Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland since the fifteenth century. Today, it is a major city in the United Kingdom where people come from different corners of the world. People come here for a variety of reasons among which a prominent one is higher education. Many students arrive here after schooling or equivalent to do graduation. Similarly, many graduates come here to do a postgraduate degree course.
A graduate student in Edinburgh faces a number of challenges in Edinburgh. But, he/she also gets various opportunities here. So, here, we will explore the challenges and opportunities of studying in Edinburgh as a graduate student.
Challenges
1. Adapting to UK Education Standards as an Overseas Student
Every country has a different education standard. So, the UK has its own standards. This standard may be different from your home country. So, adapting to UK education standards as an education system can be one of the challenges for overseas students. You can overcome this challenge by practicing and attending some special programs meant for international students.
2. Visa and Immigration Hurdles for Students
International students may face visa and immigration hurdles. To overcome this challenge, you need to understand the visa and immigration procedures. You can understand this today through the online sources. Besides, you can talk to the visa officials in your country in advance to avoid any such problem.
3. Cost of Living in Edinburgh
The next challenge for overseas students in Edinburgh is the cost of living. Quite obviously, the cost of living in Edinburgh would be different from your hometown. You can know about the cost of different things in Edinburgh on some websites. You can learn about the costs of accommodations, meals in restaurants, grocery items, transport services, clothes, and other things in Edinburgh. After that, you need to make a budget.
The total estimated cost in the Edinburgh can be:
In City Center: £1,560-£2,230 per month
Outside City Center: £1,360-£1,930 per month
Specifically for international students, it can be:
Low-end estimate: £730-£1,140
High-end estimate: £1,130-£1,505
4. Dealing with Language Barriers
However, the entire UK’s language is English but still, the language barrier may be a problem for students who are not native English speakers. The major barrier can be fluency. Besides, understanding the accent can also be a problem. All this may cause challenges in communication with native students and understanding lectures. Some special classes are organized for international students, which can help you in overcoming this challenge. Besides, practice is also a key to dealing with language barriers.
5. Finding Suitable Accommodation in Edinburgh
Finding suitable student accommodation Edinburgh can also be a challenge for overseas international students. It can be resolved easily by doing the following.
- Use online platforms.
- Search accommodation in advance.
6. Managing Time Zones and Staying Connected with Family Abroad
The time zones of all countries are different. So, it can also be a challenge. But, you can set the daily routine easily with some practice in a fortnight. Managing time zones can also be a challenge for staying connected with family abroad. You can talk to them via phone or video calls by setting a time when you both are awake.
Opportunities
1. Scholarships and Funding Options for International Students
Universities in Edinburgh have several scholarship and funding options for international students. So, you can get an opportunity to study abroad if you choose Edinburgh.
2. Building a Global Network with Edinburgh’s International Community
You meet an international community in Edinburgh. It helps you in building a great global network.
3. Gaining Cultural Insights Through Study Abroad in Edinburgh
You gain cultural insights through studying abroad in Edinburgh and learning about a new culture. Besides, you meet people from different cultures, so your knowledge about different cultures is enhanced.
4. Access to World-Class Research Facilities and Faculty in Edinburgh
The UK has been a favorite destination for international students for more than a century. Edinburgh is one of the major UK countries where students visit. Here, they find access to world-class research facilities. Besides, they get a well-versed faculty who teaches with a practical approach.
5. Part-time Jobs for International Students
In Edinburgh, you can also do a part-time job for international students. There are some great opportunities for overseas graduate students in Edinburgh. It allows you to manage your expenses smoothly and get a great experience. This experience can be helpful for your future career.
Some part-time jobs for international students in Edinburgh are:
#1. Social Media Student Ambassador
#2. Research Assistant 2024
#3. Hourly Paid English Teacher
#4. Cleaning Chargehand
Many of these jobs are offered by universities. Some other employers also offer different types of jobs to students.
6. Postgraduate Work Visa Opportunities in the UK
The UK offers a Graduate Route Visa allowing international students to stay and work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing a postgraduate degree. This visa provides the flexibility to work at any skill level without sponsorship. It helps graduates gain professional experience in the UK. In Edinburgh, international students get this opportunity also.
