Everything I wish I knew before moving to Edinburgh as an international student

I thought I knew cold..then I met Edinburgh

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Moving to Edinburgh was supposed to be the dream. A city steeped in history, with enough medieval vibes to keep me feeling close to home and a climate so famously bad it would make me long for Czech winters. But no one warned me about the unique cocktail of surprises this city serves- especially when you’re a Czech person trying to find their place (and affordable beer).

Beer prices: A tragedy in several acts

For a Czech person, beer is more than just a drink. It’s a way of life. Back home, a good pint costs less than a loaf of bread, and if you’re lucky, the bartender will throw in some friendly chat for free. However, buying a pint in Edinburgh feels like taking out a second mortgage. Sure, the craft beer scene is amazing, but when a “budget” lager costs £6, you start questioning your life choices (and your liver’s loyalty).

This is why my beer intake has dramatically dropped since moving here. My wallet and my liver are grateful, but my soul? Not so much.

Just a girl with a dream (of a cheap pint)

The weather is exactly what you think it is

When people warned me about Edinburgh’s weather, I laughed it off. I come from a land of snow, frost and early sunsets, how bad could it be? Well, it’s not the cold that gets you, it’s the sheer unpredictability. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s horizontal rain.

I’ve learned to carry an umbrella, a jacket and a sense of existential crisis at all times. Also, the wind? It’s not just a breeze, it’s a personal attack.

No, I don’t speak Russian

Let’s move on to a big one: The assumption that all Slavic people are just watered down Russians. The number of times I’ve heard, “Oh, so you’re from the Czech Republic- do you speak Russian?” is enough to make me wish I could put it on a T-shirt.

Newsflash: We have our own language, and while some older generations might still understand Russian (thanks, history), most of us don’t. Also, for the record, my nationality doesn’t come with an automatic love for vodka.

Public transport: A love-hate relationship

Let’s talk about the buses. On one hand, they’re free for anyone under 22 (bless Scotland for that). On the other hand, they’re wildly unreliable. You can either wait 20 minutes for a bus that never shows or suddenly have three arrive at once. It’s like a lottery, except the prize is a vaguely damp seat. But hey, at least you can tap your card and not fumble with coins.

Haggis is shockingly delicious

When my friend invited me to a Burns Night dinner, I expected to politely gag my way through the haggis. Instead, I was blown away. Either she’s a culinary genius (which she actually is), or haggis is way better than it has any right to be.

Served with tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips), it’s actually delicious. British food may rightfully be branded as bland but I can confirm, Scottish food is a sweet exception. If you’re new here, give it a shot (just don’t google what’s in it until after you’ve tried it).

This would be my death-row meal

You’ll meet a lot of Scottish people, but you’ll meet a lot of English people too

I came expecting to be surrounded by Scots, but in reality, many of the people I’ve met are from England. That’s been an adjustment- not because there’s anything wrong with English people, but because I thought I’d get better at deciphering Scottish accents.

Culturally, I’ve noticed a difference: Czech people tend to be direct (sometimes too direct), while brits, both Scottish and English, are much more reserved. It’s like a game of polite chess, and I’ve had to learn to soften my sharp Czech edges.

Pubs are great, but not the same

Back home, pubs are sacred. You don’t just grab a quick drink, you settle in for hours, drink beer that’s cheaper than water and share fried cheese or pickled snacks with your friends.

In Edinburgh, people tend to start with a quick drink in a pub and finish the night at a club. Where’s the loyalty? Where are the late night philosophical debates about life? I love the pub culture here, but I still miss the Czech vibe.

Moving here is a crash course in adapting

From mastering the art of layering clothes to figuring out that “How are you?” is more of a greeting than an actual question, moving here as a Czech person or any international student, has been a journey of learning and unlearning.

The Scottish are warm and friendly once you get to know them, but I can appreciate that breaking the ice with anyone takes time. Pro tip: If you want to make friends, compliment their dog – it’s a foolproof conversation starter.

What do you mean THIS is on my walk to uni ??

Final thoughts

Edinburgh is beautiful, unpredictable and full of surprises. Whether you’re from the Czech Republic, Brazil or anywhere in between, this city will challenge you in the best way possible. It’s not perfect (nothing is) but it has a way of growing on you.

You’ll laugh, cry and probably swear at the weather, but you’ll also find yourself enchanted by its charm. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even find a pint that doesn’t cost half your rent.