C/O 2015 University of Edinburgh

[puffin5]

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Hello! I'm a newbie here myself but I was also accepted to the GEP program in Edinburgh. I was wondering if people had started to receive their paper mail copies of their acceptance with the conditional requirements? I've been waiting around for mine but then thought that they might not go out until after the New Year.

Congrats everyone!

 

[BClove21]

Hello! I'm a newbie here myself but I was also accepted to the GEP program in Edinburgh. I was wondering if people had started to receive their paper mail copies of their acceptance with the conditional requirements? I've been waiting around for mine but then thought that they might not go out until after the New Year.

Congrats everyone!

They won't come out until after the first of the year, that's what Victoria Doggett told me.

 

[futurevet3000]

I would just like to comment that Victoria Doggett has an awesome and fitting last name, one which I loved seeing in my inbox of my gmail 😀

 

[puffin5]

lol! yes and its also fitting that she's been so kind and helpful 🙂

Thanks for the info!

 

[chii chan]

I would just like to comment that Victoria Doggett has an awesome and fitting last name, one which I loved seeing in my inbox of my gmail 😀

Is Yvonne Donnelly not in admissions anymore? She was extremely helpful until she left for maternity leave in like May. I think it was Victoria who took over for her.

 

[Kem9987221]

So. I was wondering how easy/hard it is to get to Easter Buch from the rest of the campus? I know of city buses but are they hard to get/ expensive? I just turned 20 and I got into the 5 year programme but my parents want me to live in the dorms (I have had problems with landlords in the past)

 

[ckd816]

Is Yvonne Donnelly not in admissions anymore? She was extremely helpful until she left for maternity leave in like May. I think it was Victoria who took over for her.

Nope, it's mainly been Victoria and occasionally Caroline Gilroy when Victoria is out of the office. Victoria has really been amazing too!

 

[chii chan]

So. I was wondering how easy/hard it is to get to Easter Buch from the rest of the campus? I know of city buses but are they hard to get/ expensive? I just turned 20 and I got into the 5 year programme but my parents want me to live in the dorms (I have had problems with landlords in the past)

Depends on what dorms you live in. If you are in Sciennes (pronounced sheens) or Clerk St. then you are right by Summerhall where the 1st, 2nd and GEP students are now. There is a bus stop for the 67 that picks up right in front of Summerhall (called "The Bush") and it takes you to Easter Bush in approximately 30-35 minutes?

Unfortunately right now it only runs once an hour (approximately 13 minutes after the hour). You can get a single ride for 1.20, a full day pass (lets you get on and off any bus until the night buses start) for 3.00. A month pass is 39 quid (but I think the first month is 40 since it's an extra pound to get your picture stuff done).

The 15 also runs to the Bush and picks up to go toward the city from Bush at about 10 minutes after the hour. Not entirely sure where that bus runs. The 47 will run toward Bush after the 67 stops running between 5-6pm. The 47 runs down the main road, Nicholson/Clerk/S Bridge/N Bridge. In some areas the street that Summerhall is on is parallel to that main street (not all since the streets aren't lined in perfect squares).

I think you can check bus routes on Lothianbuses.com There is also an app for the iPhone and Android that are all free and they tell you bus times. There are 2 for the Android and one of them lets you select a specific line to see where it runs. The iPhone app lets you do that as well. Most places, however, give you approximate ETAs for bus times at the stop. BUT! NO bus will tell you where it is or what the next stop is! You have to know when to get off so the app was VERY helpful when I was first here.

Sorry if I confused you. It'll all make sense once you're here, explore around, and get your bearings. 😀

Edit: I'm an idiot and I've seen the 15 during my EMS this week. It runs from Penicuik toward and through Morningside. However, I don't think that there are any dorms in that direction (even past Morningside) since no part of the University is near it to my knowledge.

Pollack (catered) is about a 15-20 minute walk to Summerhall where the 67 would pick up toward Bush.

 

[flyhi]

Pretty sure there will be many more buses running from the city to Easter Bush next year since a lot of folks will still be in the city. I wouldn't worry too much about it right now, they realize it is definitely an issue. There really is not housing w/in walking distance of Easter Bush and they don't want every one driving, so they are pushing the bus company hard to increase buses to and fro.

