My name is David Gilmour and I am currently in my third and final year, studying for a degree in Graphic Communications Management at Napier University. This WebPage is a project that I am doing for a module within my degree. I hope that anyone planning to come and study at Napier and live in Edinburgh will find it useful in providing an insight into the University and the City. While I cannot guarantee that you will enjoy your time at Napier, Edinburgh is a city that you'll never get bored with.

Napier has only recently achieved University status, converting from a Polytechnic in 1992, since then it has been improving facilities and courses, year on year. The University now offers a wide range of studies, with over 80 courses offering HNC/HND's, Degrees, Honours Degrees and Postgraduate Studies.

With over 11,000 students, teaching is spread over five campuses located mainly in the south of the City. The campuses are located at Craiglockhart, Merchiston, Sighthill, Craighouse and Caanan Lane. There is an excellent local bus service with services to all campuses from the city centre as well as a regular free inter campus bus service.

The University provides an accommodation service with just over 1,100 beds available in modern University Flats and Halls of Residence. Priority goes to students from overseas and outside of Edinburgh, I lived in one of these developments in my first year, they are comfortable and you will make some great friends there and I can highly recommend them.

The University has extensive sports facilities at Craiglockhart and Sighthill, including gymnasiums, squash courts, 5 a side pitches and a swimming pool. All facilities are free to students.

Edinburgh has a large Student Population and the Universities have a limited number of beds available. Alternative accommodation can be rented from Agencies or advertisements in the local newspapers and shop windows. Be careful, there are a lot of poor quality flats around, so be sure to view before renting. Don’t be put off, there are excellent flats available.

Napier Accommodation Service can provide lists of private flats, which have been vetted by the University.

Useful Telephone Numbers.

Napier University 44(0)131-444-2266

Prospectus Hotline 44(0)131-455-4556

Accommodation Office 44(0)131-455-4207

" Essere uno studente in Edimburgo E una esperienza unica. E una citta cosi accogliente dove facile divertisi."

"Being a student in Edinburgh is a unique experience. In this welcoming city it is easy to enjoy oneself." (Marco Magnante, Rome, Age 23.)

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Edinburgh (or Auld Reekie as the locals call it) is often referred to as " The Athens of the North " after a walk around the city centre it quickly becomes apparent why it has earned this reputation.

Take a walk from the castle which is over a 1000 years old and dominates the skyline, down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace the Queens official Scottish Residence and you will see some of the most impressive architecture in the United Kingdom. Off Princes Street you will find the splendour of the Georgian New Town built in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. This is indeed a city steeped in history spanning a thousand years.

There is more to this city than just history and architecture, it has something for everyone and in particular students and the young. With a population of 450,000 this cosmopolitan city has more than 30,000 students living and studying here at its three Universities, Napier, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watts as well as at the Art Colleges and various Technical Colleges. One thing is for sure, you will enjoy your social life if nothing else.

Edinburgh really comes alive during the International Festival, which this year runs from the 16^th August to the 5^th September. During this period many international performing groups arrive in the city putting on over 170 shows, ranging from ballet to folk music. Running in conjunction with this, is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for amateur performing groups commencing on the 9^th August till the 31^st August.

I also recommend that you don't miss the legendary Hogmanay Party every New Years Eve when upwards of 200,000 people squeeze into the capitals streets.

With over 700 pubs you can be sure of finding one to suit your taste ! Traditional Scottish Pubs, Irish Theme Bars, Wine Bars, American Style Diners and many more, you'll soon find somewhere to fit in.

The most popular pubs can be found in the Grassmarket, such as Biddy Mulligans, The Last Drop and The Black Bull and on the Cowgate where you will find The Kitchen, Sneeky Petes and The Living Room. Other lively areas include Rose Street and the New Town. Pub opening hours are more sociable than in England with many places staying open till 3am.

Like any multi-cultural city Edinburgh has a vast range of foods on offer in the many restaurants, cafes, patisseries, coffee shops and pubs. Whatever your taste you'll find it catered for, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Indian, Scottish, Vegetarian, Mexican, Cajun and African to name but a few.

Edinburgh is possibly the best place in Scotland and second only to London in the UK for the arts. There is a wide selection of Theatres, Museums, Cinemas and Art Galleries.

Recommended Theatres: Playhouse, The Kings, Royal Lyceum, Festival, Traverse.

Recommended Cinemas: The Filmhouse, The Cameo, there are also several multiplexes.

Recommended Museums: Royal Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh Castle, Museum of Childhood.

Recommended Art Galleries: The National Gallery of Scotland, National Gallery of Modern Art, Scottish Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Edinburgh had excellent sporting facilities including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Meadowbank Stadium, Murrayfield Ice Rink and Hill End Dry Ski Slope.

If you are interested in football Edinburgh has two Premier Division Football Teams, Hearts and Hibernian. If Rugby is your sport Scotland play their home games at Murrayfield Stadium. Thre are several public sports centres offering gymnasiums, badminton, squash courts etc.

If you prefer leisure to sport there are a number of parks to enjoy in this green city such as Princes Street Gardens, The Meadows, Holyrood Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Alternatively you could just head for the shops and the city centre.

Edinburgh Airport is located 12km west of the city centre and is served by bus and taxi services. Regular flights are operated between Edinburgh to most main U.K. and European Cities (Over 30 direct flights to London daily)

There is a regular train service between Edinburgh and London 5 hrs via the East Coast mainline, 17 trains per day depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Regular services also leave here for Glasgow and other main Scottish and UK Cities.

Last Revised:Thursday, 28 May 1998