Moving From Sydney, Australia to Scotland?

Question

Hi There,

I'm a 22 yr old girl from Sydney, Aus planning a move to Scotland. I've been researching a lot (these forums are great!) and have narrowed it down to either Glasgow or Edinburgh. I haven't visited either place for many years so I'd love some advice about which city might be best. I'm half-way through a journalism degree (by distance), and the most important factors are affordability; employment opportunities, and especially a friendly social scene.

Thanks so much for your help,

Ash.

Thanks for the answers so far - the reason I'm moving believe it or not, is mostly because of the weather! I hate that we have summer almost all-year round, and I've been blessed (thanks to my British-born parents) with skin that will glow red after 5 minutes in the sun! I've been to the UK a couple of times as a tourist and I love history and culture and yes, I love the weather. I don't have any big expectations but I thought why not, I'll give it a go - I've got nothing to lose (not even a tan!).

Answer 1

And you expect an objective answer, given the age-old rivalry between the two?! Truth is that both have their rough parts and both can be friendly. Edinburgh is regarded as snooty, Glasgow still has a real problem with sectarianism. Housing in Edinburgh is some of the most expensive in Britain after London, so on that factor alone, Glasgow. Glasgow also probably has more employment opportunities for journos. But (sorry Glasgow) for all the parks and museums in Glasgow, Edinburgh is always going to win the beauty pageant. Weather? Well, cold winds in Edinburgh off the Forth but are you really prepared, after Sydney, for just how wet it is in Glasgow - rain 2 days out of 3? Truth is of course, they're so close together that whichever you end up living in, the other is only 65 km down the line.

Answer 2

In Sydney you can enjoy the normal beauty. From unspoilt beaches to community gardens and, obviously, the sparkling harbour, Sydney is just a city worth visited and with hotelbye you may have the chance to do that. The Sydney Harbour Bridge or "Coathanger," while the natives contact it's among the places you should not miss in your trip here. That place was the city's best-known landmark just before construction of the Opera House. Reinforced by enormous double piers at each conclusion, it had been integrated 1932 and remains the world's biggest material arc bridge, joining the harbour's north and south shores in a single contour growing 134 metros above the water. Along its size run two railway lines and eight counters for street traffic, the way of which may be diverse based on traffic flow. Also, to understand about the intriguing record of the bridge's structure you can look at the memorial in the south-eastern pier.

Answer 3

Edinbugh is generally considered to be classier - it has the nice buildings, the royal mile and the castle, some, no, loads of fabulous pubs. It is the more touristy of the two. Glasgow has changed for the better in recent years, but is still the poor cousin to Edinburgh.

Answer 4

You are probally in for a culture shock. Go for Edinburgh, yes Scotland has some great history and culture, beautiful scenerey, and you will probally never see the sun either, fetch your wellies. Seriously, get a nice place to live and sure you will love it, very picturesque and cheap too.

Answer 5

Get some warm clothes now. Glasgow is a lovely friendly place. Edinburgh possibly is but I never found the "in" crowd there Don't even think of Scotland if you don't drink and only drink whisky and that has to have a Glen somethng in its title.

Answer 6

You definetly should move to Glasgow.. its amazing...good shopping and brilliant nightlife, friendly people.. and hot summers =) the accent is also easer to understand is which why most company open business in the west of Scotland so youll find it easier to get a job!!!Hope you make the right choice!!

P.S It does not rain constantly in Glasgow ..Lotta BS!

Answer 7

both city's have there rough areas just like anywhere else i would say. but i think Glasgow is miles better as the old tourist thing used to say .mind you i live in the east of Scotland but i like Glasgow best the accent is a bit harder to understand in the west though and we tend to say eh a lot so i have been told

Answer 8

Best of wishes for your move Ash, hope all goes well.......should you in fact find Scotlands weather too much of a change from Australia and too wet and windy, do move further south as the southern regions of England are warmer and drier but nowhere near as hot as Australia.

Answer 9

Go to Edinburgh Glasgow is as rough as a tramps chin. plus you can also see the worlds famous military tattoo @ Edinburgh.

Answer 10

I am interested to know why you would move from Sydney, Australia to Scotland. I hope the big move is everything you hope it to be.