Who better to give you advice than our international student ambassadors.
Before you arrive
• A lot of things happen online! Be prepared and have space on your phone for new apps: be it the bank or the University, everything is compacted into an interface that helps you manage your time and deal with any problems on the spot. Your e-mail, timetable, library, news and events, e-learning and everything else that involves university life can be found on the MyNapier app. - Sofia (Greece)
• Be aware of the weather! Hoodies, jackets and hats will become your best friends! - Enmanuel (Dominican Republic)
• I wish I had spoken to an international student ambassador and asked them for advice before starting my studies. They can provide inside knowledge to specific courses and help students who are still weighing their decision on what course to study. - Lisa (Germany)
• When it comes to housing, decide early whether you want to live in student accommodation or in a private flat. Student accommodation is on a first come, first serve basis so you have to act quickly! Also, never send money to any landlord without meeting face to face. There are a lot of flat scams out there. - Victoria (United States of America)
• My advice would be to attend every single activity you can during induction week, you get to know a lot about the University and meet some of the people you'll be seeing a lot of! - Kat (South Africa)
• I suggest researching Edinburgh Napier University because there are so many things the University offers. For example, scholarships, airport collection, accommodation and computing facilities. - Beenish (Pakistan)
• Try to get in contact with people who are doing the same course as you, make sure it’s a good fit. - AJ (United Arab Emirates)
• My main advice is to use social media like Facebook groups to get in touch with other students who are also starting their education at Edinburgh Napier. It is amazing how many valuable ideas and tips you can get from social networks these days. - Ingrid (Norway)
Study tips
• Feel free to roam around the different campuses! Just because you’re a business student studying at Craiglockhart doesn’t mean you’re limited to one campus. I was happily surprised when I could use all the computers and different facilities at Merchiston campus even though I study at Sighthill. - Sofia (Greece)
• Talk to your professors. They are kind, welcoming people who want to help you succeed, and having a conversation with them can really help. - Lauren (Canada)
• Use every resource available to you, you're here to study and do well, but also have the best time. - Kat (South Africa)
• You don’t have to drag around your laptop everywhere! If you’re like me and have a heavy laptop, you’ll also enjoy the personalised desktop service on the University's computers. I was able to find all my files using any University PC and it also means the chances of losing your work are close to zero. - Sofia (Greece)
• Just make sure that you enjoy what you are doing and remember that it’s okay to take a break every once in a while (studying isn't everything). Just enjoy your university life! - AJ (UAE)
• Don't forget why you are here in the first place - to excel in your studies. - Nurudeen (Nigeria)
• Make a schedule for your daily studying. Finish tasks on time so that you don't miss the deadline! - Qi (China)
• Be present at every lecture and take your notes seriously - it will be very helpful for final revision. - Qi (China)
• If it all becomes too much, have a cup of tea and email your personal development tutor or a member of staff you trust and ask for a chat, they are always willing to help you out. - Maria (Norway)
• If you are doing your master’s degree, remember it is only one year and during that year you will be a student in this wonderful city - LIVE IT! - Martine (Norway)
Life-long tips
• My advice would be to relax, have fun, and study! Travel as much as you can, and stay as healthy as you can. Living abroad is a great opportunity to make friends, so don’t be shy. Be yourself and have the time of your life! - Lillian (United States of America)
• Be brave and try new things! We are still young, don't be afraid to do things you are unfamiliar with. If you are interested in something, just do it! - Huan Na (China)
• If you’re a master’s student, remember you will only be in Edinburgh for one year. Be ambitious and committed to your studies, but don’t forget to be open to new adventures and make the best of your time in this wonderful city! - Lisa (Germany)
• My top tips for new students is to relax! I know this can be a stressful time, but remember that this is an adventure and one that will definitely pay off. - Victoria (United States of America)
• Don't open warm popcorn under a smoke detector. Don't take a hot shower and leave the door open. Don't smoke inside buildings. Actually, don't do anything that could accidentally set off the fire alarm! - Dilson (Brazil)
• Look for part-time jobs, either at the University or elsewhere, to supplement your spending money and get experience for your CV. - Seraphina (India)
• I think what makes university experiences amazing is that you can make friends with so many people from all over the world with different backgrounds. Therefore, socialising more and making more friends are definitely the top tips I would give to any new students. - The Son (Vietnam)
• Take some time to find a good set of friends. Whether they're from a society, club, your course, or halls, everything feels easier when you have the support of a friend! - Maria (Norway)
• Don't hesitate to ask questions, people are so willing to help here and if you feel like you aren't doing something right, or you're lost and lonely, there are a million different people who are willing to be there for you. - Jenna (United States of America)
Life in Edinburgh
• Something to keep in mind when you finally move here is to say yes to everything! Every opportunity to join societies is worth it. Every opportunity to volunteer or work within Edinburgh is worth it, allowing you to meet the locals and to learn more about the city. - Corrine (United States of America)
• If you ever feel sad, go to a supermarket, buy some peanuts and go to the Botanic Garden or to Princes Street Gardens. Squirrels will be all around you and they are the cutest creatures in the world. - Dilson (Brazil)
• Enjoy your time in this beautiful city and use all the opportunities you have while you are here. Scotland has so much to offer, so many nice places to see, and people to meet. Opportunities are around every corner if you are open to capturing the moment. - Ingrid (Norway)
• Travel and experience Edinburgh and Scotland. - Nurudeen (Nigeria)
• Edinburgh is a charming city with lots of attractions and amazing places that you cannot miss. Take the opportunity to explore, you will fall in love! - Fangxue (China)
• Purchase a Ridacard for the bus as soon as you arrive. I could have avoided a few stressful moments while flat hunting if I had one. - Chris (United States of America)
• Edinburgh is also a great spot to have as a base towards exploring the amazing Scottish outdoors. Inverness, Loch Lomond, Isle of Skye and many more are ideal locations to explore during the weekends. - Sofia (Greece)
• I've came to the conclusion that Edinburgh is the best city to live in the world. Edinburgh is a very charming city, with the best combination of old and modern architecture, and astonishing landscapes. - Enmanuel (Dominican Republic)