Before your departure you are going to get so excited about the idea of a new experience, but you have to prepare your departure properly and don’t forget important things. That’s why this article is for you, I am writing some advice to help you to get prepared to leave.
I think you have to begin your organisation 4 months before leaving by booking your flight. There are many companies (Air France-KLM, Easy jet, Ryanair..) but be careful, many flights leave from Paris to Edinburgh, and not from Nantes to Edinburgh. To me, the easier is to choose Air France but it is a little more expensive.
Paris International Airport CDG
Then, you have to choose your accommodation. The university offers many rooms (they are a little expensive)
You can also look for an apartment on Internet but it is more difficult than if you accept the University offer. Moreover, with the university accommodation you share the kitchen. I think it is essential to improve your English, meet people and talk !
Two months before your departure, you have to call your “social security” SMEBA or LMDE to have your European Health Insurance Card. It is very important if you have any problem in Scotland.
You can also take an additional insurance (always with SMEBA and LMDE). The price is 25€ (for SMEBA). This insurance is optional it depends of your health. You have to know the doctor’s appointments are more expensive than in France and you will be reimburse only the French price of the consultation.
One month before you can book your train or bus for the ride from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee.
To me, the better way is the train because you can buy an “Anytime single Day” ticket. You can take any train in the day, you have not to respect timetable. (link : www.trainline.com)
It is possible to go by bus but you have to book online and respect the timetable, so be careful if your flight is delayed. (link : www.citylink.co.uk)
Finally, I advise you to buy duvet, pillow and order the free starter pack (including crockery, pan..) on the Abertay Online Shop before your departure. It is easier than buying them in shops because when you arrive in your room they have already been delivered !
“GOOD ADVICE”
Before your departure you have to :
-check the expiry of you Identity Card and your debit card.
-check the Banking commission because each bank has his exchange rate. Generally, it is cheaper to buy all things by card than by cash.
-buy adaptors (two adaptors is good) for sockets before your departure
-check your mobile phone contract (to know If you can send message in Scotland)
But, don’t worry there is free WiFi almost everywhere ! You can communicate easily with the other foreign students !
I think, now you know the most important. Enjoy your trip, your semester or your year abroad ! 🙂
