New city, new country, new adventure... let's explore. If you’re an international student or just new to Edinburgh, Welcome Week is the perfect chance to get out, look around, and start feeling at home. Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) has curated events designed to help you experience the city’s charm, culture, and hidden gems, all while making new friends along the way.
Think guided city walks, visits to tourist attractions, picnics, scavenger hunts, and a trip to the famous Highland Games. Whether you're here for a semester or the next few years, this guide is your starting point to discovering what makes Edinburgh such a special place to live and study.
Pack your camera, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to explore.
Monday 8th
Visit to the World of Illusions, 4:45pm- Camera Obscura
If you’re new to Edinburgh and up for a bit of wonder and wow, don’t miss our group trip to Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions. This place is seriously cool, think mind-bending optical illusions, trick mirrors, and hands-on exhibits that’ll have you questioning your eyes in the best way possible. It’s one of Edinburgh’s top-rated spots for a reason, with incredible views from the rooftop that give you a whole new perspective on the city.
Click here for tickets!
Tuesday 9th
International Student Picnic, 12pm- Craiglockhart Lawn
Craving a taste of home or curious about snacks from around the world? Come along to the International Student Picnic, where good food and great company come together for a chilled afternoon in the park. Bring your favourite dish, dessert, or snack to share, and get ready to swap stories, recipes, and laughs with fellow students from all corners of the globe. It’s a relaxed, friendly way to meet new people, celebrate different cultures, and make your Welcome Week feel a little more like home.
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Tuesday 9th
Ceilidh Workshop, 8pm- Hangar 5
Looking to experience a different side of Scottish culture? Join us for a fun Ceilidh Workshop, where you’ll get a taste of traditional music and dancing in a friendly, beginner-friendly setting.
You don’t need any dance experience—just a willingness to try something new. It’s a great way to learn about local traditions, meet other students, and enjoy a lively, informal atmosphere that’s all about connection and culture.
Whether you come alone or bring a friend, you’ll leave with a few new moves and a better sense of what makes Scottish hospitality so memorable.
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Wednesday 10th
Welcome Fest, 1pm- Craiglockhart Lawn
Kick off your uni journey with a splash of fun at the ENSA Welcome Carnival! Think giant inflatables, classic carnival games, a petting zoo (yes, really!), and all the candy floss you can handle. It’s a laid-back, feel-good afternoon where you can meet new friends from across all campuses while enjoying some seriously good vibes. Best of all? It’s completely free and open to every student ready to make the most of Welcome Week.
Pop by, have a blast, and start your Edinburgh adventure with a smile!
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Thursday 11th
Welcome Fair, 10am- Corn Exchange
If you're new to Edinburgh, the Welcome Fair is one of the best ways to get your bearings and start settling in. As the largest event of its kind in Scotland, it's designed to connect you with everything student life at Napier has to offer.
With around 150 stalls under one roof, the fair is a chance to explore student societies, sports clubs, and local services—whether you're looking to continue a hobby from home or try something completely new. It’s also a great place to meet people, ask questions, and begin building your community here.
You’ll find practical information, exclusive student deals, and plenty of friendly faces ready to help you make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're here for a semester or the long haul, this is the perfect first step toward feeling more at home.
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Friday 12th
Culture Crawl, 10:30am- Meet at the National Gallery
New to Edinburgh and curious about what makes the city tick? The Culture Crawl is a relaxed, friendly way to get to know some of Edinburgh’s most iconic museums, galleries, and cultural spaces—all in one afternoon.
We’ll start at the Scottish National Gallery, take in contemporary art at the Fruitmarket Gallery, and dive into Scotland’s history at the National Museum of Scotland. Along the way, we’ll pause at a local favourite—Black Medicine Coffee—for a break and a chance to chat.
This free event is open to everyone and especially ideal if you’re looking to get familiar with the city, meet other students, or just enjoy a low-pressure day of exploring. Whether you're into art, history, or just getting your bearings, the Culture Crawl is a great place to start.
Wear comfortable shoes and come as you are—solo or with friends, everyone’s welcome.
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Saturday 13th
Highland Games Trip, 8am- Meet at Merchiston Campus
Ready to dive into some truly Scottish traditions? Join us for a day trip to the Pitlochry Highland Games, just a couple of hours north of Edinburgh. It’s a full-on celebration of Scottish culture, packed with thrilling sports like tossing the caber, lively Highland dancing, and an unforgettable bagpipe and drums parade that fills the air with energy.
This is one of the most popular Welcome Week trips, especially for international students, so be sure to book your spot early. Your ticket covers travel and entry, just bring a packed lunch or grab a bite at the event itself. Get ready for a day full of fun, culture, and new friendships!
Click here for tickets!
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th
Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt- Cockburn Street
Looking for a fun way to explore Edinburgh’s historic Old Town while meeting new people? Our Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt is the perfect adventure to kickstart your uni experience. Grab a team of friends (or make some new ones!) and spend three hours following clues, solving puzzles, and unraveling a thrilling mystery through the winding streets of this iconic part of the city.
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Sunday 14th
Scotch Whisky Tour, 3:40pm- Scotch Whisky Experience
Want to get a true taste of Scotland’s heritage? Join us for a guided tour of the famous Scotch Whisky Experience, right at the top of the Royal Mile. This isn’t just any tour, it’s a fascinating journey through the rich history, craft, and culture behind Scotland’s iconic whisky. You’ll discover how whisky is made, explore an impressive collection of rare bottles, and even learn how to spot the subtle differences between regional flavours. Plus, there’s a dram waiting for you at the end—or a soft drink if you prefer.
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All Week!
Speed Friending
New city, new faces, and maybe a few nerves? Our Speed Friending events are the perfect way to break the ice and start building your uni social circle—fast. Think of it like speed dating, but with friendship as the goal. You’ll spend quick, fun rounds chatting with lots of other students, sharing stories, laughs, and maybe even discovering your new study buddy or weekend crew.
Click here for First Year Speedfriending tickets!
Click here for Campus Speedfriending tickets!
