video relay service is available, enabling British Sign Language users to contact public bodies and vice-versa. This service operates from 8 am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week.
Key Links
Moray House Library Guide (PDF)
The Library tab in MyEd, is a really quick way into all that the Library has to offer
General information for Online Learning students
Sign up to Platform One, Edinburgh’s single online community for students, staff and former students all over the world, a place to make new connections and get friendly support.
The British Council has released a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to help people prepare to study and live in the UK. Find out more on the Future Learn Website:
Online Course - Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK