Erasmus in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, captivates with its striking contrast between the medieval Old Town and its winding closes and the elegant Georgian New Town — both jointly listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Edinburgh Castle, perched on its volcanic crag, dominates the city, while Arthur's Seat — an extinct volcano right in the city centre — offers spectacular panoramas just a walk from the centre.

Academically, the city hosts the University of Edinburgh (top 25 worldwide in THE and QS rankings), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University. In August, the famous Edinburgh Festival (Fringe, International Festival, Book Festival) turns the city into the world's largest arts gathering: three weeks of performances on every street corner. The climate stays damp and windy all year round — a sturdy raincoat is essential.

Important — Brexit context: since May 2023, the UK is no longer part of the Erasmus+ programme. EU students now come to Edinburgh through bilateral exchange agreements (Edinburgh Global Exchange on the UoE side, Turing Scheme on the UK side). Re-association with Erasmus+ has been announced for the 2027/28 academic year.

The housing market is extremely tight, particularly in August-September when the academic year starts alongside the festival. UoE Accommodation Services offer halls of residence (Pollock Halls and others) with priority for exchange students who apply early — applying as soon as you receive your exchange confirmation is essential. For other options, SpareRoom.co.uk is the UK reference for flatshares, followed by Rightmove, Zoopla, ESPC (a must in Edinburgh) and Citylets.

Expect to pay £500-700 per month (around €575-810) for a room in a flatshare. Classic student neighbourhoods include Marchmont (close to UoE, very studenty), Newington (central and lively), Bruntsfield (smart and residential), the Old Town (touristy and pricey), Leith (alternative port area, booming) and Tollcross (central and affordable).

Beware of scams: never pay before viewing in person (or via a live video tour with a trusted contact), and always insist on a written contract. Rental scams on SpareRoom and Facebook Marketplace are common, especially for international students.

Lothian Buses serves the entire city and is complemented by Edinburgh Trams (a single line linking Princes Street to the airport). There is no metro in Edinburgh. The Student Ridacard is the student pass: presented with your university matriculation card, it costs around £55 per month (~€65) — versus £64 without the student rate.

The walking + bus combo is the ideal formula: the centre is very walkable and most daily trips happen on foot. For bike-sharing, Just Eat Cycles is available but limited.

ScotRail trains depart from Waverley Station (city centre) and Haymarket Station to Glasgow, the Highlands and the rest of Scotland. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is accessible by tram (35 min) or by Airlink 100 bus from Waverley.

Societies (UoE student clubs) are the pillar of social life: over 300 societies cover every imaginable interest (sports, arts, politics, culture, food), with events practically every weekend. Must-visit pubs: The Royal Oak, The Last Drop, Sandy Bell's (traditional folk music sessions), The Cabaret Voltaire (legendary club). Whisky distillery tours are a cultural experience in themselves.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August is a unique experience: three weeks of shows everywhere, completely wild atmosphere, the city becomes one giant stage. Hogmanay (Scottish New Year, 31 December to 1 January) is legendary — torchlight processions, concerts, fireworks above the castle. Culinary specialities: haggis, fish and chips, scotch broth, cranachan, and the much-debated deep-fried Mars bars.

For day trips: Loch Ness and the Highlands (3h by bus), Glasgow (50 min by train, around £15), St Andrews (1h30), birthplace of golf, Stirling (1h) with its historic castle. Scotland is best explored by train or bus from Edinburgh — an exceptional playground.

Important — Brexit: EU students must now obtain a Student visa (route) before arrival for any stay longer than 6 months. The process requires a CAS letter issued by the university, payment of the IHS surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge, ~£776 per year), and visa fees (from £490). For stays under 6 months, a Standard Visitor visa is sufficient, but no paid work is allowed.

Access to the NHS (UK health service) is included for Student visa holders via the IHS. The European EHIC card is no longer accepted in the UK (except if you hold a UK GHIC, which is not the case for non-UK residents).

To open a bank account, major banks (HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest) offer student accounts — expect several weeks for the process. A quick and convenient alternative: digital banks Monzo, Starling or Revolut, which open in minutes from the app.

The language is English, but with a Scottish accent that can be confusing at first, especially for those used to standard English. A few typical words: "aye" = yes, "wee" = small, "ken" = know. Your ear adjusts within a few weeks.

It's a perfect destination for European students wanting to practise native English in a welcoming environment. No need for additional English courses: daily immersion is more than enough. University programmes are 100% in English.

To get a feel for Scottish Gaelic (rare in the city but visible on official signage), Edinburgh Council offers free taster classes. Small tip: Scots love it when you throw in a well-placed "thanks a million" or "cheers" — it's instantly adopted.