Get Prepared

Check out the key semester dates.

Make sure to arrange your flights around the academic calendar. Do not book return flights for a date prior to the end of the semester, because you may have exams on the final date! 

The New Students website has loads of information on other topics as well, including arrival information, ‘Getting Started’ guides and advice about life in Edinburgh. Download the UoE Events app from the website to find out about welcome events taking place at the beginning of each semester. 

Check you've not missed any important planning relating to accommodation, visas and other key areas.  Make sure to review the Pre-Arrival Checklist. 

There are six steps that all students must go through in order to begin their studies with us, and it is vital that you complete all that apply to you.  

Students must wait to complete most of these steps during the first two weeks of their programme, but there are some that you should tick off before you arrive: 

• Register your University Log-in details, and log into MyEd
• Get started on Office 365 and other University systems
• Complete the Online Registration forms before you arrive
• Apply for your University student card 

Find out more about these tasks, and all of the Top 6 Tasks you have to complete at the start of your studies, on the New Students website.

Information on getting accommodation can be found on the Study Abroad Accommodation page. 

You can also find a wide range of information relating to finding accommodation in Edinburgh via the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) Advice Place Looking For Accommodation page. 

Many students choose to obtain travel insurance, contents insurance and/or private health insurance, for the duration of their studies in the UK. Consider whether you would benefit from insurance cover (including if you know you are likely to need ongoing healthcare) before travelling to the UK. 

Your UK doctor will not have access to your previous medical history, and may not be able to prescribe the same medications (regulation of medications varies across countries). It is important that you bring a summary of your medical record with you; you should also check any medication you bring is permitted in the UK, and bring sufficient medication to cover the length of your studies if required. 

Helpful Links:

• UK Drug Information
• EUSA Advice Place
• For further details of the UK healthcare system, including how to access the UK’s National Health Service and register with a doctor, see the Health and Wellbeing section.

The Disability and Learning Support Service provides support for students who have a health condition, disability or neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia or autism, which affects their studies.  They can also provide support to students who experience a temporary injury that impacts on their academic work. 

Contact the Disability and Learning Support Service to discuss your support needs as early as possible, ahead of arrival if possible. Documentary evidence of your condition is required before support arrangements can be put in place. Information on evidence can be found on the Supporting Documentation page. 

Check how to pay tuition and/or accommodation fees (if applicable) on the New Students website.

You can find information about opening a bank account in the UK on the Open a UK bank account page. 

You can find information on this on the Plan Your Budget page. 

For advice about mobile phones, and to check whether you require a TV Licence or not, check out the Student Living Costs website. 

Council tax is a charge made by local authorities for each property in the area, and is used to pay for services like road maintenance and rubbish collection.  

If you live in University housing, you are most likely exempt from paying council tax from the start-date to the end-date of your University of Edinburgh programme. 

However, there are different regulations for students living in private accommodation: 

• Visiting students who are studying in the UK for a full year are generally exempt from paying council tax during their UoE programme of study, and your Certificate of Matriculation should be sufficient proof of your exemption.
• Visiting students who are studying in the UK for only one semester may be liable for council tax, and must pay the bill. You must check this directly with Edinburgh Council who will determine this on a case-by-case basis.
• Visiting students whose home institution is in the European Union should contact the University’s Advice Place at advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk for further advice relating to council tax. 

Matriculated students can view, print and send their Council Tax Exemption Letter and their Certificate of Matriculation via MyEd – click the ‘Launch Self-service’ option in the Personal Details section.

Now that the UK has formally left the EU, there is up-to-date information about how this may impact on your studies on the University of Edinburgh’s dedicated webpage.