 

[chii chan]

Ah ok thanks flyhi. I was just assuming they might increase the frequency of the services already running and hopefully turn the 67 into a double decker. 🙂

 

[BClove21]

I know I have seen it somewhere before or read it somewhere, but now I can't remember or find it, but when does school stop for the summer for the first year? I have a good friend who I am supposed to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and they are planning on having the wedding in May of 2012 and I was wondering if I was going to be home for the summer then.

 

[dogmad]

Does anyone know if they are going to have a free bus to easter bush, or just push bus companies to go more often. As this move is going to take all my money away 🙁. Does anyone have a job in vet school or is it too hard with the amount of work?

 

[zap86]

I am going to visit Edinburgh for a few days in a few weeks to check out the school and city, etc. I have never been there before. For you current students, where do you recommend I visit if I only have a few days (apart from the campus, obv)? I really want to go on one of those haunted walking tours (but am afraid I will freeze). 😛

 

[chii chan]

I know I have seen it somewhere before or read it somewhere, but now I can't remember or find it, but when does school stop for the summer for the first year? I have a good friend who I am supposed to be a bridesmaid in her wedding and they are planning on having the wedding in May of 2012 and I was wondering if I was going to be home for the summer then.

No clue if we always get out the same week, but this year our last exam is on Friday 3 June. I think the final year students don't get out until the last week in June.

Does anyone know if they are going to have a free bus to easter bush, or just push bus companies to go more often. As this move is going to take all my money away 🙁. Does anyone have a job in vet school or is it too hard with the amount of work?

I highly doubt they will have a free bus to Bush. I think what flyhi said will probably happen and Lothian will increase the number of buses and/or routes.

I don't know anyone who is working right now in our class. Apparently time frees up a bit more in 3rd and 4th year? I know a 4th year who works in a pub 2 (weekend) nights a week plus plays a ton of sports. I couldn't imagine doing that in the GEP and having time to study (especially with all the EMS we have to complete by the end of this year). That said, I'm sure it's possible if you needed it to happen. I don't know whether the 1st years or 2nd years feel like they have time to hold a job.

I am going to visit Edinburgh for a few days in a few weeks to check out the school and city, etc. I have never been there before. For you current students, where do you recommend I visit if I only have a few days (apart from the campus, obv)? I really want to go on one of those haunted walking tours (but am afraid I will freeze). 😛

If you visit Bush I don't think you can get inside the new building yet. Though last I saw, the wood boards finally came off the windows. I'm hoping for a tour soon. You can mosey over across the street from the new building and ask reception there for anything I'm sure. There's a canteen in that building too in case you get hungry and need lunch. 🙂

Wear layers and you probably won't freeze too badly? 😀 I'm super lame and haven't done anything touristy in Edinburgh since I've been here. Just random walking all around the city and hiked Arthur's Seat when it was covered in snow.

You can always visit the Elephant House for lunch one day and see the beautiful view Rowling had when she wrote Harry Potter. There are also tons of free museums around the city. Hopefully someone else has some suggestions. I went on The Hairy Coo for a one day free trip to the highlands in search of the hairy coo and thought it was fantastic. Donald knows his Scottish history well! That's as touristy as I've gotten.

 

[dogmad]

IF you want to do touristy things, there is the castle, you can walk along the royal mile, holyrood palace, or walk along princes street that will give you a good feel for edinburgh city centre area. The royal mile is generally where all those ghost tours are. It all depends on how long you are staying for and if you want to spend all that time in Edinburgh. If not there are lots of tours that go to loch ness loch lomond etc....

 

[zap86]

Thanks for those ideas. I definitely am going to try to stop by The Elephant House being such a huge Potter fan and all.
​

 

[chii chan]

Oh if you're here on a Saturday you could also check out the Farmers Market which is every Saturday (except Christmas and New Years) on Castle Terrace (on the top floor of the parking garage).

The castle is expensive (which is why I didn't mention it before). I think it's like 14 quid? Or maybe that was just festival pricing. Book online ahead of time and you can get in for like 10 quid. Looks like you'd have to buy them by tomorrow and use it by the end of Jan. Not sure when you're coming.

You could also check out St. Giles cathedral. It's on Royal Mile. It's gorgeous inside! Just make sure to avoid service times if you just want to peak your head in. Further down the Royal Mile is The World's End Cafe. I haven't heard the best reviews about the food there, however. And it's a bit pricey. However, there used to be a gate right where that cafe is. A long time ago, people didn't leave the city limits and that gate marked where the end of their world was.

