678students arrived in January 2016

The USA contributes 93% of these North American students

69%of students were from North America

North

America

Europ

e

Austra

lasia

Asia

South

America

11%6% 3%

11%

BackgroundEvery January, we welcome students who have travelled from across the world to study for a semester here at the University of Edinburgh.

Starting in January 2014 the Induction Team began working with a number of teams and departments across the University to offer a more streamlined and effective orientation for our visiting students. This team includes representatives from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Visiting Student Office, the College of Science and Engineering Admissions Office, the International Office, EUSA, and Accommodation Services.

Initially only a weekend long event, in January 2015 the programme was scaled up in response to student feedback. January 2016’s programme ran from Thursday the 7th to Sunday 10th and included a number of social, academic and development opportunities and events.

Events

Airport WelcomeNew students arriving on the University’s official arrival date have the option of meeting representatives from the International Office at the airport to ensure their arrival in Edinburgh goes smoothly

International Arrival LoungeAn opportunity for International Students - both visiting or current returning students - to meet and socialise with other international students alongside the International Student Advisory Service staff members.

College TalksIn addition to the Welcome Talks, students receive a further orientation event with their respective College. This gives students a further introduction to the University, offers an opportunity to meet the staff there to support them locally.

School EventsA number of Schools offer social events to help visiting students to settle in, make new friends and integrate into their new School’s community.

January Welcome 2016An orientation for visiting students

Taste of ScotlandThe first real introduction many visiting students will get to the University of Edinburgh, Taste of Scotland is a welcome event with a distinctly local flavour.

Students are treated to a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties alongside some traditional Scottish entertainment in the form of a bagpiper and the traditional address to the haggis.

Welcome Talks

As the formal and compulsory aspect of the January Welcome programme for new Visiting Students, every student is expected to attend the University wide Visiting Student Welcome Talks held on the 8th of January.

The talks provide information on what students can expect from their time at the institution, as well as tips on how to make the most of the experience. The talk includes presentations from the International office, EUSA & the Advice Place, Security, and the Induction Team.

If you would like to know more about the January Welcome for Visiting Students, or have suggestions on how it could be improved, contact us at

Induction@ed.ac.uk

Campus ToursOur friendly January Welcome Student Helpers are on hand to run Campus Tours throughout the January Welcome period to allow new students to familiarise themselves with the locations and ask questions of current students.

Buddies Meet and GreetThe Edinburgh Buddies scheme pairs up new international students with a current student to help them navigate the social and support opportunities available at the University. The Buddies Meet and Greet allows Visiting Students to meet their buddy.

Services FairAttended by Student Services from across the University, the Services Fair gives visiting students a chance to learn more about the support available during their time in Edinburgh. Based in the Debating Hall of Teviot Row House, the event is always popular and well attended.

Who are the visiting students?

January Welcome HelpersSince 2015 a team of trained student staff have helped to welcome Visiting Students and guide them around campus.

Is January Welcome working?Every year we run a version of the New Student Survey tailored for Visiting Students to see how effectively they are settling in to the University of Edinburgh and to identify areas for enhancement.

However...

? Many US students still report being confused by the transition between the US and UK education systems

Communication issues mean many students are still unaware of the events - or receive incorrect information!

?

of students said January Welcome made them feel motivated to make their time at Edinburgh outstanding95%

students felt they were adequately prepared for their classes4 out of 5

of students reported they were satisfied with their experience of the University after January Welcome 99.6%

Welcome BagsEvery Visiting Student receives a January Welcome bag including a map and leaflets and guides detailing local events and services.