FAQs | Edinburgh 2026
Learn all about our upcoming 18th European Alum Symposium, which will be held on November 6-8, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland!
When and where is the symposium being held?
The event will take place in Edinburgh at The University of Edinburgh’s John McIntyre Conference Centre November 6 - 8 , 2026.
What is the schedule for the weekend?
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5th (optional): Come celebrate Bonfire Night with us in Edinburgh! There’s nothing like celebrating the failed bombing of Parliament to get you in the spirit of the UK. FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6th: - Afternoon: Registration and Optional Tours. Spaces for tours will be limited, so please make sure to book the tour you would like with your registration - Evening: Welcome Dinner SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7th: - During the Day: Keynotes, panels and workshops focusing on our theme Woven Legacies: Spinning the Future from the Threads of the Past and lunch. - Evening: Festive Dinner, Ceilidh and Silent Auction to benefit MHC students studying abroad. *SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8th: - Morning: Additional workshops following on from Saturday. - Afternoon: Optional Lunch or hike up Arthur’s Seat (weather permitting). *Please note that November 8th is Remembrance Sunday in Scotland. As such, there will be parades and wreath layings occurring throughout the day and the city.
Do I need a visa or ETA to go to the UK?
Almost all travellers will need a visa or ETA to arrive in the UK. Only individuals who hold a British or Irish passport or already have permission to be in the UK will not need a visa or ETA. Please note that ETAs cost £20, take up to 3 working days to be returned and require an online application. UK visas cost £127, can take up to 6 weeks to be returned and require a visit to a processing centre. Click here to find out if you need an ETA or visa.
How do I get to the venue?
You can reach the venue by public transport, taxi, or on foot depending on how you are arriving in the city. FROM EDINBURGH AIRPORT: - Public Transport (1 hour): Take the 100 Airlink bus from the airport to Hanover Street, then take the 30 bus from Princes Street (Stop PH) to Commonwealth Pool. It is then a 5 minute walk. - Taxi/Uber (30 minutes): Taxis and Ubers are easily obtainable from Edinburgh Airport. FROM WAVERLEY STATION (TRAIN): - Public Transport (25 minutes): Take the 30 bus from Princes Street (Stop PH) to Commonwealth Pool. It is then a 5 minute walk. - Taxi/Uber (10 minutes): Taxis and Ubers are easily obtainable from Waverley Station. Please note that if you are planning to travel on November 8th, there will be a Remembrance Day Parade occurring through the city centre in the morning. Please allow extra time and double check your route either to the airport or the train station.
How can I pay for public transport in Edinburgh?
All you need is your contactless card. You can tap your card when you get on a bus, or tap your card at a platform validator before and after using a tram.
What accommodation options are available?
There will be a discount code provided for multiple accommodation options at varying price points on the University of Edinburgh Campus upon registration. We encourage you not to book your accommodation until you have received confirmation of your registration for the symposium.
Is a car needed in Edinburgh?
No need for a car in Edinburgh or even the surrounding cities if you are thinking of exploring St. Andrews or Glasgow. If you do decide to rent a car and explore the Highlands please note that driving regulations in the UK and Scotland are different than those of the US: the speed limit is the law and there is a 0% tolerance for driving and drinking.
Is on-site registration available?
No. Registration is online only and must be completed by the registration deadline.
What is included in my registration fee?
Access to all sessions, conference materials, coffee breaks, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and Festive Dinner and networking events. Full details will be provided upon registration.
Can I submit something to the silent auction?
Yes! Please fill out the necessary form during registration so that we can ensure we have the appropriate space allocated for the item that you would like to donate. At check-in onsite on Friday you can drop off your item.
What to pack to prepare for the weather?
We recommend layers, a good raincoat/windbreaker and waterproof shoes. Umbrellas may (and unless you have had a lot of practice most likely will) break in the wind, so this is worth considering when packing. Average temperatures in Edinburgh in early November range from 3℃ (37℉) at night to 9℃ (48℉) during the day. It is unlikely to snow in the city, but it will most likely rain. If you choose to journey northwards during your trip, you should be prepared to encounter some snow.
What else should I pack for the symposium?
Aside from the items you should always bring when travelling, make sure to bring something to wear that you can easily move in for the Ceilidh at the Festive Dinner on Saturday Night. Also, Scottish citizens often choose to wear a poppy pin on Remembrance Sunday. If you would like to wear one, please bring your own, or even better, buy one that supports the armed forces from sellers in Scotland! You’ll find sellers on the street, in train stations and in airports that weekend.
What is the currency in Scotland, and do I need to bring cash?
British and Scottish pounds are equally accepted. However, the majority of Edinburgh is cashless, and your contactless card will work the best (just remember to always pay in local currency for the best exchange rates). If you are choosing to go into more villagy and rural areas, you should bring some pounds with you, but we suggest getting them from an ATM in Scotland once you get here.
How to enjoy the longer Edinburgh nights?
Edinburgh at this time of year can be cold and damp with the sun setting around 4:30 pm. We recommend that you layer up and make sure to spend some time outside during daylight before getting cosy by the fire in the evening. We would also recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement while you are here.
What is a Cèilidh?
A Cèilidh is an evening of Scottish folk dancing with traditional Scottish music designed for couples or groups. It is accessible to everyone from novices to experts and is led by a caller (think square-dancing).
How to understand locals?
Scotland is full of lovely, warm, and caring people. It may take a minute to understand each other, but you’ll get there. Scottish people tend to speak quickly and use slang; however, they will not be insulted if you ask them to repeat themselves.
Hoping to do a bit more around the City and Scotland in general during your stay?
Check out our recommendations page for ideas on Edinburgh attractions, walks, food, daytrips, multi-day trips and distilleries to visit while you are in Scotland.
Further questions?
Do not hesitate to reach out to mheacedinburghsymposium@gmail.com with any further questions you may have.
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