The Elephant House is along the same street where Greyfriars Bobby statue is. You can access it from the Royal Mile if you turn left (going toward the castle) or right (if you're coming down away from the castle) where the RBS (or maybe it's Bank of Scotland) is and that'll put you on that street. You can't miss Elephant House. It's red and in the window it says "Birthplace of Harry Potter".

Also don't walk through the meadows at night especially if you aren't with some tall and/or tough looking guys.

 

[flyhi]

all good advice chii chan..

i have been to The Worlds End several times, and actually had 2 good meals there..go figure. Fish and chips is really good. I also had a salmon salad that was outstanding. I can tell you for sure their Scotch is yummy 🙂

the meadows...yeah, you always want to be cautious anywhere at night, but living right next to the meadows, i do end up walking through there quite a bit at night. Just stay on the well lit paths, don't go wandering into the dark holes and you should be ok...tall, handsome guys do help though 🙂 Basically, use common sense just like you would anywhere else. I do have to say that i feel very safe in this city. There does not appear to be nearly the amount of crime that i've been used to in major US cities.

There is also the botanical gardens, the Observatory and Holyrood Palace (the Queen's home when she is here). Lots of great sights...if you just hit city centre, royal mile and princes street, you will get quite a feel of Edinburgh.

sorry, i see i just basically reiterated some posts from above...oh well, you get the point

 

[chii chan]

Botanical Gardens! Nice one flyhi! I totally forgot I went there (like 5 months ago). If I remember correctly it's 4 quid and you get to go in all 10 greenhouses. The outside area is all for free. If you take the 27 from Hanover (I think), which is right off of Princes (going north) then it should get you there. I believe the 8 also goes that way and the 8 runs from the main road (S Clerk, Clerk, Nicholson, S Bridge, N Bridge, etc.).

By your suggestion I'll have to try the salmon salad now. 😀

Oh yeah and there's also the Whiskey Experience, which is right by the castle on Royal Mile. I don't know how much it costs for non-students, but for students, for 9 quid you get a tour of the barrels, learn how it's made, some history I think, and you get samples. Then you get a small discount on any whiskey you buy there with your tour ticket.

 

[flyhi]

ahhh, whiskey experience...yes. I haven't done it, but some classmates have and yes, you get many samples. It sounded like a blast!

 

[zap86]

I am trying to figure out the Edinburgh bus system online and am getting confused. What's the best way to get to both campuses taking buses? I am staying at the Holiday Inn Express on Cowgate. One site said it would take almost an hour to get to Easter Bush from the city center. Is that true? Thanks guys for all your advice!

 

[flyhi]

I am trying to figure out the Edinburgh bus system online and am getting confused. What's the best way to get to both campuses taking buses? I am staying at the Holiday Inn Express on Cowgate. One site said it would take almost an hour to get to Easter Bush from the city center. Is that true? Thanks guys for all your advice!

I'll look it up Zap, but getting from Cowgate to SH is easy peasy. You could walk it in about 15-20 min. Basically, any bus that runs down the main drag (S. Clerk) will get you within a block of SH. Then, there is a bus stop RIGHT in front of SH and you would take the 67 out to Easter Bush. It's about a 30 min ride from SH to EB.

I'll get online a little later and get you figured out for sure. If you go to the lothian bus website there is a cool deal called the "journey planner". Click on that at the top, put in your starting and finishing addresses (need postcodes) and it will tell you EXACTLY what to do.

Let me know if you figure it, otherwise, I'll get it for you. Not sure where the 67 originates, so you MAY have to take 2 buses from your hotel to EB. Yes, it will prob take you a good 45 min, considering stops and maybe an hour if you have to change buses.

Edit: S.Clerk is what it is called near the school, but the street changes names every few blocks to make it confusing. Up near you, it would be called North Bridge, South Bridge, Nicolson and then S. Clerk street (this is from North, going south. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/about/find-us This should also help.

 

[Kem9987221]

So I have a question about the amount of sunlight in the winter, like what time does the sun go down in the afternoon and what time does it come up in the morning?

 

[chii chan]

I am trying to figure out the Edinburgh bus system online and am getting confused. What's the best way to get to both campuses taking buses? I am staying at the Holiday Inn Express on Cowgate. One site said it would take almost an hour to get to Easter Bush from the city center. Is that true? Thanks guys for all your advice!

