jwheels717

I am considering attending the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and both my parents and my little sister are thinking about going there with me. We are from southern California, and while I have done some research already, I was wondering if anyone had any helpful advice on living in Scotland. Only my father has traveled to Europe before out of the four of us, and while he has been to London, he has never been to anywhere in Scotland. Thank you all very much for your help.

nytraveler

Do you mean they'll be visiting you there?

Americans can;t simply pick up and move to Scotland - it's illegal. Automatic tourist visas are good only for limited periods and to get any other sort of visa allowing long-term residence - is quite complicated and involves stringent rules.

If you mean the latter - your first step would be the local UK consulate to get information on all the legal requirements of a longer stay.

janisj

I saw your thread when you first posted it and could not think what to reply - Assuming you actually mean what your questions seem to be. That you are going on a student visa and your whole family wants to join you??

Like nytraveler says - one simply can't just up and move to the UK.

Now, IF you actually meant they are just going to come over for a short visit -- that is a whole different kettle of fish. What are you really asking?

janisj

oh - just to clarify - if you are only to be in Edinburgh for one term (as opposed to a full school year) then of course they can join you.

caroline_edinburgh

Also not sure how long you mean you & your family would be here - please clarify. How old is your sister - would she be needing to enroll at a school here ?

Would you be thinking of buying or renting a place to live ? I've no idea about prices in southern California but most people from elsewhere seem to find property prices here very expensive. Janis can probably advise on comparisons - she has lived in Scotland, knows it well, and I think lives in California now.

Have a look at www.espc.co.uk to give you an idea. Like anywhere (I assume) you can get a larger property for less money on the outskirts or outside town, but not necessarily anywhere you'd want to live. For a flat in or just outside the centre, you'll probably be looking at paying £450 & upwards for 1 bedroom or £600 & upwards for 2 bedrooms. The last flat we rented was 3 bedrooms for £875. To buy a flat anywhere you'd want to live you'd be looking at £100,000-250,000 for 1-2 bedrooms.

Of course if it's just you, it would be much easier & you'd maybe be able to get university accommodation; if not you could share a flat for much less.

I daresay that you are probably used to driving everywhere so bear in mind that a car is a liability in central Edinburfg & you'll pay extra for a parking space. Even if you live in a controlled zone & buy a permit allowing on-street parking, it doesn't guarantee a space. However the central area is very walkable and if you can do without a car, I could recommend good bus routes to live near by. A monthly bus pass is about £32 for an adult.

sheila

It's a lovely town in a fantastic country and I think you'd all have a ball.

Barbara

It's just as expensive in So. California, where I live. I love the way that Americans think they can go a live wherever they want, but it doesn't work very well the other way round.

Edinburgh, where I come from, is a fabulous city and you'll love it. You'll miss the sun, the beach and warm weather, but you'll have a range of experiences that you can't get here.