Miguel’s Experience in Edinburgh, UK

What attracts you to living in Edinburgh? Do you recommend it? What’s it like?

This is a difficult question to answer. I think that any city is great to live in, but it depends what you're going to do there. For example, if you're going to be spending your Erasmus year there I think it’s a really good city, but if you are going to spend the year washing dishes that's a different story.

What’s the student atmosphere like in Edinburgh?

I’m not a student but I think Edinburgh would be like Salamanca in Spain or Bologna in Italy, and in terms of the university, it's very prestigious.

How much does it cost to live in Edinburgh?

It is a very expensive city to live in, I think it's the second most expensive in the UK after London. You won’t get a pint for under £3. Also, the rent prices are very expensive (in fact, they act like vultures before the brutal arrival of Spaniards to the city).

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Edinburgh? Do you have any advice?

I found it quite difficult. The only advice I have is to try and find somewhere before you arrive; although this is almost impossible. I tried and couldn’t find anything. There are lots of conditions for renting here, like whether you work and you also have to sign a minimum month contract, etc. Another weird thing is that when you go to see a flat you will find four or five other people like you waiting to see the flat too. So you have to look around the flat at the same time as lots of other people.

What about the country’s food? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is basic and from what I can tell, it's crap (I’m sorry but I’m trying to be as honest as possible). The main type of food is the American slop that is flooding the planet: hamburgers. Then there's the famous "fish and chips" (fish with chips which comes wrapped in paper), and haggis, which is a bit like black pudding. I pass on the English breakfast with fried eggs and beans which they feel is mandatory in a morning.

I've heard there are other typical, healthier dishes (chickpeas, meats), but I haven’t seen them anywhere.

What places do you recommend visiting in Edinburgh?

The historic centre is really cool (Royal Mile, Greyfriars Cemetery including the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the cathedral), the shopping area (Princess Street), the national museum, the science museum, the Holyrood area, Portobello beach, the River Leith etc.

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What about eating out in Edinburgh? What are your favourite places?

Like I have said before on the theme of gastronomy, I haven’t been anywhere with really good food. But I would say that “The Foot of the Walk” is quite cheap.

Where do you recommend for nightlife in Edinburgh?

Cowgate is the most popular area. It is a street with pubs of all different types. But you can go to any pub in any area and you will find a good party.

Do you have any advice for future students in Edinburgh?

To students: enjoy your time at the university in the day and in the city during the night. The timings of things are very different there compared to Spain. You can go out at night a lot earlier than in Spain and return home at about 1 am. That means that you can go out at night and then go to university the next day and you’ll feel really fresh.