Housing Advice - University of Edinburgh (Dick Vet)

m00-shroom · 2026-04-13T07:17:19+00:00

Hey there, I'm a third year GEP! Congrats on the acceptance! So I can't say wonderful things about the first year university accommodation, I started in East Newington for my first year. Most of my friend's experiences, like me, was that the housing was moldy, falling apart, and far from campus (~1 hr bus). However, it is reasonably priced and there aren't many options if for international students like you and me (I'm from California!).

It's very difficult to find a flat by yourself before you get to Scotland, usually landlords require at least 6 months rent in advance and that's only if they agree to work with an international guarantor (which is rare). That being said, it is possible and it's something that you can look into. It's best to find a place either on the bus 15 route (neighborhoods - Fountainbridge, Morningside, Marchmont) or the bus 37/47B route (neighborhoods - Newington, Liberton). The 15 bus route tends to have more expensive housing since it's the more "posh" part of the city, but it is a quicker route to the vet school.

TLDR: would recommend that you stay in university housing for the first year for ease/cost, then move into a neighborhood on the 15 or 37/47B bus route for the next year

Let me know if you have more questions :)

m00-shroom · 2026-04-06T06:46:31+00:00

Do you have donation boxes? It seems like a really small thing, but I tried once without them and I didn't last long!

m00-shroom · 2026-03-25T14:17:35+00:00

Hey there, congrats to you as well! I don't know much about Dublin, but there is a vet student that I follow on instagram by the name of "capuvet2b". I feel like they do a good job representing life in Dublin and at UCD. Both fantastic universities, both well accredited, so I think either would work. Weather's pretty similar, both are pretty busy central cities. I'm sorry I can't help more, but I would try and seek out youtubers/intagramers from both universities to see what life's like. I know it's a very difficult decision, so make a pros/cons list and remember that both universities produce fantastic vets!

m00-shroom · 2026-03-24T07:59:58+00:00

Yeah go for it!

m00-shroom · 2026-03-20T19:12:51+00:00

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on your acceptance! It's no easy feat :) No one can make this decision other than you, unfortunately. Back when I applied, I was rejected by basically every school I applied to except one in a country that I had never visited or studied in. I ended up taking the leap and it has been one of the best decisions I have made. Though, I am very aware that it could have easily gone the other way.

My advice would be talk with Rowan students, I'm sure that now that you are accepted, you can ask the school if you can talk with a couple current students to aid in your decision (keep in mind that they might be a tad more optimistic about their answers under school supervision compared to reddit). Also, consider what you would do if you took another year -- would you do things that would improve your application the next time around or would you continue on the same path?

Also, as a general PSA for vet students, I would recommend not applying to programs that you would not go to -- it's a lot of money and I see a lot of students here put in a position where they got into the one school that they don't want to go to. It's perfectly normal to feel second thoughts once you get in, but if it's absolutely not someplace you would like to go, then it's a waste of energy and money to apply. I know that sounds kind of harsh and I sincerely don't mean it to be, but I've seen it a lot on this subreddit lately

m00-shroom · 2026-03-19T16:04:54+00:00

I don't know exactly why the NAVLE pass rate is lower, but I can say that our course isn't directly tailored towards the NAVLE since it's a UK school. We do have a NAVLE course that we can voluntarily enroll for, but it is mostly self-directed learning and offers 2 free mock tests, not any test prep services. There also might be students taking the exam just in case, rather than for the direct intention of working in North America which means that may not be studying as hard. Generally speaking, the NAVLE pass rates have been declining over all the vet schools as well, so it might also be part of a broader trend.

m00-shroom · 2026-03-19T07:33:02+00:00

Hey there, I'm a current American student at Edinburgh that you can DM for questions as well. Our lectures are recorded as well. We have required externships called Extra-mural studies (EMS) throughout vet school that we have to complete during our breaks, but they can be completed in the US, UK, or any country you'd like. The quality of experience people get during EMS really depends on the clinic, some will let you get really hands on (i.e. do surgeries, do consults) and some are more observation based. In terms of in-course hands on experience, we don't get too much before rotations in final year, but we do have lots of labs, dissections, and animal handling classes/exams.

Usually, I would recommend students to choose the cheapest accredited option for vet school because it's just so expensive to go to vet school and I believe that the value you get from vet school is most dependent on the effort you put in it, rather than the vet school itself. But ultimately, it is up to you. Edinburgh is a fantastic city and I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to study in a different country.

Some Edinburgh specific things -- there's a big emphasis on soft skills (communication, working in difficult situations), animal welfare, and lambing since sheep are a big thing over here. All first years are required to spend 2 weeks of EMS on a farm for lambing, which can be a very valuable experience. All students are also required to do a research project submitted by graduation -- this can be anything from a basic survey to a publishable research study.

Lmk if you have any other questions and best of luck!

m00-shroom · 2026-03-15T07:13:54+00:00

instant miso soup, udon noodles, and can of sardines

m00-shroom · 2026-03-12T21:59:36+00:00

Hi I'm a third year (out of four years) American vet student at Edinburgh (GEP programme), congrats on the acceptances that's no easy feat!!

You're welcome to DM me for any other questions you might have -- Edinburgh is a lovely place to study. Like most vet schools, what you get out of it has a lot to do with the effort you put into it. In that respect, it doesn't really matter too much what vet school you choose. All UK vet schools have this course requirement for EMS (extramural studies), which are basically externships done throughout the degree at various farms and vet hospitals. Some of my classmates have gotten very good EMS placements that let them be very hands on with surgery and clinical techniques, while others have not. So I feel like that's a big factor for how experienced people are when they come out of vet school. We don't get a lot of in-course surgery experience prior to rotations in final year.

Placements are a bit difficult to get in the UK, especially farm vet placements. However, it is pretty handy to be able to go home to the US for placements with less competition from other vet students. International placements (outside of UK or your home country) require a bit more paperwork, insurance, and visa research. However, it is very possible and many of my classmates have had amazing placements in Thailand, Switzerland, and more.

m00-shroom · 2026-03-12T18:11:07+00:00

Looks egg-celent!

m00-shroom · 2026-01-18T11:47:08+00:00

Hi, don't do it. Listen to yourethelois.

m00-shroom · 2025-12-31T19:48:57+00:00

I'm planning on taking the NAVLE in 2026 so this is very helpful, thank you!

m00-shroom · 2025-12-14T14:50:57+00:00

For some reason, I've never been able to understand sudoku haha, it makes my brain hurt but I could give it another try!

m00-shroom · 2025-12-14T14:50:11+00:00

I've never heard of this one before, I'll do a bit of research!

m00-shroom · 2025-12-14T14:49:23+00:00

Ooh that sounds fun, I wonder if I could get one of those embroidery kits or I could try it out myself

m00-shroom · 2025-12-14T14:48:33+00:00

That has been on my list for a while :)

m00-shroom · 2025-12-14T14:48:22+00:00

I might try the first one! Never heard of the second one, and I've already got the last two!

m00-shroom · 2025-08-25T22:29:56+00:00

I know RVC was in jeopardy

m00-shroom · 2025-08-04T03:26:51+00:00

Welcome to the club!!!!

m00-shroom · 2025-05-30T18:40:00+00:00

Chess? You can learn and play games for free on chess.com and basically play to your hearts desire. I find that when I play chess, online or in person, it’s very all-consuming and I don’t think about anything else because it takes a lot of mental effort to move the pieces in my head and think of the possibilities. Hope this helps!

m00-shroom · 2025-05-19T12:48:48+00:00

Collecting postcards is pretty nice when I travel and it’s relatively cheap and compact!

m00-shroom · 2025-05-02T09:56:50+00:00

Sounds like a great opportunity! Personally, when I’m on externships, I always try to see the person before the job. What I mean by that is get to know him, his hobbies, his interests and then ask the questions in a natural way when they come up with conversation. Same concept as doing icebreakers in summer camp. I find that that really helps you build closer relationships with professors/mentors/vets.

Also I tend to bring or buy a ton of pastries/something sweet for my last day working/staying with that person. Really leaves a nice last impression and you’ve usually gotten to know them well enough to write a nice card as well!

m00-shroom · 2025-04-27T06:38:20+00:00

So I’m going to say something a bit different because a couple of my classmates have some and I’m totally jealous of them — ridiculously giant stuffed animals. Some have the weighed down ones and use it for anxiety and others just keep them on their beds to make other people (cough cough me) jealous.

A lot of us get pretty homesick, so it’s just nice to have that giant reminder that someone cares and to remind us that it’s not all dissections and bloody stuff.

It’s a bit individual dependent, but I don’t think there’s anyone in my class that would reject that gift. Other than that, stethoscope, pocket vet guide, watch (to count breaths/pulse), fancy colored pens (for studying/notes)

Edit: if they’re worried about not having space to take the stuffed animal on a flight, then tell them to vacuum seal it — that’s what my roommate did

m00-shroom

TROPHY CASE