C/O 2015 University of Edinburgh

[flyhi]

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I've heard great things about Continental Cargo from other students, as well. I think 1500k per dog is on the avg side, from what i've heard. Maybe SoBeVet will chime in here. She flew her dog from FL. DogTyred's came from way, way farther.

 

[SoBeVet]

I've heard great things about Continental Cargo from other students, as well. I think 1500k per dog is on the avg side, from what i've heard. Maybe SoBeVet will chime in here. She flew her dog from FL. DogTyred's came from way, way farther.

I flew my dog with me on British Airways World Cargo from Miami. I didn't have a problem with them although it sucked having to wait 2 weeks before my flight to book my dog. Its ridiculous. You don't need a pet travel agent. I did it all by myself. On the day of the flight, I took my dog to the Cargo hold at Miami International Airport and the guy there filled out all the paperwork, made copies of my dog's Pets scheme paperwork, weighed the crate, checked my dog had enough room in it, sealed her documents in a clear waterproof envelope then ducked taped it on top of her crate. I also added LIVE ANIMAL stickers everywhere with my Scottish and American home addresses.

After that, said bye to my dog and they kept her in the cargo office. It cost me $2000 to ship my dog with me.

Little tip for your dog's food and water: Freeze the water bowl the night before your flight. I bought bowls that attached to the wire door and ducked taped the edges to increase the depth of the bowl so her food and water wouldn't easily spill out during take off/landing/turbulence.

Um what else...

I had to land in Heathrow for Quarantine inspection. I picked up my rental car, found the quarantine building (which is not attached to the airport but it is on the one of the side roads) and got my dog with no problem. She did pee in her crate so I gave her a nice bath once we got to the pet friendly B&B. Instead of taking a connecting flight, I chose to drive my way up to Edinburgh. So I did a bit of sightseeing along the way with my pooch [got to see Stonehenge and my dog happily peed there marking her victorious conquest.] 😀

Anymore questions on pet travel? Ya guys got flyhi who sailed here, DogTyred who flew hers unaccompanied and used a courier, and myself who flew mine accompanied. 🙂

 

[DogTyred]

Anymore questions on pet travel? Ya guys got flyhi who sailed here, DogTyred who flew hers unaccompanied and used a courier, and myself who flew mine accompanied. 🙂

That's right, I forgot about the courier. I had Paul Girdwood with xpressley pets ( http://www.expressleypets.co.uk/ ) pick them up in Heathrow and deliver them to my door. This was the best option for me because it would have cost me about the same to go down there and pick them up myself and the thought of driving in London was a bit daunting. Plus he was really great with them. He let me know via text what he was doing every step of the way. He also kept them over night at his house because he didn't want to subject them to too much travel in the van after such a long flight (they came from Alaska so were traveling over 24 hours all told). When he got them to his house I got a photo text of them looking happily goofy in his living room. Also, when he delivered them to the house I saw that they were totally smitten with him. He obviously treated them very well.

So yeah, any other questions, shoot away.

 

[Tiempo]

You don't need a pet travel agent.

It does depend a bit on which airport/airline combo you use, as we were required to use a pet travel agent out of that airport. I was seriously considering driving to a different city to avoid having to use an agent but decided the added kerfuffle that would add really wasn't worth it. Although, in hindsight, my travel agent screwed up so much stuff it might have been a better idea to go to a different city! Just for reference, it cost ~$5000 to get my three dogs from Phx to Edinburgh using a travel agent: 1 large, 2 small.

 

[zap86]

I would like to thank everyone for all the advice! And thanks flyhi and chii chan for volunteering to meet up with me when I was in Edinburgh. Unfortunately I didn't get the messages until too late because I didn't have regular internet access. But I was very impressed with the school and will probably accept their offer!

Oh and I will be at the SF reception too.

 

[flyhi]

I would like to thank everyone for all the advice! And thanks flyhi and chii chan for volunteering to meet up with me when I was in Edinburgh. Unfortunately I didn't get the messages until too late because I didn't have regular internet access. But I was very impressed with the school and will probably accept their offer!