I'd say catch the 67 near Potterrow. It's by the Uni library, the medical school, Teviot, etc. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&s...5.905345,-3.201141&spn=0.106234,0.308647&z=12
Since the city is split onto two levels, cowgate is on the lower level, and so you can't just cheat the system sometimes. Like cowgate crosses under George IV on the map.

Google maps lies about how long things take. It told me it would take 40 minutes on the bus to get to my small mammal placement in morning side and it only took 20. It said it would take me 56 minutes to get to Langhill for my dairy placement this morning and it took 30 minutes. From Summerhall it takes 30-35 minutes to get to Bush on the 67.

I'd take flyhi's advice on how to get to Summerhall. It's not that far of a walk (about 20 minutes?). You could just take any bus to get there as well just going down the main road (N bridge, S bridge, Nicholson, Clerk, S Clerk, etc.). And yeah, the same block changes name every couple blocks to a new name so that long list of street names I just gave is the same exact street.

So I have a question about the amount of sunlight in the winter, like what time does the sun go down in the afternoon and what time does it come up in the morning?

On the shortest day of the year it was a little less than 7 hours of daylight. Sun rise was at 8:45ish and the sun set at 3:30. Right now the sun comes up around 8:30 and sets at about 4pm. No more 3:30pm sunsets for a whole year! Woohoo! 😀

 

[flyhi]

So I have a question about the amount of sunlight in the winter, like what time does the sun go down in the afternoon and what time does it come up in the morning?

UGH..this is my biggest complaint....there is not enough suuuuuunnnnnnnnnn.

it's brutal, not gonna lie. At least for me. I'm a very happy person when the sun is shining 😍 and a grumpy, irritated, agitated girl when it's not

It has been really short days and really cloudy lately.

 

[DogTyred]

UGH..this is my biggest complaint....there is not enough suuuuuunnnnnnnnnn.

On the up side, if you're planning on staying through the summer working on EMS, there are hours and hours of daylight. 17 1/2 of them on the longest day, to be exact. Sunrise at 4:26, sunset at 22:03 on 21 June.

 

[flyhi]

very true! summer was gorgeous here 😍

 

[tamsdivision]

I have a question for those of you already there. I was able to tour the school last month and was impressed with the facilities. For those of you in the GEP I'm wondering if any of you feel you should have done the 5 years instead? How intense is the 1st year of the GEP. Do you feel like you're always overwhelmed, or that you don't have time to absorb things? Also, when we get our official package in the mail, are there any guidelines as to what we should review before starting in August?

With respect to the campus, I'm a little concerned about the distance of EB from the city. Does the commute bother you? Do many people have vehicles or are you satisfied with the public transportation. I've read that there is mention of increasing the buses etc but hypothetically if they didn't, would you be annoyed?

 

[DogTyred]

I have a question for those of you already there. I was able to tour the school last month and was impressed with the facilities. For those of you in the GEP I'm wondering if any of you feel you should have done the 5 years instead? How intense is the 1st year of the GEP. Do you feel like you're always overwhelmed, or that you don't have time to absorb things? Also, when we get our official package in the mail, are there any guidelines as to what we should review before starting in August?

With respect to the campus, I'm a little concerned about the distance of EB from the city. Does the commute bother you? Do many people have vehicles or are you satisfied with the public transportation. I've read that there is mention of increasing the buses etc but hypothetically if they didn't, would you be annoyed?

The GEP is intense but doable if you buckle down. You are given some courses prior to matriculation (cell bio) that you are expected to study on your own. It is covered in the AB1 exam, so study it.

I don't have a car but I don't find the commute difficult. I found a place about half way between both campuses for convenience (it only takes about 20 minutes either out to the Bush or to Summerhall). I think that one bus an hour at the Bush might be a pain but I haven't really had to deal with that as most of my classes are in town this year.

 

[chii chan]

I have a question for those of you already there. I was able to tour the school last month and was impressed with the facilities. For those of you in the GEP I'm wondering if any of you feel you should have done the 5 years instead? How intense is the 1st year of the GEP. Do you feel like you're always overwhelmed, or that you don't have time to absorb things? Also, when we get our official package in the mail, are there any guidelines as to what we should review before starting in August?

