New Students

Get ready for University

As you prepare for the start of university, you will need to do some essential tasks including arranging your accommodation, getting connected to your student email, and browsing optional courses for your personal timetable.

From the time you make your application and right up to your start date with us, you will be provided with useful and detailed information about what you need to do to help you to prepare to become a student. 

This includes lots of helpful resources, access to support networks (including live Q&A sessions), and guidance in the lead-up to you starting your journey at the University of Edinburgh.

Resources you can use: 

We recommend that you bookmark the New Student Website and from June onwards, you will discover up-to-date information and resources to help you get ready to start university.

New Students Facebook Group

The official Facebook group is for all students holding offers from the University of Edinburgh in the academic year 2023/2024;

  • to ask questions
  • to find out information about the University
  • to meet other new students
  • to feel part of the University before you start your student life here! ​​We welcome everyone's participation and are happy to guide you through everything you need to know before you start 

Join the New Student Facebook group to start meeting your fellow students 

University of Edinburgh Events App 

The 'New Students Guide' on the University of Edinburgh Events app contains all of the information you need to know to get started as a new student. You will find a handy checklist of important tasks, as well as guides, useful resources, tips, and information on topics such as:

  • Arriving in Edinburgh
  • Getting around the city
  • Accessing support services
  • Meeting other students
  • Frequently asked questions from new students

From 21 August you can check your app for access to a full schedule of events and activities taking place from Welcome Week onwards and start planning your first few weeks!

More information about the University of Edinburgh Events app 

Some further tips to help you get ready:

Read all of your emails - As you approach your start date, the University will send emails to the email that you applied with as well as your new University email address. Make sure you read your emails so you don't miss out on key information from the University.

Start preparing as early as you can - Once you have accepted your offer to study with us, you can and should think of yourself as a current student at the University of Edinburgh. Make sure you engage with what’s going on – check out the student news, social media channels, and our online events.

Don't hesitate to ask questions - No question is too big or small and we want to be sure that you have the information you need. You can to direct questions to us via some of the resources above. 

 

Things to do before you start

Green tick in checkboxes
To help with your preparations, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to do before you start at the University of Edinburgh, in priority order.

Learn 'how-to-do' things with our online information sessions

Student Ambassadors wearing brightly coloured t-shirts
Get prepared for University with our 'How to...' sessions!

Your Essential Top 6 Tasks

Essential Top 6 Tasks bunting logo
Complete these essential Top 6 Tasks to become a student

Get connected

Get connected digitally with the University of Edinburgh Events app to keep informed and find out what's happening before and during Welcome Week and meet with other new students before you start by joining the New Students Facebook group.

Things to consider

Things to consider are useful topics to address to enhance your student experience and can be completed either before and/or at the start of University.Before you arrive, you will need to get organised to support yourself academically, financially and to look after your health. These are useful things to consider, with information on how to prepare, be aware and what steps to take if applicable.

Prepare for study

Photo of a male student studying on a laptop
As you start preparing for studying, there are practical digital tools that will need to become familiar with to be able to access your learning.

Moving to Edinburgh

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill
Arrange your accommodation, keep updated with key accommodation information and make arrangements for safe travel to Edinburgh.

Live in Edinburgh

When you arrive in Edinburgh, you may notice differences in the language, weather, clothing, food, and customs of the local people. Researching Edinburgh and the Scottish culture before you arrive will help you understand what to expect when you get here.