Oh and I will be at the SF reception too.

Hey, no prob Zap! Glad you liked it and hope to see you next year!

 

[Wolphcats]

It does depend a bit on which airport/airline combo you use, as we were required to use a pet travel agent out of that airport. I was seriously considering driving to a different city to avoid having to use an agent but decided the added kerfuffle that would add really wasn't worth it. Although, in hindsight, my travel agent screwed up so much stuff it might have been a better idea to go to a different city! Just for reference, it cost ~$5000 to get my three dogs from Phx to Edinburgh using a travel agent: 1 large, 2 small.

I thought I might as well give my input to help others. I flew 5 cats here. I had to use a pet travel agent. I was told by Delta that I could not use them to fly the pets unless I was either flying with them or used a pet travel agent. The cost was shockingly close to what the airlines wanted to charge me (~$4000). My travel agent worked perfectly, and there were no screw ups.

Congrats to all who got in. I'll see you next year! We'll be in the brand spanking new building!

On a side note.... it has been ages since I posted on this forum.

 

[Kem9987221]

So I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the paying for school thing. For people who are already over there, I know you can get loans through FASFA but I was doing some research and was wondering if the loans you get through the direct loans is enough to cover tuition and accommodation and what not. For my undergrad, i never had to do FASFA so I don't really know how it all works am I am kinda freaking out about it a little. any advise please! 😕

 

[Packen]

So I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the paying for school thing. For people who are already over there, I know you can get loans through FASFA but I was doing some research and was wondering if the loans you get through the direct loans is enough to cover tuition and accommodation and what not. For my undergrad, i never had to do FASFA so I don't really know how it all works am I am kinda freaking out about it a little. any advise please! 😕

Sorry I don't have any advice Kem...I only quoted this because I think it's funny how my priority has been my dog and not the probably more important task of financing. As if reading my mind, she just came over and nudged me 🙄 - obviously she does not think that's more important...

Thanks everyone for the info on bringing a pet over to the UK, you are definitely making an EXTREMELY daunting task seem much more manageable!!!

 

[SoBeVet]

So I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with the paying for school thing. For people who are already over there, I know you can get loans through FASFA but I was doing some research and was wondering if the loans you get through the direct loans is enough to cover tuition and accommodation and what not. For my undergrad, i never had to do FASFA so I don't really know how it all works am I am kinda freaking out about it a little. any advise please! 😕

Hey Kem,

Through FAFSA, I got all three loans (subsidized, unsubsidized, and GraduatePlus). I live on my own (off-campus), own a car, have my dog..etc. Going over my budget, I feel that I have way more than enough and may cut back one loan plan, however, we get 2 loans checks: one in September and one in January. The September check was more than enough to last me through the semester. The January check though needs to last me till September (so just think all the travel plans during the summer).

Since I'm a first year, I can only tell you that all 3 loans with my needs and expenses are more than enough through the semester. Its too early for me to give you an honest answer if the January check will get me through comfortably until 2nd year starts.

Hopefully I gave some help!

 

[ckd816]

I live on my own (off-campus), own a car, have my dog..etc.

This is fabulous information. Do you mind me asking how much your rent is? I'm positive I want to live on my own but I was worried about affording it. PM me if you prefer not to post it! Thank you 😀

 

[dogmad]

Thanks for all the dog info via traveling, helps to realize how much I should spend etc... as my biggest worry is getting them over. My little dog could not survive even a week in quarantine hes a little special- absolutely hates kennels, which gives me 8 months to get him to kind of like them 🙁.

It seems like most students live alone entering as an international student? Or do some people do shares etc.

DO a lot of people have cars or have you been able to make do with the public transportation?

 

[SoBeVet]

Thanks for all the dog info via traveling, helps to realize how much I should spend etc... as my biggest worry is getting them over. My little dog could not survive even a week in quarantine hes a little special- absolutely hates kennels, which gives me 8 months to get him to kind of like them 🙁.

