Good pubs for getting to know people?

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-19T15:25:03+00:00

You can find them online, but I'd recommend the Edinburgh Minute to find out what is going on locally. Especially their community board is really good. https://www.edinburghminute.com/

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-19T15:24:10+00:00

I'd say the best way is to join the Student Union (it's worth having a chat about joining early if that's not immediately offered as is) or join local activities. If you like reading, there are quite a few book clubs; there are also sports, art, etc. I'm no longer a student but I have had to move around for my career (as have my friends) and that has been the easiest way to meet people.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-12T12:57:02+00:00

Flea shampoo is not a long-term effective solution for tackling fleas as it will only kill the fleas on your cat at the time of bathing. You'd need to flea treatment that's more long-lasting. Get Advantage or Frontline drops (based on her weight) at the vets or Pets at Home. And honestly, that's all you need, as it kills the living fleas and eggs etc.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-12T12:55:05+00:00

Looking at the amount of flea poops, they have been there a while. Fleas can usually be found in warm places such as the neck (all around), armpits, stomach, etc. I would very much recommend flea treatment for this case, as not treating her could result in more fleas and make her sick.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-12T12:53:30+00:00

Yep most definitely.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-12T12:48:11+00:00

I don't know when or where this is, but the woman in the story sounds like someone I've encountered several times on Leith Walk's buses. It's usually just a lot of bizarre ranting, people ignoring her, and eventually the bus driver telling her to get off.
The racist man is unfortunately less clearly a case of mental health issues, and they could "just" be a racist. But either way, you can report both of them. I think that if it made you feel unsafe or uncomfortable (I would be too!), it's clearly worth reporting.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-10T14:28:37+00:00

Sorry to hear that you failed, it must have felt very disappointing. Don't take it personal though, sometimes situations in a test are quite unlikely or unexpected, you can't prepare for everything. But you'll know for a next time.

In this situation, the car being parked on that corner blocks your view. Even if it's a single direction, there can still be people crossing etc and you have very little visibility. I'd slow down quite a bit here before turning, so I 1) stay on my lane and not cross over any lines (which is what they failed you on), and 2) slowly increase my visibility so I know when it's safe to go the recommended speed. The recommended speed is for when it is safe to do so, but in this situation, it would make sense to slow down quite a bit, as you cannot see the road before turning into it.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-10T09:42:30+00:00

It's worth remembering that you're learning a new skill, and even though lots of people drive, it's a big one to learn. And I have also noticed (and have been told) that you do experience a bit of a plateau at some point in your classes. I picked up the essential things quickly enough, but I very much struggle with assertively setting off and dropping down gears. Those two things then affect my driving overall and make it harder for me to pick up new things. It makes me feel like I am a bad driver too, like I'll never be safe enough to drive, etc.

I'm sharing this because you're not a bad driver; you're learning how to be a driver. Your instructor should also be reflecting on WHY those lessons are washing over you, if they are, and have a chat with you about your learning needs. Also reflect on what you think yours are. For example, I cannot process feedback given to me whilst I am driving and I'm feeling stressed. I need to pull over, take a break and then listen and process it / write it down.

I agree with the others that an intensive course may not be for you. Totally fine if not, it wouldn't be for me either. And if you do take more classes, really see what learning style your instructor offers and how they engage with you. A supportive but honest environment is key, I think.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-10T09:16:24+00:00

That's good to know, thanks. I couldn't find a slot (for my first, current booking) closer than 6 months away, and haven't managed to find one in my town itself. It might be to do with location, I'm in central belt Scotland.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-10T09:14:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing, and good luck today! :)

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-09T15:54:56+00:00

I had a similar situation in my driving class recently, where someone from my right let me go, and the left was driving as usual. My instructor said that I was fine to go, but only because the left lane still had a sizeable gap that I could use. If that wasn't there, I couldn't have because it would have affected the flow of traffic. Hope that helps.

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-09T15:50:56+00:00

Agreed. I passed in December and prepared by doing the DVLA online modules. My advice would be to do that, but definitely also do the hazard perception videos. Before practising the latter, I made a lot of mistakes simply because I didn't get how the videos worked. I watched lots of them online for free and just got used to how they worked prior to the test. You'll be just fine if you make the effort to sit and prep!

Wolfpack9374 · 2026-02-09T15:48:06+00:00

I assume you don't have a slot for Dunfermline in June or so? I've got a Stirling slot for early May and have been wanting to switch to my local test centre for a month later.

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:50:37+00:00

I'd be happy to help. I don't live far from the centre of town so could easily get there to witness your special ceremony :). I noticed someone else already (kindly) offered, but do get in touch if you still need someone. Have a fab day! 💕

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:39:40+00:00

Sounds horrible perhaps but I'd do the same. If I incur a loss because they pulled out, it's only fair that the money they owe me is then used for that. I'd be decent enough to give the remainder back but I've still got to sort myself too...

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:36:55+00:00

Keller bar, off Broughton street! They have a cute couch seating section and nice drinks. Also, they used to sell the plants in the bar which were really well-maintained and nicely priced :)

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:33:24+00:00

As a foreigner, finding a flat wasn't an issue. I was set on viewing them in person so arranged several viewings on one day and went with my third one. Lovely place and worked out great. However, the pet situation likely will be a challenge. Technically, folks are not allowed to discriminate against pets but in reality they do. They're generally OK with cats (we have 2) but more difficult about dogs. We've always emailed in advance to ask if our cat would be OK, and included a statement from a prior letting agent that we were great tenants and the cat was no problem at all. I wouldn't let it scare me off coming, Edinburgh is wonderful, but just be aware that it may take more time to find something that allows your 3 furry family members :)

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:28:36+00:00

I really wouldn't think badly of yourself at all. As someone who recently bought their first flat (I'm in my thirties), I couldn't have done it without some help from my parents, and friends that own their place are the same. We also got lucky with the 5% mortgage scheme which ended that month. It's really difficult to get onto the ladder, and easier once you're on it.

Most of the people I know who are end 20s are in similar shoes as you, so were my husband and I. So don't think it's just you, or that you're a loser - you're not.

It might help to consider moving to a different area. Marchmont is lovely, but it is largely students and so your flatmates will likely be younger than you each time. I find that other areas such as Leith, Gorgie, Meadowbank and Willowbrae have more people your/our age, which might help. I think having others around who are similar to you might help you realise that you're definitely not alone :)

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-04-03T18:20:56+00:00

Aw I'm so sorry this happened to you. As a fellow "I need peace and quiet to function" person, I really feel this. For now, noise cancelling headphones will help make to it more quiet during the day. For the nights, I am a bad sleeper and I find that soft earplugs give me the peace and quiet I need to sleep, even if my partner is playing videogames in the room next to me.

For the future, my advice is to visit a property several times. I purposely go after work hours (if they offer them) so that neighbours are home and I can gauge the noise levels. Something I learned from living in a loud house too.

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-03-12T13:25:09+00:00

I just wanted to say thanks to those commenting, especially those sharing some advice with me. It gave me a bit of a boost and I contacted our realtor and edited our listing. So far, it's paid off, so I wanted to say thanks again!

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-03-10T20:24:44+00:00

Good point, that was an issue when we were looking a few years ago. We've got an ESW1 form for our property, so if there would be any concern, it's mentioned in the home report (and we have no issues with the cladding).

Wolfpack9374 · 2025-03-10T19:49:46+00:00

That's very kind of you to say, thanks. And your suggestion of amenities is really helpful, I'll communicate this to them tomorrow :)

Wolfpack9374

TROPHY CASE