With respect to the campus, I'm a little concerned about the distance of EB from the city. Does the commute bother you? Do many people have vehicles or are you satisfied with the public transportation. I've read that there is mention of increasing the buses etc but hypothetically if they didn't, would you be annoyed?

I don't feel like I'm always overwhelmed. I always feel behind though (as do most people in the C/O 2014 thread). I think it's important to do something fun every now and then to prevent myself from going crazy. There is a lot of material and I work hard, but who wouldn't? It's vet school after all. I feel like I get a pretty good grasp and rarely ever need to refer to any textbooks. I've only purchased a color anatomy book and a required book for AB3 neuroanatomy. I've borrowed a parasitology and immuno book from the library but barely opened them. Seems like the 1st years (non GEP) have less class but more busy work. They turn in projects and assignments and such whereas we ONLY have tests. I much prefer having just tests.

When you get access to EEVeC (probably in May/June whenever you get your UF and email address and such) there will be a section of things they expect you to know. Only do the cell bio stuff because embryology will be covered by Pettigrew in AB1 (I tried learning it during the summer and failed). However, you aren't expected to know all of it and aren't really tested on it like the 1st years are. It's only a 5 point question of 35% of the module so like 5% of your final grade for AB1. You should have covered the majority with your previous degree so it's really just review.

I'm going to try to live close (currently living a 4 minute walk to Summerhall). The bus ride isn't that bad or that far in my opinion. I don't always find that they are all that reliable, but other people have. I have bad timing so that's probably why. 🙄 I might go in on a car next year with a friend, might not. Depends on where I live. Found a beautiful HUGE house in Peniciuk that I'd love to live in though. We'll see! I may even get a bike if I live close enough.

 

[Kem9987221]

So I was wondering about the conditions, I got into the 5 year program, and was wondering if conditions are like having a certain GPA or would they require you to take a certain class? I am more wondering about if they require u to take certain class because my spring semester started yesterday (it sucks) and im not sure if they will let me know od my conditions before add/drop ends

 

[ckd816]

So this is pretty off topic and possibly irrelevant, but does anyone have any complaints or suggestions about US/international banks? I'm closing my account with Chase because they are starting to charge a fee for their basic checking, so I'm looking for a new bank. Did anyone have problems with their bank when making the move overseas? From what I understand I can't just open an account through HSBC and take it with me even though they have branches over there, right? It just seems kind of silly to get set up with a new account that I will hardly be using once I leave in 6 months.

 

[Knockout4]

So I was wondering about the conditions, I got into the 5 year program, and was wondering if conditions are like having a certain GPA or would they require you to take a certain class? I am more wondering about if they require u to take certain class because my spring semester started yesterday (it sucks) and im not sure if they will let me know od my conditions before add/drop ends

I was wondering about this too, I graduated already so I am hoping the conditions aren't something like I need to take a course over or whatever. I am pretty anxious to get my packet and see what they say, but I don't think it will be for another week at least. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[Whyevernot55]

Don't stress too much about the conditions of your offer - generally they are based on your planned spring courses (whatever you told them you were planning on), and possibly also more experience they would like you to have.

Last year, my conditions were to achieve a minimum of a B in one of my fall classes, and both of my spring classes, and they "strongly advised" getting experience with dairy and lambing. However, my spring schedule changed, since a course I had planned on taking wasn't being offered. I simply emailed to inform them of my schedule change, and inquire how that would affect the conditions of my acceptance. Yvonne was prompt and very nice, and told me that the same condition would apply to my replacement class. So they ARE in fact quite flexible and willing to work with what you have! Don't panic! 😀

 

[zap86]

Ok, thanks guys. I'm sure somehow I'll end up finding my way around. 🙂 Do you know if the admissions staff is working this week? I e-mailed them twice to ask about getting a tour of the school and did not receive any response. 🙁

 

[ckd816]

Ok, thanks guys. I'm sure somehow I'll end up finding my way around. 🙂 Do you know if the admissions staff is working this week? I e-mailed them twice to ask about getting a tour of the school and did not receive any response. 🙁

Their email said that they would be back in the office on the 5th, but I heard it started to snow again so I wonder if they extended their holiday.