It seems like most students live alone entering as an international student? Or do some people do shares etc.

DO a lot of people have cars or have you been able to make do with the public transportation?

Speaking for 1st year, only 2 of us own cars. I've noticed 4th years and 5th year to have more cars. The majority of the time I take the bus to Summerhall since students can only park at parking meters around the building (and even then those spaces are very limited). Its a bit expensive to pay for meter parking everyday so the buses do quite nicely. I mainly use my car to run errands, road trips, take my dog to the vet, or go to Easter Bush or Langhill Dairy Farm when I have my farm practicals.

BTW, the school does provide a shuttle to all the farms.

Once we all go to Easter Bush, things might get a bit complicated. Students get a free parking permit here but now that all students plus all staff are moving out to the Bush, there will not be enough parking for everyone at the same time. So while permits are still free, they are now implementing "priority" permits. Basically, if they see that you really need to drive to school due to ur location, carpooling, etc. then you have a higher chance of getting a permit. 👎 However, if you don't have a car nor carpool with someone who does, there are buses to the Bush and the county are working on improving the routes and frequency of the buses to and fro the Bush.

www.lothianbus.com

There is a mix number of international students that live alone or with flatmates whether in the dorms, Uni accommodations (off-campus), or non-Uni accommodations. For pet owners, we can't live in Uni accommodations, FYI.

 

[DogTyred]

I don't have a car but find that it is not really a problem unless you need to do a big shop at Costco or there is an emergency (like when you fall boarding the bus and your ankle swells to the size of a grapefruit). If I need a car I just rent one for a day or two and get all my errands done.

As for my place, my hubby and two dogs are here so I don't share. I have a nice little house with a small garden for the dog and you can generally find something like that for £600-£700. Lots of people share, though for much less.

 

[tamsdivision]

This site is so great! 🙂 Everyone at Edinburgh are sooo soooooo helpful! The housing thing is a little stressful. It's nice to hear about your living situation.

 

[CurrySpice]

Is it safe to bike to Easter Bush? It's a reasonable distance and I think might be a good option for me.

 

[flyhi]

Is it safe to bike to Easter Bush? It's a reasonable distance and I think might be a good option for me.

As much as they want you to believe that biking to EB is completely doable, I disagree. The roads out there (as compared to in the city) do not seem to be the most bike friendly. You'd most likely have to bike on the main drag, which is a busy two-lane deal. Plus, with the weather and the short days in the winter, I would not want to attempt it. The city is much more bike friendly and frankly, not too many students at Dick Vet do it. I still hear of many incidents with bikes and cars in the city and there are a ton of bikes here. You do not see them really at all out near EB.

I'm only speaking of the biking to EB if you live with in a few miles, btw. If you lived in the city...no way.

Just my .02

 

[zap86]

Ugh the stress I put myself under! I am trying to decide whether to bring my dog with me from the get-go in July, or wait until Christmas break once I am more settled in (assuming I can actually come home to get her and there isn't another another snow storm). I will be in the GEP 4 year program so I'll be starting early August (crazy festival time). Any advice?

 

[futurevet3000]

Ugh the stress I put myself under! I am trying to decide whether to bring my dog with me from the get-go in July, or wait until Christmas break once I am more settled in (assuming I can actually come home to get her and there isn't another another snow storm). I will be in the GEP 4 year program so I'll be starting early August (crazy festival time). Any advice?

This is my ongoing debate, though I do not think I would wait until Christmas. I may go, get a place and such, then have my parents take my boy to the airport and have him fly alone... scary to think about but not sure what else to do.

 

[LuckyBowie]

Ugh the stress I put myself under! I am trying to decide whether to bring my dog with me from the get-go in July, or wait until Christmas break once I am more settled in (assuming I can actually come home to get her and there isn't another another snow storm). I will be in the GEP 4 year program so I'll be starting early August (crazy festival time). Any advice?

