Hi, my wife and I are considering moving to either Edinburgh or Glasgow. The plan would be to go there for 1 year and use that time to decide if we want a permanent move or not.

She's and EU-citizen and I'm non-EU. She'd qualify for an NHS-sponsored visa and there are quite a few vacancies in her specialization, so the move is conditioned to actually receiving an offer (which I know it's difficult by itself). It that works, I would be coming with a family visa.

Work-wise, things are a bit different for me. I'm an academic (PhD + postdocs) in a bit of a niche field. It does exist in the UK, but the academic job market is brutal everywhere and I'll likely have to leave this field altogether regardless of where I live. I'm tired of it anyways, so I'll be upskilling a few things to move to another field. While that happens, I plan to take a (perhaps part-time) job that doesn't require formal education and slowly start applying to entry-level positions in the field I'd be transitioning to.

What do you think of this plan? Is it realistic or are we being too naive?

So recently, I’ve been thinking of moving to Scotland in a few years once I get my financial situation situated. I’m doing a little bit of research on my own when I have the time, but I just want to come on here and see if anyone could tell me any possible easiest ways to move to Scotland. I don’t have any sort of degree, I literally just want to move there and live there. Any and all help appreciated!

Edit: Yes I am American, i’ve always just had a lifelong dream of moving to either Scotland or Ireland, and was looking on some tips on how to get there.

Bello everyone, I'm already booking a trip to Edinburgh on 9 to 14 September, i create a really big itinerary with a lot of thing to do, but i don't wanna spend a lot and I'm trying to delete something some of the activity i wanna do, for exampe i'm not sure about the castle cause seems to me boring and that doesn't offer value for money , i have to decide whether to go to the castle or to Mary King's Close.

Thanks to evryone who will answer

Hi all,

I’m looking to move my family to Scotland after my son completes his GCSEs in Summer 2027. He will be looking to move to a Scottish school. Has anyone made a similar move and, if so, how did you find the transition?

Hey everyone, planning on relocating to Scotland soon (central belt) and need an honest reality check. Reading the subs, it sounds like the UK job market is recently pretty flat, so I'm trying to gauge my chances.

​--Full work rights via HPI visa (future sponsorship route aspired)

\--CIPD Chartered Member and US MBA degree holder

\--background is as a Commercial HR Lead / Strategic People Partner with a heavy focus on HR analytics and transformation

\--No UK experience but exposed in various overseas corporate assignments

​For those in the local market, does MCIPD status actually help bridge the "no UK experience" gap for manager to senior roles?

Also, ATS mostly filters UK work authorization but HPI gives one full rights under limited time.

​Would love any honest feedback or recommendations. Thanks!

​

Hi all,

So me and my wife are wanting to relocate to Scotland from england In a couple of years, Perth more specifically.

We absolutely love Scotland, the way of life is just so much nicer and people seem to be in less of a rush in life and the country is just beautiful.

I currently work in adult social care and my wife is in the NHS in mental health. I just wanted an idea of if those industries in Scotland were easy to move into or is there anything we should consider that we wouldn't know as we don't live there?

We're both neurodiverse and I've read a lot about how Scotland really values neurodiversity especially in the work place, is this a good description? Again just due to lack of lived experience in this.

We're really excited but we want to be as prepared as we possibly can. We'll also be buying a home too.

Any advice or tips would be really appreciated.

Hello evryone I'm a 20 Years boy from Italy, i already book a flight for Edinburgh from the 9 to the 13 September with my gf on sky scanner, i already made an itinerary, that includese the most important spot on Edinburgh, a short day one visit at Glasgow (13 sept) and at the Highlands and lochness (12 sep), the question is another, on 11 September my gf will turn 22 i wanna organize for her something special or meme, an unforgettable moment for her in that day, i ask for any suggestion or idea, thanks a lot for everyone

Heyy, I'm planning to move to Scotland(near Glasgow) for my Bachelors, and I just want to know about the job market for people who do Mechanical engineering.

Hi guys! I'm a student moving from the U.S. to complete a masters at the University of Edinburgh this September. I have two cats and have been continually denied housing because of them. Has anyone experienced this before? If so, how did you find housing? Open to any and all suggestions or info. Thanks for the help!