 

[chii chan]

So I was wondering about the conditions, I got into the 5 year program, and was wondering if conditions are like having a certain GPA or would they require you to take a certain class? I am more wondering about if they require u to take certain class because my spring semester started yesterday (it sucks) and im not sure if they will let me know od my conditions before add/drop ends

WhyEverNot is right, the conditions are B or better. A friend changed all of her classes after getting the conditions e-mail. Just e-mail them and let them know. She didn't take anything she said she would on VMCAS and they were fine with it as long as she got a B.

So this is pretty off topic and possibly irrelevant, but does anyone have any complaints or suggestions about US/international banks? I'm closing my account with Chase because they are starting to charge a fee for their basic checking, so I'm looking for a new bank. Did anyone have problems with their bank when making the move overseas? From what I understand I can't just open an account through HSBC and take it with me even though they have branches over there, right? It just seems kind of silly to get set up with a new account that I will hardly be using once I leave in 6 months.

Lloyds is the easiest to set up of all of them. RBS is the hardest. HSBC you can do before you leave but they charge a 8pound something fee a month for the passport account versus Lloyds which is free. It took her an hour to set up my account with Lloyds. Only reason why it took so long is because the server was down and she had to reenter my information. Shouldn't take more than 30 at most.

No complaints from Lloyds except they aren't consistent with things. Money transfers to different banks will cost you different amounts depending on who you speak to. I gave up asking and I just withdraw the cash and deposit it into my landlord's account. It's really not that difficult (except RBS has the worst lines EVER).

As for US banks, I've only had Wells Fargo and have never had an issue with them.

Ok, thanks guys. I'm sure somehow I'll end up finding my way around. 🙂 Do you know if the admissions staff is working this week? I e-mailed them twice to ask about getting a tour of the school and did not receive any response. 🙁

Not sure but they should definitely be next week week (Monday the 10th) when the semester starts up again.

 

[zap86]

They just got back to me. Professor Corcoran will be giving me a tour. Any info on him/her?

 

[Whyevernot55]

They just got back to me. Professor Corcoran will be giving me a tour. Any info on him/her?

I met Dr Corcoran at the reception in NYC last year - he's awesome!

 

[Kem9987221]

Okay thanks, but did we put spring semester classes on the application? I think I just put fall classes on there

 

[chii chan]

They just got back to me. Professor Corcoran will be giving me a tour. Any info on him/her?

Dr. Corcoran is awesome! He is a small animal cardiologist who is from Ireland. He gave a great lecture a few months back for the medical detectives series on mitral valve disease. If you want to watch the lecture you can find it on YouTube through the university of Edinburgh channel. I can't wait until we start cardio since he's giving a few of the lectures. 🙂

Edit: Now that I'm not on the bus from dairy... Here's the link to his lecture if you're interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtBn4HizqEo

It was a free public lecture so don't worry about it being too specific or anything.

 

[flyhi]

everyone else has chimed in and I concur....Lloyds for sure at first and if you want to go with another bank later, give it 4-6 months and you will be good.

Dr. Corcoran is awesome.

Staff was in today and yes, it started snowing some, but nothing major. We start back up full swing on Monday.

Conditions....as they said. Usually B or better in any classes they feel are important.

 

[chii chan]

Flyhi I don't think you can "quit" a bank until you've been with them for a year. Or at least that's what I've heard from someone using HSBC.

Oh and awesome thing about banks here: you can withdraw money from almost any ATM without fees. I'm with Lloyds and if I use the ATM at RBS, Bank of Scotland, Santander, HSBC, etc., I'm not charged anything. VERY convenient.

 

[zap86]

Cool, I am looking forward to visiting! Thanks chii chan for the lecture link.

 

[SoBeVet]

Flyhi I don't think you can "quit" a bank until you've been with them for a year. Or at least that's what I've heard from someone using HSBC.

Oh and awesome thing about banks here: you can withdraw money from almost any ATM without fees. I'm with Lloyds and if I use the ATM at RBS, Bank of Scotland, Santander, HSBC, etc., I'm not charged anything. VERY convenient.

You can leave a bank if you don't have a contract with them. Unfortunately, I went for HSBC and I can't leave them cuz I have a year contract. They charge me 8 pounds a month and no check book. My other complaint is that they only have 2 branches 1 block away from each other smack dab in the center of the city and I live in the outskirts. Really really inconvenient.

Closest bank to me is Bank of Scotland and would love to go there but for a student account you need to have lived in the UK for at least 2 years. Major bummer.

Once my contract with HSBC is up in August, I'm switching to Lloyds. No monthly fees and you get a checkbook.