This is my ongoing debate, though I do not think I would wait until Christmas. I may go, get a place and such, then have my parents take my boy to the airport and have him fly alone... scary to think about but not sure what else to do.

Ditto! As I am not 100% certain that I will be joining yall in Edinburgh, still waiting for any word from my IS, I have decided that I will wait. I am going to hold off on the international microchip/blood tier until I know that my boy will need it all. Also, I think that it would be easier for me to properly introduce myself to the area and find suitable living quarters without worrying about him in a hotel room and/or dragging him around with me.

That decision is most logical for me, and also easily made because I have wonderful parents who have offered to watch him for the full 4 years! (Not that I would be able to part with him for that long) I would probably have to make the decision whether to fly him over solo or return to the States over Christmas holiday once I was settled in.

I am also freaking myself out over his happiness once we move. He is an Aussie mix, and although he is much more mellow than I was expecting when adopting him, can you hear him snoring right now?, he loves loves loves to play with other dogs!!! Right now I work part time at a veterinary office where he gets to run around with at least 20-30 other dogs in Puppy Play Group for 4 hours a day. Wherever I go to school, he is going to be missing out on that. I have dreamed that I will find an excellent room mate who has an equally friendly/playful dog, but I know that is unrealistic not knowing anyone, anywhere that we may end up...but perhaps some of you may be interested in organizing play dates so that our dogs may socialize/release some of their energy....idk, just daydreaming now...

 

[futurevet3000]

I am also freaking myself out over his happiness once we move. He is an Aussie mix, and although he is much more mellow than I was expecting when adopting him, can you hear him snoring right now?, he loves loves loves to play with other dogs!!! Right now I work part time at a veterinary office where he gets to run around with at least 20-30 other dogs in Puppy Play Group for 4 hours a day. Wherever I go to school, he is going to be missing out on that. I have dreamed that I will find an excellent room mate who has an equally friendly/playful dog, but I know that is unrealistic not knowing anyone, anywhere that we may end up...but perhaps some of you may be interested in organizing play dates so that our dogs may socialize/release some of their energy....idk, just daydreaming now..

sign me up now! my boy is a shepard/sheltie mix. he is super high energy, but is used to me leaving him for 11 hour shifts at my vet hospital. I plan on living with my boyfriend when we go there if its what we both choose.. but I mean, the more the merrier in an apartment I think! plus if I lived with someone with a dog, they could (hopefully) be buds all day and not get bored. my pup is great with other dogs! maybe we will discuss this in more detail when decisions are made, eh?!

 

[dogmad]

I am also freaking myself out over his happiness once we move. He is an Aussie mix, and although he is much more mellow than I was expecting when adopting him, can you hear him snoring right now?, he loves loves loves to play with other dogs!!! Right now I work part time at a veterinary office where he gets to run around with at least 20-30 other dogs in Puppy Play Group for 4 hours a day. Wherever I go to school, he is going to be missing out on that. I have dreamed that I will find an excellent room mate who has an equally friendly/playful dog, but I know that is unrealistic not knowing anyone, anywhere that we may end up...but perhaps some of you may be interested in organizing play dates so that our dogs may socialize/release some of their energy....idk, just daydreaming now...

I will be bringing both my boys over, border collie and a sheltie/shepherd thing-he is only 25 lbs i dunno what he is. They go to daycare out here five days a week for usually 8 hours, i work at a daycare i dont just leave them there. So they are super used to playing with other dogs. They both will be coming out in august with me, I lived in Edinburgh for six months so am used to the area, and my family lives in glasgow. If all else fails Im shoving mine on my cousin who has a silly lab pup. But anyone who wants to go on hikes or just have doggy play dates in a park they are both up and ready to go. 😀 We would love flat mates so they have other dogs to play with or roll there tennis balls into-the border collie always is looking for fresh meat to throw his tennis ball.

 

[BClove21]

I will be bringing both my boys over, border collie and a sheltie/shepherd thing-he is only 25 lbs i dunno what he is. They go to daycare out here five days a week for usually 8 hours, i work at a daycare i dont just leave them there. So they are super used to playing with other dogs. They both will be coming out in august with me, I lived in Edinburgh for six months so am used to the area, and my family lives in glasgow. If all else fails Im shoving mine on my cousin who has a silly lab pup. But anyone who wants to go on hikes or just have doggy play dates in a park they are both up and ready to go. 😀 We would love flat mates so they have other dogs to play with or roll there tennis balls into-the border collie always is looking for fresh meat to throw his tennis ball.

I have two Border Collies that will be coming with me...we are always looking for hiking buddies and it can be hard to find dogs that can keep up with their energy levels!

 

[futurevet3000]

we are in such good company!!!! If Edinburgh is in fact where I end up, I am already very excited for all of our pups to be friends 😀

 

[BClove21]

Oh, is anyone going to the NY reception?

I'll be going to the NY reception too and I am from VA also, not that it will matter in NYC lol...sorry this is a bit after the post, I have been absent from the forums lately..actually got some work done.

 

[LuckyBowie]

we are in such good company!!!! If Edinburgh is in fact where I end up, I am already very excited for all of our pups to be friends 😀

YES YES YES! I am psyched! Yall have put a smile on my face, knowing that Bowie will be in good company

I'll be going to the NY reception too and I am from VA also, not that it will matter in NYC lol...sorry this is a bit after the post, I have been absent from the forums lately..actually got some work done.

I too will be at the NYC reception. Looking forward to getting a lot of my questions answered and meeting everyone!

 

[flyhi]

There are a ton-o-Border Collie types here! You will have zero trouble finding others to arrange play dates with. They don't have 'dog parks' here, but they have lovely wide open spaces where you can make your own! 😀 Two of our anatomy professors bring both of their BC's to work everyday, altho they won't be able to next year in the new bldg 🙁

Pups will be fine once you get them here. My advice if you are not from here and making an international move, is to perhaps come over first and then bring them over at a later date, if this is a choice you have. It is a bit stressful (for you and dogs) to try finding a flat, getting bank accounts opened, walking all over the city for stuff you need, starting the program and just getting settled, without having to worry about your furball sitting at home in a new environment. Plus, if you are in GEP, you could live in the dorms for the first 5 wks, which is perfect for meeting your classmates and finding a flat. You cannot do this if you have animals.

Otherwise, you will be coming during Festival and probably will not be able to find a flat in the city until beginning of Sept. I had to go into a temporary, T-I-N-Y festival flat and then move again in 10 days. All that being said, my boys eventually settled in just fine.

You will be totally into the swing of things by Christmas and it would probably be easier for everyone at that time. I did not have a choice and it was quite stressful. I could not have done it alone, that is for sure.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

I just want to second what Flyhi said. My dog is still in the states and as much as I miss him, I'm not sure how much I could have handled it in the first few weeks of living here. GEP's have an exam 6 weeks after moving here, and it would have been a lot to take on. My dog is a 2 year old Lab mix with a TON of energy and he knows exactly how to make me feel guilty when he doesn't get to play it off. Just something to keep in mind when planning their journey over. It definitely could be done, but if you have another option then I would suggest that.

 

[Medic_9]

This is my ongoing debate, though I do not think I would wait until Christmas. I may go, get a place and such, then have my parents take my boy to the airport and have him fly alone... scary to think about but not sure what else to do.

I will admit I didn't read all the full posts after this post, but I thought I would let you know this important point.

My experience happened with my bird so i'm not sure if it would be the exact same with dogs or not. I came over on the boat with flyhi (birds aren't allowed on the ship). My plan was to get on the boat and start my journey on Aug 8th. On the 13th my dad would put my bird on a plane for me and I would be waiting at the airport in London, England to meet her when she landed on the 14th. I found out 3 weeks before I was to leave that my bird COULD NOT fly unaccompanied.

