A foreign girl moving to Edinburgh? (apartment, to rent, high schools)

[Krystie93]

I am 21 years old and I'm from Greece. I've wanted to live in the UK since I was 15, especially in Scotland. I really like the culture and quality of life there and Edinburgh seems to be a BEAUTIFUL city. Anyway, I think of going there for 1 year for a start to see how things will work out for me. I used to be in the greek merchant navy academy but I left so my only qualification is a diploma in economics from my vocational high school but I think of studying again in the future.

So my questions are:
1) Is it safe for a young girl to move and live alone in Edinburgh?
2) Is it realistic to expect to find a decent job if you're a foreigner? (It doesn't have to be a job relevant to my diploma) I don't expect to become a CEO but since I'll be living alone I wonder if I have any chances of not earning minimum wage. Unless you think you can survive on a minimum wage in Edinburgh? Then it's ok for a start.
3) Do you know if my diploma in economics is recognised there? I know it is recognised in certain European countries for sure like in Germany but I don't know if you have this kind of vocational high schools there too. Here I'm supposed to be able to work in companies, as an accountant assistant or accountant keeping A,B category books and in the touristic field.

I would appreciate any other relevant information.

[paull805]

Edinburgh is really safe, well apart from a few areas like Niddrie, Greendykes - but they are fairly safe but do have poverty, drug problems etc. Edinburgh has a strong economy, one of the best in the UK so finding a job should be fairly easy - but the rents for Edinburgh are high so you might want to look into that.

[Krystie93]

Originally Posted by paull805

Edinburgh is really safe, well apart from a few areas like Niddrie, Greendykes - but they are fairly safe but do have poverty, drug problems etc. Edinburgh has a strong economy, one of the best in the UK so finding a job should be fairly easy - but the rents for Edinburgh are high so you might want to look into that.

That's great to hear. Thank you for the information

[ndcairngorm]

Yes, Edinburgh is a very safe location for a single girl. But as Paull805 said, the rents are not cheap. You might look into renting just a single room within a unit which already has one or two others occupying the apartment. Citylets.com has lots of listings which will give you an idea of prices, etc.

Unfortunately I cannot give you info on your specific questions re working, etc. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will chime in on this.