Passport

If you haven’t applied for your passport yet, do it immediately. You will not need a visa for our program. Also bring 2 or 3 photocopies of your passport. Once you get settled, you should carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the actual document in your room except when traveling out of the area. 

Computers 

Should you bring a notebook computer? Yes.  There will be no computers provided for your use in Edinburgh, though internet access is available at the University.  If you do bring a computer on which to compose and store your work, you may also want to bring a portable printer, thought there are a number of places where you can print cheaply and easily.  Many students opt to go in together and share the cost of purchasing an inexpensive printer on site. Internet is widely available in Edinburgh, though, and if you have a laptop, and you are taking classes or planning on writing, you will be much happier with your own computer than having to budget free time to visit an internet café. Also, we are writers and this is a writing program, so unless you do all your writing via notebook and transcription, we both hope and assume that you'll want your computer for work. 

Clothing 

In Edinburgh in July the temperatures usually range between 60 and 70 degrees fahrenheit, and dip down to 40-50 degrees fahrenheit at night.  Its possible for it to get warmer - I've been there when the temp hit over 80, but plan for most days to be rather chilly - and damp.  Indeed, it rains often in Edinburgh.  It can also be quite windy, so you will probably want to opt for a waterproof rain jacket or outer layer rather than an umbrella, which is likely to break in the wind within a day or so of use.  Pack layered clothes, long pants or jeans, perhaps a fleece, etc.    Be sure to bring some good hiking or walking shoes and socks. Many of the streets are quite old, literally medieval, and boast rough, uneven cobblestones, and are very narrow. Also, some of our field trips and perhaps your own explorations may involve a good bit of walking in hilly areas and/or mountain trails, or on old cobblestone streets. A blister on your foot can be a major distraction from the experience. 

A few other suggestions… 

Hats (possibly waterproof ones) and sunglasses are a very good idea, but also available there if you’d rather wait an purchase them there.  Always pack a change of clothes and immediate essentials, such as prescription drugs and minimal toiletries, in your carry-on bag. Please check with your airline, though, to determine new carry-on and checked bag requirements, as well as the latest security requirements.  

Pack as light as you can (and leave room for all those souvenir kilts you'll be bringing home). 

Lay out what you think you need, then take out half of it.   

You may also want to bring a small bag (or use your carry-on) for day and overnight trips. 

Linens

While basic bed linen will be provided at the dorms, you may want to purchase your own once you get there (you know how you are about these items, so its entirely up to you).  Also, at least one towel will be provided in the dorm flats. Those of you staying in alternate housing should have all these items provided, but check with Destiny Scotland if you have questions.  Laundry  Coin operated laundry facilities are available at the dorms.  Alternate housing students please check the details of your rental. 

Electrical Items 

The voltage in Scotland ranges from 220-240 volt.  Its is not the same as the US OR continental Europe. Many US appliances, these days, will run either 110 volt (standard US) or 220-240. You should check the label on the appliance to be sure. If it says 110 V. only, don't bring it. Laptop computers, smart phones, etc., almost all can utilize either voltage. You will need a plug adapter similar to this one, readily available in Edinburgh.

Health Insurance 

We provide health insurance for all students through TW Lord and Associates. The coverage for full program attendees of the Writing Workshops in Edinburgh program will begin June 30 and end July 30. For Publishing Forum (Postgrad) attendees and other special session attendees the dates will differ, corresponding to the dates of your stay. You can extend the coverage or add family members by filling out this form and sending it in to TW Lord. Get further information by contacting TW Lord directly: 

T.W. Lord & Associates     

Emergency Center: 1-800-633-2360     

Claims Processing Center:     

T.W. Lord & Associates     

Marietta, GA 30061     

Phone 1-800-633-2360     

 

Money 

The easiest way to change your dollars into British Pounds Sterling is with your ATM card, in which case you pay no exchange fees, only the standard ATM charges. You can also use your credit card to make purchases, in which case you also pay no exchange fees. Do check with your bank and credit card companies before you leave, however, both to notify them that you will be abroad, and also to see if there are international transaction fees and what they might be.  If you do not let your credit and debit card companies know you will be abroad you run the risk of them freezing your card because they will think the foreign charges are suspicious.  That can easily be fixed with a phone call, but it might be an expensive phone call.  Its much easier to let them know beforehand!  ATMs are available in baggage claim in virtually every airport worldwide, so there is also no need to acquire foreign currency beforehand, or to use a money change bureau, where you might pay exorbitant fees.  ATMs are also just as widely available throughout the UK, perhaps even more so, than they are here.  As for how much you'll spend, thats entirely depending on your and your plans.  Since each flat in the dorm will have kitchen access, I think its possible to keep food costs quite low.  However, we always advise budgeting at least $1500 for food and sundries while gone.  It is, of course, possible to spend much less, and certainly much more, but I think thats a good point to start from for your trip.

For any other questions, feel free to email us.