Practicalities
From food to healthcare, here's where you can find all those important bits and bobs to help you with the transition.
In this section
Shopping
Scotland is well served with a variety of shops that sell everything you need for your stay. The main food stores in the UK are:
The main clothes shops are usually in the city centre, and will suit a variety of budgets. There are also shopping centres in and around the main cities that can be reached by car or public transport:
For more information please see the Visit Scotland website.
Transport
Foot
Walking is normally easy and often the best way to get around and avoid traffic jams. Be aware that many of Scotland’s cities are hilly and in winter there can be ice and snow.
Public transport
Local bus services, express coaches, national rail services, ferries, Glasgow subway and Edinburgh trams together make up Scotland’s transport network. You can find information about all of these forms of transport on Traveline Scotland.
Cycle
Cycling is a cheap, healthy, efficient and environmentally-friendly mode of transport. You could either get a brand new bicycle from one of the many bike shops in Scotland, or get a second hand one from Gumtree or eBay.
Cycling Scotland is the national cycle training and engineering organisation for Scotland. Visit their website for events, news and services.
Bank account
We are not able to recommend specific banks to students but it is a good idea to use a bank with a branch near the campus or your address.
What you may need:
- Your passport.
- Visa or Biometric Residence Permit.
- Letter from the Programme Administrator confirming your student status.
- Proof of address.
- For more information please see advice for international students from the BBA.
Health
You should register with a local doctor (called a GP, or General Practitioner) as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill. GPs are based in local offices (called GP Surgeries) or Health Centres.
Find your local doctors in Scotland
To register, you will need:
- A letter from your college confirming that you are a full time student.
- Your passport.
- Immigration documents.
- Proof of address.
You should ask to be added to the list of National Health Service (NHS) patients. This means you will not have to pay a fee to visit the doctor.
Safety
The UK is generally a safe place with low levels of crime. But whenever you travel to a new country, it is vital that you look after yourself.
We recommend that you visit the Police Scotland website for advice on how to keep safe or report a crime. You can find more information in the British Council safety booklet.
In an emergency, call 999 to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance.
If you need to report a crime or an incident that is not an emergency, dial 101.
Find out more about living and studying in Scotland
Scottish ways and customs
Read about Scottish etiquette, customs and how to feel right at home in no time.
Learn more
Study requirements
Read about international entry requirements and accepted language tests.
Learn more
Visas and immigration
Visa and immigration policies can seem a little daunting at first. But not to worry, we've got all the guidance you need to start your very own Scotland adventure!
Learn more