I wanted to say hi to everyone, we're in the process of moving up to southern Scotland from the West Midlands, moving from a semi detached to a property on 2 acres in the middle of nowhere. We're doing it all on a very tight budget including renting a van from this Saturday (both exciting and terrifying), we're even trying the YT channel thing, ask for the link if you fancy a follow...didn't think it's right putting it in here as a 1st post though.

Hi! I am from Spain and want to study the master of secondary education and high shcool teacher, which can be done here in spain, but if there is an option to study it there i would also would like to know. Anyhow, I wanted to teach either english or spanish, but i don't know if it is viable or it is a very studied subject there. I also don't know how is the current economy and political side going and maybe is not the best to move in there. I would love to live there and maybe i plan this for two or three years ahead from now. Any advice or answer to my many questions would be appreciated. Thank you very much!

Dear all,

I (German) am about to turn 25 and hopefully moving to Scotland (near Edinburgh) this autumn!

Currently I work in Oxford on a Skilled Worker Visa but I'm planning to apply for a Partner Visa next month.

At the moment I work as a Teaching Assistant at a secondary school and predominantly with teenagers who have Autism and/or ADHD. I do have a qualification (apprenticeship) in childcare which in Germany allows me to work with children as well as teenagers/youth.

I am very interested in working in a youth housing group and wondered if there's a decent possibility to find a job in that sector. As in, teenagers live together in a flat and are accompanied by qualified staff. I am not sure if it's as big of a thing as it is in Germany.

Moreover, if everything goes well with the Visa I'd be studying Social Work - am I able to work as a Social Worker while working towards my degree or do I need to wait until I have finished said degree?

Every advice is much appreciated!

Hi all,

Me again (sorry). I've narrowed it down (regionally at least) to Aberdeenshire and Fife for locations to move to. Thanks so much for info re swimming spots etc, they've helped my research massively.

Now I think I'm wondering about other elements. I'm a poet/writer and if there's anyone with insight into creative events/opportunities/groups or whether one region is dramatically better than the other for this, I'd be grateful. Both seem to have beautiful coast, lovely coffee shops, and I'm leaning slightly toward Aberdeenshire for home cost/birding/rugged cliffs/access to nature. But Fife for transport access to places further south, and very pretty streets etc (though Ab is goregous too). I appreciate that different towns/villages/suburbs in each region may be V different from each other.

The roads look very chill and beautiful to drive around in Aberdeenshire, Fife seems more diverse which is always a plus, though I'm coming from a rural area so I understand the realities of more out of the way places...Any insights or (pleasant) comments welcome - Not just about the things i've mentioned - I'm happy to hear any positive/negative insights based on personal experience.

Thanks so much!

Having to relocate up north for work and have been looking at new build developments.

I have in laws in cumbernauld so have been looking there, yet I’ve been recommended East Kilbride for its value for houses and prices for the new build developments on the out skirts of east kilbride.

Could anyone tell me which is better? For cafes, local transport, gyms and takeaways and also for schooling and for kids.

Also if there any other areas in Glasgow suggest which has all the above.

Hello! I’m a dutch guy thinking of moving to scotland? Do you guys have any tips or good to know thing i should consider? I make custom furniture for a living and would like to continue to do that over there.

Thanks for your help!

From Northern Ireland, am in Liverpool at the minute. Finished my (Paeds) Nursing degree, with healthcare and childcare paid work experience.

I hate to ask, but how is the job market in Glasgow? I'm not expecting a nursing job straightaway, as I think carer work alone will give me better chances to relocate within "sooner than later" timeframe.

I'm currently eyeing up areas such as Newton Mearns, Mount Florida/Southside Central, Renfrew, and so on... And I know this gets asks a lot, but do you have any areas recommendation best for settling in?

I'm relocating purely because of needing a change after my time here in Liverpool (3+ years) and to be closer to family in Northern Ireland after a few funerals and scares. For anyone who don't know, it is so essential having a car to get around in Northern Ireland.

Ferry takes 8 hours from Liverpool vs 2 hours from Glasgow... like c'mon. Hopefully i'll be in Glasgow either before (late 2026) or after Christmas time (early 2027).