My bird is still at home. 🙁

So please check with Defra and cities before leaving! Email them. (There was nothing mentioned on the website about unaccompanied travel for me, I only found out from the official vet and then emailed them).

I do have classmates that have flown their dogs over unaccompanied, but have used an agent, so that may make a difference.

 

[ckd816]

Yay!! I'm bringing my mom because I think the presentation will help her relax a little and realize that I'll be in good hands across the pond. 😀 I'm not sure what I'll be wearing yet, but once I decide I'll let you know so you can find me if you'd like. 🙂

... Yeah I'm quoting myself. Haha but I wanted to follow up on this in case anyone wants to meet up in San Fran! I've decided I'm wearing a dark colored floral pencil skirt with an off white top and a navy shrug thing. Sounds really ugly as I describe it but I swear it's not. 😛 I'm really looking forward to Tuesday. Come be my friend! 😉

 

[zap86]

Once again, thank you everyone for your advice. I am pretty sure that I will leave my dog for at least the first term and hopefully bring her back over winter break. Just the thought of moving across the world and looking for a flat with my dog stresses me way out. I'll probably live in the dorms at first so I can meet people and get to know the area a little bit. But I will miss my doggy so much! I am afraid my mom will get too attached to her and not let me take her back! 🙁

I will be at the SF reception too but I don't know what to wear!

 

[Packen]

So as of today, it is official - talked things over with hubby and I have made my decision that I will be going to Edinburgh!!!!!!! I am so excited(and I will admit scared at the same time). The only thing holding me back from automatically accepting their offer when it first came was waiting on IS - and that was only due to financial reasons, I am really much more interested in the GEP program and possibly staying on to complete a Master's in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (one of the top programs in the world for behavior!!!!!).

Anyway, I have been following the discussion on bringing pets over. The idea of staying in the dorms for the first few weeks for the GEP is really tempting. Did anyone on here do this? Would you recommend that as a way to go? Did any other GEPs bring their pets over with them when they arrived in the beginning of Aug? Would you do that again? Thanks!!

 

[FinleyMonkey]

The idea of staying in the dorms for the first few weeks for the GEP is really tempting. Did anyone on here do this? Would you recommend that as a way to go? Did any other GEPs bring their pets over with them when they arrived in the beginning of Aug? Would you do that again? Thanks!!

I stayed in the dorms for the first 5 weeks, it was really convenient (granted, next year it won't be within walking distant to school). It was a mess trying to find a place to live, and you have to view everything so unless you have someone view places for you, you can't rent anything until you get over here. Which means you'll have to find a temporary place to live, and with it being festival season, short lets will be really, really expensive during this time. The cafeteria food was nothing to write home about but I liked not having to think about breakfast or dinner. I would definitely do it again.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Oh, and congrats!

 

[dogmad]

... Yeah I'm quoting myself. Haha but I wanted to follow up on this in case anyone wants to meet up in San Fran! I've decided I'm wearing a dark colored floral pencil skirt with an off white top and a navy shrug thing. Sounds really ugly as I describe it but I swear it's not. 😛 I'm really looking forward to Tuesday. Come be my friend! 😉

Im going to SF umm right now I probably will be wearing black pants and a black and white stripped shirt, am not entirely sure Im kinda last minute bringing few outfits with me and deciding an hour before. But I have brown hair and am only 5'4. My mom will be with me and shes shorter and has blonde/grey hair.

 

[BeagleVet]

I would like to extend my thanks also for all of the moving advice. There's so much to think about and consider that I'm sure I'll forget something. I will be at the SF reception on Tuesday too (bringing my mom-- which seems to be the consensus, so that her fears might be alleviated if I'm going to be leaving the country in a few months). I'm not sure what I'll be wearing yet, but hopefully I'll meet some of you in a few days! To those of you who have been in our shoes, do we/should we bring anything to the reception?

