Hi Everyone! <BR>I am planning on spending a few months studying at a University abroad. I travelled to Europe for 3 months this past summer and loved it! I didn't make it to anywhere in the UK though. Edinburgh is one of my narrowed down destination choices and I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on if I should choose this city to live or if you have suggestions of others. One thing that I must consider (but not you neccessarily) in my decision is the exchange rate factor. I am Canadian and unfortunately our dollar is terrible right now (especially, of course, against the pound). Is it terribly expensive in Scotland? (Any other European country that would be a good comparison?) <BR>Thanks very much!! <BR>Kate

Kate, how fun! We loved Scotland, the people are amazing! As lots of folks here know I am the Kirkcudbright one woman tourist booster. I can't wait to go back to Scotland and have a chance to explore Galloway area of Scotland. Regarding your question on costs, Amsterdam is really an amazing bargain. We had a lovely suite, but the costs for a cheese, wine and meats at the grocery store were amazing and very affordable. Have Fun!

Thanks Danna! <BR>Definitely is good motivation! <BR>Anyone else have any ideas for me please? <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kate

Hey kate! <BR>The first time I was in Edinburgh I was hooked for life. Had I not had a job, house and other things that required my presents, I would have moved there for at least a year in a heart beat!! It totally took me away. BUT, the exchange rate is not good for you. So I think that should be what you consider most. If you don't end up living in Edinburgh, at least vist for a view days and enjoy every minute of it!! <BR> <BR>Have a great time! I know you will!

Kate, I studied at Edin. U. many moons ago, and it was the smartest move I had ever made (up to then.) Edinburgh is not an inexpensive city, even by other European standards, but as a student one can live fairly frugally and still enjoy one of the most ecciting and historic cities in Europe. What field would you be studying and what is your timetable? (Hint, planning way ahead is needed.) <BR>Good luck

I don't know anything about the University of Edinburgh, but I absoutly LOVE the city! Of all the big cities in the UK that I've been to, it's tops!

Kate - <BR>I recently spent a week in Edinburgh on my own and loved it. It's a safe city for a woman traveling solo and I would imagine that it would be a great place to live for a few months. Yes, things are a little pricy, but just plan on living frugally. There's so much beauty to take in. Lots of parks and an easy city to get around on by foot. <BR> <BR>Good luck with your choice!

As I've told others on this site, I'm a HUGE Edinburgh fan--all because of the people. Although I've traveled all over Europe (and love London, as well), once I hit Edinburgh I scrimped and saved to go back three times in the past year! Now I'll spend this year paying off credit cards so I can go back next March! Until then, I'll live vicariously (sp) through others, like you, who are going this year by trying to help out if I can. If you want the name of a wonderful B&B, e-mail me. HAVE FUN!

Kate, as a student you will love Edinburgh. Although it's probably not cheap (hard for me to say as I live in London, which makes everwhere seem cheap), it is a very vibrant and beautiful city with, most importantly for you, a large student population, so you will find cheaper entertainments for the resident students. There's an incredible arts scene - one of the best you'll find anywhere, the fringe festival in august being just a taster for what goes on all year round. <BR> <BR>Only minor point is that the weather is not brilliant, so if you come from a warm climate you might find it a bit hard going living there, but I wouldn't let that stop you. <BR> <BR>What's more, it is a compact city with glorious countryside on your doorstop, so it offers the best of all worlds if you get tired of city life. <BR> <BR>Go, you'll never regret it.