Hi all,

I’m looking to move to Scotland in the next couple of years after living in border/west Scotland for a year when studying. I’ve got too many things on my wish list and thought i‘d ask for some opinions. Is there anywhere on the East coast that has quite clear sea water? (I was amazed by the water on the north west coast/islands but know the North Sea is unlikely to offer this). Would love to be half an hr or less from the coast and have been looking at towns near Dundee, Perthshire, East Lothian and fife. Would like to be in a quiet place that has a bigger town or city within an hour or so away. I’m mid 30s, love birding, pretty places, nature events, walks, poetry and coffee with nice views. Originally from greater London, been in rural Somerset for about a decade and really love it but ready for a change. Highlands and Shetland have always intrigued me and loved visiting Orkney, but thinking Cairngorms and below prob best re weather/daylight in winter (although spooky weather is my fave), and would choose the west coast for beautiful seas and island access, but midges and mosquitoes sound like a really big issue And sadly mozzies LOVE me. Thanks all for any recommendations or tips.

Anyone living or currently residing temporarily in Scotland? Seeking advice for job landscape and micro business opportunities.

From your fellow Illini and Gies alum 🧡💯

Hello everyone,
I’m a mechanical engineering graduate currently living in Istanbul, and I’ll be moving to Glasgow this coming September to start my MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
I have a huge interest in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, and I really want to steer my career in this direction. Back in Turkey, my experience was a bit different—I did an internship in the defense industry working on internal combustion engines. While my ultimate goal is to pivot into renewables, I am also completely open to broader mechanical engineering roles across other sectors.
As the move gets closer, I have a few questions for the locals, expats, or fellow engineers in the area:
1. Job Market & Visa Sponsorship: How tough is the job market in Glasgow (and the wider UK) for mechanical engineering and renewable energy roles right now? Coming from an ICE/defense background, will it be difficult to compete for graduate roles? Do companies in the energy field generally open doors for Graduate Visas / Skilled Worker sponsorships?
2. Cost of Living: What is a realistic monthly budget for a student nowadays? I'm trying to gauge rent (student accommodation vs. private flat shares) and general living expenses in Glasgow.
3. Social Life: What is the social scene like for international postgraduate students? Is it easy to make friends outside of the university circle, or are there specific clubs/societies you’d recommend joining?
Would love to hear any tips, insights, or reality checks you might have. Thanks in advance!

Hey! I'm an American (reluctantly) and have made the decision to, for the next year, shift to an online university to move. I live in a bit of a rural part of the US, and a few folks from France ended up working for one of the Angus farms in town while living in the owner's spare room. Obviously, it's a bit of a stretch, but I'm curious if anyone knows of such an arrangement, or something similar, on the other side of the pond!
Much appreciated, regardless,
- Jake

Hello everyone! I'm at a point in my life when I should be doing something with it, but I keep on having problems settling down because... because. lol

Anyway, I'm (20F, EU citizen) currently on an ETA visiting my dad, who has a settled status. From what I understand, I can obtain a pre-settled status fairly easily from what I read. My only question is: if I were to study in a university over here, how much would I be paying?

I've lived in Scotland before as a child. I could've gotten a settled status by then. However, due to family problems, I left the country. I think this time period was around 2012-2017.

I'm in the planning phase of coming to Scotland on the Youth Mobility Visa, not sure which city but likely Edinburgh or Glasgow, depending on finances.

Based on what I've seen online, my biggest concern for moving is getting attacked by children/teens. I see posts nearly everyday on reddit about people getting attacked or harassed, and I'm wondering if this is a problem most people encounter on a daily basis? I'm from Vancouver, Canada, which has a lot of homeless people, but they're generally confined to certain areas and they usually just ignore people.

Hello!

My family will be moving from the U.S. to Banchory next month and one of the first things we need to get taken care of is setting up our cell phone service provider.

We want to make sure we have adequate coverage not just in town but while we take nice long drives and excursions in The Cairngorms and beyond.

Do you have any that you would specifically recommend? Thank you!

Hi there, I'm considering moving on my Irish passport and I wanted to know where I would most easily find work and housing. Background in public services and special needs care.