 

[Wolphcats]

I stayed in the dorms for the first 5 weeks, it was really convenient (granted, next year it won't be within walking distant to school). It was a mess trying to find a place to live, and you have to view everything so unless you have someone view places for you, you can't rent anything until you get over here. Which means you'll have to find a temporary place to live, and with it being festival season, short lets will be really, really expensive during this time. The cafeteria food was nothing to write home about but I liked not having to think about breakfast or dinner. I would definitely do it again.

HAHA The food is horrible (it is dorm food). However, I agree with FinleyMonkey, it was very convenient(but once again, that was when we could just walk to the school, but you can easily walk to the bus stop by the school). It allowed me time to look for a place that would accept pets. ALSO, our entire floor was almost all GEPs (with the occasional tourist mixed in). It definetly made it easier meeting everyone. In fact, I knocked on almost all the doors on the floor and met everyone the Saturday we arrived. Then we all went out for a drink at the pub. It was also helpful to be around other GEPs before the exam; we held a major study group/party!

 

[flyhi]

So as of today, it is official - talked things over with hubby and I have made my decision that I will be going to Edinburgh!!!!!!! I am so excited(and I will admit scared at the same time). The only thing holding me back from automatically accepting their offer when it first came was waiting on IS - and that was only due to financial reasons, I am really much more interested in the GEP program and possibly staying on to complete a Master's in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (one of the top programs in the world for behavior!!!!!).

Anyway, I have been following the discussion on bringing pets over. The idea of staying in the dorms for the first few weeks for the GEP is really tempting. Did anyone on here do this? Would you recommend that as a way to go? Did any other GEPs bring their pets over with them when they arrived in the beginning of Aug? Would you do that again? Thanks!!

Congrats Packen!! I also addressed it a few posts up, but i would definitely stay in dorms for the first 5 wks and use it to find a place to live for the reasons Finley mentioned.

Also, you can intercalate a Master's degree while you are here, which a lot of students choose to do. You would typically do it after your 2nd year, but can also do after 3rd or 4th, i believe. They give you the year off and you can do a master's here, or anywhere else they approve.

Look forward to meeting you

 

[BeagleVet]

HAHA The food is horrible (it is dorm food). However, I agree with FinleyMonkey, it was very convenient(but once again, that was when we could just walk to the school, but you can easily walk to the bus stop by the school). It allowed me time to look for a place that would accept pets. ALSO, our entire floor was almost all GEPs (with the occasional tourist mixed in). It definetly made it easier meeting everyone. In fact, I knocked on almost all the doors on the floor and met everyone the Saturday we arrived. Then we all went out for a drink at the pub. It was also helpful to be around other GEPs before the exam; we held a major study group/party!

I have a cat who I would love to bring over, but she hyperventilates anytime I put her in a carrier and I'm afraid the trip over would be pretty traumatizing. Luckily my parents have offered to take care of her for me, so I will have a bit more freedom about living arrangements, but don't really know what is still best or the most cost efficient. Do all the Vet students (without animals) typically live in the same dorms? or is it just the first 5 weeks that all the GEPs are grouped together? Reading the information packet made it sound like there were a lot of different choices in dorm/flat style, those of you who are current students, do any of you still live in the dorms/have friends who do and have an opinion of whether they are worth it? I also took a few years off between undergrad and applying to vet school and am worried about feeling like an outsider in the dorms because I'll be starting at 25 while other students may only be 19 or 20. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[flyhi]

I also took a few years off between undergrad and applying to vet school and am worried about feeling like an outsider in the dorms because I'll be starting at 25 while other students may only be 19 or 20. Any advice would be appreciated.

If you and enjoy parties going on at all hours every weekend night and some week nights, I would HIGHLY recommended you do not permanently live in the dorms. Live there the first 5wks only and get out before the rest of the students move in. During the summer, like Wolph said, it will be mostly GEP students. During term, it is just as you would expect...like a freshman undergrad dorm, but worse.

 

[futurevet3000]

So as of today, it is official - talked things over with hubby and I have made my decision that I will be going to Edinburgh!!!!!!! I am so excited(and I will admit scared at the same time).

