Joining Edinburgh University at 17: Everything you need to know

As much as I love a pint, it’s not the end of the world.

2 months ago

So, you’ve managed to push through the endless questioning from your parents about whether or not you’re ready, and you’re here, probably questioning if you’re ready. Trust me, I have had plenty of late-night breakdowns and crises over it to be somewhat of an expert in the subject.

When I came to Edinburgh fresh out of 5th year as a (not-so) fresh faced 17 year old my main worry was split into two – losing my school friends while also not being able to make new ones. My mother’s worries? Being woefully unprepared for the academic side of university – I’m still not sure if that was a well-placed concern or just an insult.

Friends will come – they always do

I’m in a very lucky position to have found my people day one. In fact I now live with 3 people from my first year accommodation , including a first year flatmate (Hermits Croft 5/8 don’t let us down). I found friends on my course largely from freshers week events, but again, that was lucky. Other people I have met along the way have had entirely different situations, hating flatmates and not feeling as though they fit in on their course – but three years in now they’re loving Edinburgh and the social life it can bring.

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One of the best things about 18,000+ new people flocking to our small city each year is that at some point, you will run into someone doing the same thing you are. If you prefer a cosy night watching movies or playing board games to a night on the town, there’s someone else looking for someone to do that with, and there’s probably a society for it (Hint: There is!).

Flat Parties, Flat Parties, Flat Parties.

You may not be able to get into clubs or pubs BUT you can always get into your flat (until you inevitably lose your keys). While you may feel a bit isolated with people planning on going out later in the night, the socialising of a flat party cannot be understated as a great way to make new friends – especially since in Scotland there’s a decent chance of someone being in the same boat as yourself.

Hostess with the mostest x

Sports – Give it a go!

If you’re able to make it into Edinburgh for Freshers’ Week it really is a gem of information and experiences, most societies, especially sport/activity societies will host a session where you can attend and give it a shot before actually committing to a membership. These are a great opportunity to try something new or keep up a sport you’ve loved through school – if you’re looking for something less time consuming many schools offer intramural opportunities for a more social side of the game. The uni’s sports union also organise “give it a go” sessions throughout the semester where you can, well, it’s in the name isn’t it.

From rifles to ruggers there’s almost too much to chose from.

There is literally a society for everything – if there’s not, make one.

Board game society eat your heart out.

From brand new societies started by groups of friends to the societies that have been a rock in Edinburgh’s student culture for centuries, Edinburgh has it all. If nothing is hitting the spot for you, it is extremely easy to start your own society, all you’ll need is a list of 20 members, a constitution that meets the student associations criteria and standards, and a formal application.

Practically in the culinary society x

The elephant in the room – drinking

For many underage freshers, this will be the primary concern. The FoMo of not making friends or fitting in because you’re the only one not drinking or going out is so common when thinking about what university will be like, and it is an inescapable fact that a lot of university culture revolves around it. Don’t be discouraged though, it’s certainly not mandatory.

Throughout the year societies will host events in a variety of different venues, from cosy coffee shops in the dark cold Edinburgh winters to many a meadows BBQ when the sun starts to poke out again. Socialising definitely doesn’t start and end in the pub, especially with many popular student cafes opening until as late as 8pm, the city truly is your oyster and finding daytime and nighttime activities that don’t involve drinking can often be even more fulfilling and consistent in your life than those that do. On top of that, you are welcome to socialise and study in the student union, unfortunately without a study support pint, that is one thing you are missing out on.

Students can be wholesome too x

To really top things off for all you future party animals, Big Cheese is Edinburgh University’s own club night hosted on Saturdays in Potterrow. Le grand fromage, with its questionable ticket prices and even more questionable vibes, allows 16 and 17 year olds in with a special wristband. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a staple of Edinburgh student life and in some ways, attending is a rite of passage.