 

[chii chan]

You can leave a bank if you don't have a contract with them. Unfortunately, I went for HSBC and I can't leave them cuz I have a year contract. They charge me 8 pounds a month and no check book. My other complaint is that they only have 2 branches 1 block away from each other smack dab in the center of the city and I live in the outskirts. Really really inconvenient.

Closest bank to me is Bank of Scotland and would love to go there but for a student account you need to have lived in the UK for at least 2 years. Major bummer.

Once my contract with HSBC is up in August, I'm switching to Lloyds. No monthly fees and you get a checkbook.

😱 Whaa? They charge you 8 quid a month AND won't give you a checkbook?

I'm happy with Lloyd's so I won't change. I really like the fact that the ATM cards are green so it's easy to identify in my wallet. It's really the little things in life. 😀

 

[futurevet3000]

So just curious, what has everyone been doing to prepare for their jump over the big pond? I tend to freak out about falling behind in life, and I love that this is a wonderful place to compare what I am doing with a bunch of other people. I have not fully committed to Edinburgh yet, but I am starting to panic already about where I should be at in prepping for the potential move. So far... I have gotten my dogs blood drawn for a rabies titer. I am thinking I can chat it up with a bunch of folks at the reception on the third of Feb. but I don't want to miss something important...
sorry for being stressed for probably no reason. It's what I do 😎 haha

 

[dogmad]

Do you know how many days has to be in between the rabies and the rabies titer? I have read 21 days, 30 days, one site said it did not matter at all. Then another which said it varied on which rabies you used.

As for what else to do, I don't think there really is anything else that we can do right now.

 

[tamsdivision]

So just curious, what has everyone been doing to prepare for their jump over the big pond? I tend to freak out about falling behind in life, and I love that this is a wonderful place to compare what I am doing with a bunch of other people. I have not fully committed to Edinburgh yet, but I am starting to panic already about where I should be at in prepping for the potential move. So far... I have gotten my dogs blood drawn for a rabies titer. I am thinking I can chat it up with a bunch of folks at the reception on the third of Feb. but I don't want to miss something important...
sorry for being stressed for probably no reason. It's what I do 😎 haha

So far I've done nothing. I'm still waiting for the official package in the mail that has yet to arrive. I too am waiting to chat a whole bunch on Feb 3rd. I think we'll get a lot more info from staff etc so theres no need to feel stressed just yet 🙂

 

[tamsdivision]

I don't feel like I'm always overwhelmed. I always feel behind though (as do most people in the C/O 2014 thread). I think it's important to do something fun every now and then to prevent myself from going crazy. There is a lot of material and I work hard, but who wouldn't? It's vet school after all. I feel like I get a pretty good grasp and rarely ever need to refer to any textbooks. I've only purchased a color anatomy book and a required book for AB3 neuroanatomy. I've borrowed a parasitology and immuno book from the library but barely opened them. Seems like the 1st years (non GEP) have less class but more busy work. They turn in projects and assignments and such whereas we ONLY have tests. I much prefer having just tests.

When you get access to EEVeC (probably in May/June whenever you get your UF and email address and such) there will be a section of things they expect you to know. Only do the cell bio stuff because embryology will be covered by Pettigrew in AB1 (I tried learning it during the summer and failed). However, you aren't expected to know all of it and aren't really tested on it like the 1st years are. It's only a 5 point question of 35% of the module so like 5% of your final grade for AB1. You should have covered the majority with your previous degree so it's really just review.

I'm going to try to live close (currently living a 4 minute walk to Summerhall). The bus ride isn't that bad or that far in my opinion. I don't always find that they are all that reliable, but other people have. I have bad timing so that's probably why. 🙄 I might go in on a car next year with a friend, might not. Depends on where I live. Found a beautiful HUGE house in Peniciuk that I'd love to live in though. We'll see! I may even get a bike if I live close enough.

I too prefer class and less assignments. I guess because the non GEP class tends to have students coming fresh out of high school, they do the "useless" assignment stuff that we prob did in 1st year undergrad?

The commute does seem inconvenient to me but it may just be because I've never really had to commute before (from a small town, always lived in a student ghetto by my campus) so its all really new to me. Are they certainly going to increase the bus frequency to campus?
Are there many areas around EB where students tend to live? It seems so far out of the way from the main city centre.