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The Scottish accent is regional and can be stronger in some areas. Dundee has it’s variation called 'Dundonian'. It will normally take a couple of weeks for your ear to become attuned to the accent, and no-one will mind if you politely ask them to repeat themselves.

If you have the required English language proficiency, you shouldn’t have any difficulties in lectures. 

These may help you become familiar with the Scottish accent:

Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland with over 1400 hours of sunshine per year.

During the autumn (October, November) and winter (December, January and February) months you will need warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather can get wet and cold. January and February is the coldest time, when the temperature can be below freezing at night, with occasional snow.

In the autumn, the weather begins to turn colder and wetter, and we recommended you bring waterproof, warmer clothes with you or buy them when you get here.Ìý

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You will need an adapter to use the electricity.

In the UK, electricity works on 240 volts/50 cycles and most sockets take 13amp square pin fused plugs - also called Type G. We recommend bringing a square three-pin fused adapter plug with you or buying one at the airport on the way here.

Some appliances may not work in the UK, as they do not have the ability to cope with 240 volts.

In the UK we drive on the left-hand side of the road.

If your licence was issued in the EEA you can drive here for as long as your licence remains valid. Or you can apply at any time to exchange it for a British one. If your licence expires while you are here to continue driving in the UK you must obtain a British licence.

If you need to drive in the UK, please ensure that:

• You have a valid driving licence.

• You have car insurance against risk of injury to other people and vehicles; this is a legal requirement.

• The vehicle you drive is registered with valid road tax for that specific vehicle.

• The vehicle has passed its Ministry of Transport Test (MOT).

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If you have not driven in the UK before, you may want to consider driving lessons to help familiarise yourself with the UK driving system.

Yes, in the UK it is safe to drink water from the tap. In fact, Scottish tap water is regularly talked about as being among the best in the world.

Yes, you should insure all your personal belongings when you arrive in the UK.

where you can insure your personal belongings.Ìý

If you need to send important documentation - for example your passport(s) to the Home Office - please use Recorded delivery, also known as Registered post. This means you are sending them safely and securely.

By sending your documents this way you are automatically given a receipt and a reference code. This provides proof of posting, and means your parcel must be signed for on delivery so you know it has arrived.

You will be able to track and trace where your letter/parcel is within the postal system using and the reference number from your receipt.

There are a number of things you might like to consider before deciding whether or not to bring your family with you to the UK. If you want to bring your wife/husband and/or children with you, you need to check that you meet the current requirements on.

Family members. You need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply. Currently, you must be a graduate (Masters by Research or PhD) student studying for nine months or longer in order to qualify. You make their application at the same time as you apply for your student visa.

Pre-school. There are a number of nurseries/playgroups for small children in Dundee. Some schools have nurseries as well, and you may qualify for free nursery care if your child is over three years old and you meet the criteria. Private nurseries need to be paid for, so please take this into consideration.

Schooling. Children aged five–16 are required by law to go to school and will be entitled to free schooling if they are dependents of the student who holds an international student visa.

Some useful links: