New Students

Parents and supporters of new students

Information for parents and supporters about the support available to students as they transition into the University in 2023.

Image of a student and her Mum helping her move to University

Parents' and Supporters' event

The University of Edinburgh welcomes all new students with their parents and supporters to a series of activities on Sunday 10 September in McEwan Hall.

The first year at University can be a rewarding and challenging experience for new students, as well as anyone supporting them. We want to be sure that everyone involved feels knowledgeable and reassured about the support available to all new students making their transition to University.  

These activities have been organised to welcome parents and supporters to the University of Edinburgh community. They will highlight the typical experiences students may have when transitioning through University life, and how we can support them to make the most of their time at Edinburgh.

Registration is not required for any of these activities. 

Parents' and Supporters' Welcome programme

As you support your students during their transition into University, we recommend that you refer back to this page closer to September as we hope to add further information for the Parents' and Supporters' Welcome programme.

Activity Time Location

Student-led guided tours (first come, first served basis)

These tours will be led by one of our current students. Find out about the best places to eat, study, and meet other students when studying at Edinburgh. And hear how to complete some of the essential tasks during Welcome Week.

10:30 am - 11:30am Meet outside of McEwan Hall, Pavillion Entrance

Parents and Supporters Talk, followed by refreshments

Presented by senior University staff, you will learn about the relationship between the University and supporters, the challenges that students may face, the changes they may experience, and information about the support available to your student. There will be lots of time and opportunity to ask questions to our University and Students' Association colleagues at refreshments in Potterow Dome following the talk. 

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm McEwan Hall

Security and Safety Advice at the University of Edinburgh (presented by the University's Security Team)

This 15-minute presentation will include an overview of security and safety at the University and how our community might reduce the possibility of being affected by occurrences that can adversely affect their experience.

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm McEwan Hall

Student Safety in Edinburgh (presented by Police Scotland)

Starting University can mean some significant life changes – making new friends, studying in a new town, going out to new places and living independently for the first time. However, some of these changes could also increase the risk of students becoming the victim of crime. This 15-minute presentation will provide guidance on how students can keep themselves and their property safe while studying in Edinburgh.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm McEwan Hall

Together Against Fraud (presented by HSBC)

This 15-minute presentation, delivered by representatives from HSBC, will discuss common types of fraud that students may be vulnerable to. The presentation will introduce common types of scams used recently in the UK, e.g. common phone, email and text scams and what to expect from banks in terms of contact.

Whilst presented by experts from HSBC, the talk will include generic content that is relevant for all students, no-matter who they bank with. 

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm McEwan Hall

Student Wellbeing at the University of Edinburgh (presented by the Student Wellbeing Service)

This 15-minute presentation will introduce the Student Wellbeing Service; how the service is developing including some key statistics and rationale, service processes and student referral, future plans and proactive work of the team.

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm McEwan Hall

Student-led guided tours (first come, first served basis) (repeat of earlier activity)

These tours will be led by one of our current students. Find out about the best places to eat, study, and meet other students when studying at Edinburgh. And hear how to complete some of the essential tasks during Welcome Week.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Meet outside of McEwan Hall, Pavillion Entrance

 

Got questions about accommodation? 

​​There will also be members of the accommodation team at the refreshments as part of the Parents' and Supporters' event as above.

This page has information for parents and supporters of new students. There is further support and information available to you if you are a student with caring responsibilities:

Student Parents

Student Carers 

 

The University's relationship with students

The University of Edinburgh's approach is to recognise students as adults - even those who have not yet reached the age of 18. 

Supporting your new student

New students will experience many highs and lows as they transition into their new lives and it is important that they maintain their support structures and connections.

 

Related Links

New Students homepage

Semester Dates

Celebrating our diversity