Leading in Scotland (University of Edinburgh in general)

Member Name: jmcmeekin

Product:	University of Edinburgh in general
Date:	04/04/04 (1713 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Location, Supportive union

Disadvantages: Expensive living, Sports facilities

Edinburgh University is currently ranked top in Scotland league tables, with over 20,000 students this is no easy task. The university is not only appealing on its diverse range of subject options open to student, but the location is arguably one of the best in the UK.

A typical year in Edinburgh will see the world famous Fringe festival, the world famous Hogmanay, a diverse range of bands playing in both small and large venues such as the corn exchange, or my personal favourite Whistle Binkies - where they have live music most nights and open mic nights on Monday and Tuesdays ? they also serve a mean pint of Guinness, a rarity in Scotland. If Edinburgh doesn?t hold all the live music necessary then a quick train journey down to Glasgow will easily satisfy that need for live music ? recently staring there were Muse, supported by Elbow, also Counting Crows and many more.

If music isn?t your thing then how about a bit of dancy-dancy. Many nightclubs are situated in Edinburgh, City nightclub, where the MTV after party was held ? including guests such as Justin Timberlake. Other clubs include the Establishment, which hosts a wealth of drinks promotions especially on student nights ? Wednesdays. The great thing about clubs like these is that, not only do students from Edinburgh uni go there, but you find some from Napier and Herriot-Watt, increasing the range of people you have the opportunity to meet.

Other activities in the town include the zoo, one not to miss, Murray field rugby grounds and a great series of leisure centres provided by Edinburgh Leisure. I have more than 2 within walking distance from me, the commonwealth pool great for a 50m swim if your up for it, and the meadow bank sports centre ? fantastic for badminton.

Getting a bit carried away on the social and extra curricular activities there, one has to bare in mind that you are probably considering studying here. I can not speak for all degrees as I am a member
of the Science and Engineering department but I can give the gist.

Great subject options available ranging from a standard business degree to the more artsy degrees like philosophy. There is of course the House of Moray where they teach education ? this place is speculated to be where J.K. Rowling came up with Harry Potter and the fist book was written. Many people come out of Edinburgh university with a highly rated degree that no employer should over look.

My only complaint for the degrees is that so many require you to do 2 years of maths, something many of us are trying to avoid. I do maths related to computers which is way over my head especially when the math lecturers speak in their own language of maths and expect you to know what every x, y, p, q, and z on the board mean, and don?t get me started on real numbers, fake numbers, numbers that mathematicians made up to make their life easier, and so on. I am still struggling my way through this math but at least after the 2 years you are free from the maths and can concentrate on your degree of choice.

If you are sporty then Edinburgh does host some good services but at a cost and they are nowhere near the league of Bath university and Loughborough University. You can pay £50 membership for the year in the pleasance sports centre which will entitle you to free swimming and gym, but other services come only with a discount such as squash. I personally have chosen to join Edinburgh Leisure as they meet my needs much better.

Overall, I would rate Edinburgh University highly. Most of my friends came here with the opinion of just studying and then leaving for home, but the Edinburgh bug struck them as it struck many and they have remained here for work opportunities and more. University work isn?t too much of a struggle ? work when required and then go and have some fun. Also, in this day and age you have no excuse not to visit with flights so cheap into Edinburgh and t
ransport to and from the airport a piece of cake, id be sure after a visit you also will be struck with the Edinburgh bug.

Summary: