Welcome back to Edinburgh

Whether you've been away for a month or a year, it's good to have you back! Here are some handy reminders and ideas to help you settle back in and build on your international experience.

Returning to Edinburgh

It's not uncommon to experience a second wave of culture shock as you readjust to life back in the UK and Edinburgh.  Find out the symptoms and how you can take steps to combat it.

Reverse culture shock

There are lots of events taking place during Welcome Week for returning students. Download the University of Edinburgh Events app to see what’s on.

Your Student Adviser is the main point of contact if you need support with your studies, wellbeing or practical matters now that you’re back in Edinburgh.

Build on your Study and Work Away experience

We hope your experience was valuable and worthwhile and we'd like to help you build on it.  The Careers Service has lots of useful guidance for students at every stage of their Edinburgh degree. 

They have also created this video to help you to reflect on what you have gained from your time away and how you might articulate that effectively to future employers.

Returning from your year away.  What next...?

Here are some other ideas for ways to keep your international experience going back at Edinburgh.

Your photos, videos, blogs, or testimonial could inspire others to go on exchange. If you’re interested in contributing content, contact us to find out more.


You can keep your international experiences going in Edinburgh by getting involved with an international group or society.


Use your international experience as a starting point to build experience, develop your skills, and stand out from the crowd.


Get involved with buddying and supporting new students by applying to the Student Ambassador Scheme – a student employment programme.


Lots of students are thinking about going abroad or preparing for their upcoming study abroad experience. Share your invaluable experience and insight!  

You could present at an information session, volunteer at the Go Abroad Fair, or become a point of contact to provide peer support. 


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