HURRAY!!!! Making decisions for me is literally the hardest thing to do. Whether it be what color scrubs I am going to wear or what school I am going to... I am the worst at it!

congrats on making your decision, maybe I will be joining you!!!! 😀

 

[Packen]

Congrats Packen!! I also addressed it a few posts up, but i would definitely stay in dorms for the first 5 wks and use it to find a place to live for the reasons Finley mentioned.

Also, you can intercalate a Master's degree while you are here, which a lot of students choose to do. You would typically do it after your 2nd year, but can also do after 3rd or 4th, i believe. They give you the year off and you can do a master's here, or anywhere else they approve.

Look forward to meeting you

I am definitely going to look into the Master's degree program.

Thanks! I look forward to meeting you and the other SDNers too! You have all been such a great help...I have a feeling these next 6 months are only going to bring more questions, thank you in advance😳

 

[Packen]

congrats on making your decision, maybe I will be joining you!!!! 😀

I may try and persuade you now But I totally understand - it can be a hard decision. I lucked out b/c I really wanted to go to Edinburgh, but was being held back by my IS - although not the program I REALLY wanted it offered a tuition I could not have turned down. Luckily, they made the decision for me 😀

 

[BClove21]

Is anyone going to the reception on the 3rd in NYC and staying to until at least Friday? It is cheaper for me to stay the night and fly back the next day and I will be all by myself Thursday night and if anyone else will be around maybe we could grab dinner or something. I know it is kind of weird making plans with someone you have never really met, but it will beat the hell out of eating dinner in a big city I don't know, all by myself.

 

[goldielocks137]

HURRAY!!!! Making decisions for me is literally the hardest thing to do. Whether it be what color scrubs I am going to wear or what school I am going to... I am the worst at it!

congrats on making your decision, maybe I will be joining you!!!! 😀

I am right there with you, futurevet! I am actually somewhat hoping that I don't get in elsewhere, so that my decision will be made for me. Edinburgh sounds absolutely amazing and I think it would be a great experience, but I don't know if it would win out over a US school where I could just drive over with my dog... But I guess I'll have a better idea after the info session on Tuesday. I am really excited to go and learn more about the school!

 

[tamsdivision]

Is anyone going to the reception on the 3rd in NYC and staying to until at least Friday? It is cheaper for me to stay the night and fly back the next day and I will be all by myself Thursday night and if anyone else will be around maybe we could grab dinner or something. I know it is kind of weird making plans with someone you have never really met, but it will beat the hell out of eating dinner in a big city I don't know, all by myself.

I will be at the reception. I am staying the week. My friend is coming with me to the reception and we'll probably be getting some dinner afterward. I'd be happy if you came! I have a feeling a quite a few of us will want to do some dinner afterward.

 

[BClove21]

I will be at the reception. I am staying the week. My friend is coming with me to the reception and we'll probably be getting some dinner afterward. I'd be happy if you came! I have a feeling a quite a few of us will want to do some dinner afterward.

Excellent!

 

[futurevet3000]

anyone else panicking about the weather warnings and potential rescheduling of the even Thursday in NYC? It is rare that I curse a winter storm (I might be the only person left here on the east coast who loves them). But not when it ruins my plans! Praying the faculty and such can get here safely so we can have the events as planned!

 

[Knockout4]

anyone else panicking about the weather warnings and potential rescheduling of the even Thursday in NYC? It is rare that I curse a winter storm (I might be the only person left here on the east coast who loves them). But not when it ruins my plans! Praying the faculty and such can get here safely so we can have the events as planned!

I just got that email, I wasn't really panicking before because the weather looked like it would be alright Thursday, but now that they sent that email I am!! lol. I am sure it will all get figured out though....

 

[Packen]

I am a little worried too. I am driving up after work on Wednesday, I keep checking the weather and it seems to change every other minute. Ugh. I really don't want to miss this event.

BClove - We are spending the night with my parents who live on LI. As long as they don't have plans for us, we can probably do dinner too!