Are you planning to study at Alba English School in the beautiful city of Edinburgh? This bustling and historic city has so much to offer its international students. Whether you’re unsure about what to pack, how to get around, or where to explore, our guide to living in Edinburgh will answer all your questions.
Weather and Clothing
Bracing for Edinburgh’s Weather: How to Pack for a Temperate Maritime Climate
Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate, meaning its weather can be pretty variable. Summers are generally warm but not excessively hot, with average high temperatures around 19°C (66°F). Winters, on the other hand, are cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Make sure to pack a good mix of clothing – comfortable layers for the warmer months and heavier coats, hats, and scarves for winter. Don’t forget your umbrella – rain is a common occurrence throughout the year.
Transportation:
Navigating the City: Understanding and Utilizing Edinburgh’s Public Transport System
Edinburgh boasts an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains. The city is also quite walkable, and many students opt to cycle. We recommend getting a transport app like EdinBus to help plan your journeys and keep up with schedules. You can also find most public transport options on Google Maps.
Housing and Accommodation
Finding Your Home Away from Home: Exploring Housing Options in Edinburgh
The city offers a variety of housing options to suit different budgets and preferences. Many students choose to live in shared flats in areas such as Marchmont, Newington, or Bruntsfield, which are close to many amenities and have a vibrant student community. We can help you find a host family if you’d prefer to share a house or flat with a local family.
The average cost for a room in a shared flat in Edinburgh varied greatly depending on the location, the size of the room, and the specific amenities of the flat. On average, you could expect to pay anywhere from £500 to £800 per month.
Food and Dining:
Embarking on a Culinary Journey: Sampling and Savoring Edinburgh’s Diverse Food Scene
Edinburgh has a diverse food scene, with a range of restaurants catering to various cuisines from around the world. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl offer a wide selection of groceries for those who prefer to cook at home. For those who are eager to try local Scottish fare, don’t miss the opportunity to try haggis or a traditional Scottish breakfast.
You can use a delivery app if you don’t know where to get food on arrival in Edinburgh. You can use Uber Eats and Deliveroo in all of Edinburgh at any time of the day.
Healthcare:
Securing Your Health: Registering and Using the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland
Students studying in Scotland for more than six months are entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free healthcare at the point of use. It is essential to register with a local GP (General Practitioner) after arriving in Edinburgh.
Culture and Entertainment:
Immersing in Culture and Entertainment: Discovering Historic Sites and Vibrant Festivals in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and culture. From Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to Arthur’s Seat and the city’s many museums, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Plus, the city hosts several annual festivals, like the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the International Film Festival, making it a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment. Don’t forget to check our student activities https://albaenglish.co.uk/social-programme/ – we offer weekly activities all year round.
Wrapping It Up:
Making the Most of Your Edinburgh Experience While Studying at Alba English School
Living in Edinburgh as an international student offers an opportunity to immerse yourself not only in the language you’re here to learn but also in the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Alba English School is situated right in the heart of this dynamic environment, making it the ideal choice for students who are looking to enrich their language learning journey with a broader cultural and social experience.
In addition to the exceptional quality of our teaching, we at Alba English School are deeply committed to ensuring that our students feel at home in Edinburgh. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where students from all over the world can thrive, build lifelong friendships, and create unforgettable memories. We also recognize the importance of extracurricular activities in enhancing your language proficiency and offer a range of social events and activities to give you plenty of opportunities to practice your English outside the classroom.
From excursions to Edinburgh’s famous historic sites like the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, to cultural immersion through festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the International Film Festival, we ensure our students have a chance to explore what this great city has to offer.
Moreover, as part of our commitment to your well-being, we provide assistance and guidance on practical aspects of living in Edinburgh. Whether you need advice on navigating the city’s public transport, finding suitable accommodation, or registering with the National Health Service, our dedicated team is always here to help.
Living and studying in Edinburgh is more than just an academic endeavour. It’s an opportunity to grow personally, professionally, and culturally. As you learn English at Alba English School, you’ll also learn about Scotland’s rich history, indulge in its diverse food scene, and engage with its warm and welcoming people.
In conclusion, at Alba English School, we aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that combines high-quality English instruction with an authentic immersion in the Scottish way of life. We invite you to join us and make the most of this unique opportunity. We look forward to welcoming you to our community in Edinburgh and helping you achieve your English language learning goals.
