Arrivals Information

Edinburgh Airport currently receives flights from over 150 destinations worldwide, including flights to major flight hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris, Istanbul and Doha. Many students may also initially enter the UK via a London airport, and then a transfer via a flight to Edinburgh Airport. Please visit the Edinburgh Airport website for a full list of destinations available.

Admissions will have sent you an email to inform you of your exact start date. More information about the induction programme. 

You may wish to plan your travel so that you have a few days of rest to get over jet lag and get used to your new surroundings before the Student Induction, or plan time to carry out a 10 day self-isolation/quarantine.

If you do intend to arrive earlier than your accommodation lease begins please contact your accommodation provider in advance to ensure a place will be available for you, or arrange alternative accommodation until your term time accommodation is ready.

Clearing Immigration

You will need to bring the following documents with you when travelling to the UK:

Passport: A valid passport is required. Check that your passport is valid for a minimum of one year after you enter the UK. If in doubt get a new passport.

Visa or Entry Clearance: See the 'Pre-Arrival' section on how to obtain a visa/entry clearance.

Offer Letter: We would also recommend you bring a copy of your offer documents sent to you by our Admissions Team.

From Edinburgh Airport

Taxi

The easiest way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to the University is to take a taxi. Taxis (black cabs) run on a meter, and this journey would cost approximately £35-40. Follow the signs for ‘taxis’ within the airport to join a queue, alternatively, you can book a black cab in advance. The two black cab companies in Edinburgh are Central Taxis and City Cabs. Both black cab companies offer larger taxis and are good if you have a lot of luggage.

Airport Bus

A regular Airport Bus service to the city centre is available from outside the main terminal building. The cost is £4.50 and the journey time to Waverley Bridge (opposite Waverley Train Station) is 25 minutes.

From Waverley Bridge you can either take a taxi to the University (fare approximately £25 and journey time 20-30 minutes) or take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Musselburgh.

Tram

A regular tram service to the city centre is available from outside the main terminal building. The cost is £6.50 and the journey time to St Andrew’s Square (near Waverley Train Station) is 30 minutes. From St Andrew’s Square you can either take a taxi to the University (fare approximately £25 and journey time 20-30 minutes) or take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Musselburgh.

From Edinburgh Waverley Train Station

An hourly train service runs between Edinburgh Waverley and Musselburgh (the nearest station to the University). Taking a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Musselburgh will take under 10 minutes and there are regular trains during the day and a single fare will cost around £2.90. The University Campus is a 2 minute walk from Musselburgh station.

From Edinburgh Bus Station

St Andrews Square Bus Station is Edinburgh’s main bus terminus. From here you can either get a taxi to the University (fare approximately £25 and journey time 20-30 minutes) or walk the short distance to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and take the short train ride to Musselburgh and the University. Whilst there are also a number of bus services to the University from the city centre these would not be suitable when travelling with a lot of luggage.

From Glasgow Airport

Upon arrival at Glasgow Airport please follow signs for Buses/Coaches and proceed to Stance 1. From here board the Number 500 bus service to Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station then onward train station to Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station then onward to Edinburgh Waverley.

All International Students on a Student visa are required to attend the International Student Induction. There will be two face-to-face sessions as follows:

Tuesday, 21 September - 4.00pm-6.00pm - Halle Lecture Theatre on Level 3 - Book your ticket here

Tuesday, 28 September - 4.00pm-6.00pm - Halle Lecture Theatre on level 3 - Book your ticket here

Spaces are limited to 50 people for each face-to-face session, and must be booked in advance. If you book a space and can no longer attend, please get in touch with International@qmu.ac.uk.  

All sessions will include the following schedule:

4.00pm-4.30pm - Student Visas and how to protect your immigration status

4.30pm-6.00pm - Open Q&A on a range of topics to help you settle in

If you do not need a Student visa, but are from overseas, you are still welcome to join us from 4.30pm for the Q&A session. You only need to attend one session.

Welcome to Musselburgh

Interested in finding out a little more about your new surroundings? The International Office has organised for a couple of local residents to take you on a walking tour of Musselburgh on Friday, 17 September at 3.00pm and Wednesday, 22 September. All tours will start at the bench by the post box on University Square. Following the tour, you may choose to stay in the town, enjoy the sea front, or go shopping.

Places are limited, and you must book your place by emailing sylviarmason@talktalk.net.

Welcome to Edinburgh

Join QMU alumnus and local tour guide Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours for an introduction to 900 years of Edinburgh’s history and heritage.

From kilts and kings to castles and volcanoes, get up-close and personal with the historic Old Town, and explore highlights and hidden gems along the narrow lanes and alleys of the medieval city.

We have arranged two tours with Gareth:

Saturday, 25 September at 1.15pm-3.15pm

Saturday, 9 October at 1.15pm-3.15pm

The tour is free of charge to QMU students. Places are limited and booking is essential. To book your place please email International@qmu.ac.uk.

All tours will take place within current Covid-19 requirements.

Think about what type of clothing you will need to help you cope with the changeable weather in Scotland. Below are some items you might consider bringing or buying once you get here.

• Hat
• Long sleeved jerseys or pullovers
• Warm winter jacket
• Sturdy footwear
• Thick socks
• Scarf
• Gloves

Please note: there are strict rules governing the import of products into the UK. Information about the products you can and cannot bring with you can be found on the DEFRA website.

Personal Insurance

It is a good idea to take out insurance for your personal belongings especially if staying off-campus. A number of companies offer inexpensive cover. Search on the internet for ‘Student Personal Insurance’.

Below is a list of some of the most important things you must arrange before leaving for the UK:

• Ensure you hold a valid passport.
• Obtain visa/entry clearance (if required).
• Book travel to the UK.
• Purchase travel insurance.
• Complete lease and return to Accommodation Office with pre-payment/arrange private accommodation.
• Make travel arrangements to the University upon arrival in Scotland.
• Money:
  • Bank draft in pounds sterling / Traveller cheques in Pounds Sterling
  • Pounds Sterling in cash
  • Credit Card

Below is a list of the most important things to arrange once you have arrived in the UK:

• Matriculate online.
• Register with local medical practice.
• Open a UK bank account.
• Collect BRP from designated Post Office (if required).
• Register with Police (if required).