Moving to Edinburgh

Hello, everyone. And a warm welcome to our session today at the University of Edinburgh. My name is Jamie Fraser, and I'm an international recruitment manager here at the University. Today, I'll guide you on how to navigate university life as an international student, covering three key areas: essential tasks upon arrival, getting involved in the university and wider community, and handling culture shocks in bonnie Scotland. Let's dive in. Firstly, let's cover some potential tasks you need to complete shortly after your arrival to Edinburgh. Having a local bank account is crucial for managing your money, paying bills, and receiving payments. The documents you need usually are a passport or a biometric residence permit, as well as proof of student status and proof of address. 'Save the Student' regularly updates their website, providing bank reviews in order to guide you in to choose the best bank for you. All international students need to register with a doctor, known as a general practitioner, or GP,  when they arrive in Scotland. We recommend you find at least three GP practices near you and contact them to see if they are accepting new patients. Once confirmed, you can complete all the necessary registration forms with them. You should ensure that your phone is unlocked before coming to Scotland. Then you can visit mobile phone shops in the St. James Quarter or Princes Street to choose a plan and sim card that suit your needs. Taking care of these essentials early on, will make your life smoother and help you focus on your studies and experiences at the university. Now that we've covered the essential tasks. Let's focus on getting involved socially at the university and in Edinburgh. The say 'a fool only leaves a university with a piece of paper', and I don't–I couldn't find that more true. Edinburgh is known for its  diverse international community, with a population of 500,000 people, with 100,000 of them being students. The Edinburgh University Global buddies scheme is a peer support scheme which helps international students adjust to living and studying in Edinburgh. You can sign up for this through the Edinburgh University Students Association in September. We have over 300 societies and 50 sports clubs at the university. Joining these is a fantastic way to meet people, stay active and make friends from all over the world. Now let's talk about handling culture shock and integrating here to Edinburgh. Be prepared for very variable weather. In Scotland, four seasons can happen in one day. A waterproof jacket is an essential and make sure to put it in your bag when you're going to university every day. Manage the seasonal changes in daylight by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and ensuring you're getting out as much as you can. Scottish accents and slang might be difficult to understand initially. I know I certainly found it challenging. Don't hesitate to ask people to  repeat themselves or speak slowly. Soon enough, words like 'wee' and  'dreich' will be in your daily vernacular, even if you don't know what they mean. Be open to trying new foods, local foods like haggis. It really is nice.   Exploring new  culinary experiences is all part of studying in a different country and making the most of your time. When I studied abroad, I felt pressure to constantly have the best time. It's natural to struggle with culture shock. Embrace the new weather patterns, adjust to the local way of speaking, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. It's okay to struggle. And if you are feeling like things are getting too much, make sure to ask your student advisor for support. We're all here to support you at the university and are rooting for you to do the best you can. To wrap up:  handling essential tasks, getting involved in university and city life, and navigating culture shocks are all part of the international student experience, and is what makes it so rewarding. Embrace the opportunities, stay proactive, and don't hesitate to seek help where needed. Thank you very much for your attention. Have an amazing time at the university, and we're rooting for you.