UG Prospectus 2021 UG Prospectus 2019 | Page 36

City of Edinburgh, coast and countryside Edinburgh and the surrounding area is an ideal location for student years. As a student at QMU you will have easy access to Scotland’s beautiful and vibrant capital city, Edinburgh, and also the stunning coast and countryside surrounding the campus. Edinburgh Situated in the central belt of Scotland, south of the Firth of Forth Estuary, Edinburgh is easily accessible from all areas of the UK and beyond. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and continues to rank high in opinion polls – see page 37. It is a top tourist destination, particularly in the summer months when the city comes alive and plays host to the acclaimed Edinburgh Festivals. The Fringe Festival is particularly enjoyed by students in the city who embrace the month-long spectacle of comedy, music, drama and art. Late December is also a popular time for visitors to ‘Auld Reekie’ as they come to experience a Scottish New Year at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations — now one of the world’s biggest outdoor parties! With four universities and a large further education college, the city is highly populated by students and is very student friendly. Much of the culture and activity of the city is focused around student life, with students able to share some facilities — such as student unions and libraries — that each institution has to offer. Part-time job opportunities and graduate job opportunities are excellent and many students choose to remain in Edinburgh or the local area during holidays and after graduating. Edinburgh is atmospheric and vibrant, with all you’d expect from a capital city: packed with shops, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, pubs, clubs, supermarkets, museums, tourist attractions, landmarks, art galleries, concert venues, parks and sports facilities etc. The city is also home to Edinburgh Castle. Dating back to the 12th century, the spectacular landmark sits in the city centre on the top of a dormant volcano. The city is also home to the Scottish Parliament. The campus local area The QMU campus is located to the east of Edinburgh city centre by the coastal town of Musselburgh, in the county of East Lothian. Musselburgh has a population of around 22,000 and offers a theatre, sports centre with swimming pool, supermarkets and shops, a racecourse, golf courses, a harbour and beach, restaurants and bars, a public library and a peaceful riverside. The campus is only a short walk or bus ride from Fort Kinnaird, a large outdoor shopping complex offering high street chain stores, restaurants and a multiplex cinema. There are also several supermarkets in the immediate vicinity. East Lothian is a beautiful county with over 40 miles of stunning coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, historic sites, award-winning attractions, excellent food and drink and the world’s finest links golf courses. East Lothian enjoys the sunniest climate in Scotland, 34 great local produce, spectacular natural beauty and year-round recreational opportunities including cycling, walking, golfing and watersports. A hop, skip and jump to the wider world Transport links to Edinburgh are excellent – you can easily head north to spend a weekend skiing or hill-walking. You are only 45 minutes from Glasgow, or four hours from London by train. In the city centre, the bus services are extensive, providing frequent links in and around the city. Air links are convenient and widespread – it takes just over an hour to get to Paris, Dublin or Amsterdam. You can check out which destinations you can fly to from Edinburgh airport at www. edinburghairport.com/flights/ destinations-and-airlines. MORE INFO: Edinburgh www.edinburgh.org/ East Lothian www.visiteastlothian.org/home