What is Edinburgh, Scotland like?

Edinburgh is one of the leading Universities in the UK. It is nice, but does use an assorted collection of buildings, many of which date from the 1960s, with some more recent ones and some going back to 1800. The place will be cleaned reasonably regularly. Normal British food is not greatly different from American food. Restaurant portions are smaller and salads are less common. For example, look at the menu of one of the big UK pub chains: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/food What may be new to you is the Indian and Chinese food that many cheaper restaurants serve. Also try fish and chips from a takeaway. Many of the coffee shops (Starbucks etc) offer free WIFI, but you will have to pay £2.50 for a coffee. Alternatively you can buy a mobile broadband dongle with 1GB to use over a month for about £30. http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/pay-as-you-go-mobile-broadband/362_3257_30350_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html Rather than buying a phone to take with you, buy a UK mobile when you arrive. Pay as you go phones start under £20, and £20 credit should keep you going if you don't make too many International calls. http://www.carphonewarehouse.com

Edinburgh is a lovely city with many green areas and parks as well as famous buildings and monuments. It is as clean as most cities of similar size. There is normal food at most cafes and takeaways as well as the larger chains. I am sure there will be wifi at Edinburgh Uni. Most students have laptops these days for their course work. Just buy a cheap pay as you go mobile when you get here.

What is "normal american food"? If you mean rubbish like McDonalds - yes. But much, much more high quality food. Have a look here. Includes "American " pizzas, Italian food, steaks plus Indian food, cafe food, vegetarian food, pub food, fish & chips, Chinese food, other ethic food, Michelin starred restaurants etc etc. http://www.edinburghrestaurants.co.uk/ Of course there is wifi in the University and most pubs / restaurants etc. Wait till you get to UK and get a free 'pay as you go' Sim card and a cheap phone from a supermarket or go on line on your Dell laptop and choose your deal. Google mobile phone - note 'cell phone' is American. Remember the voltage in UK is 240V like most of the world. Your Dell charger is fine but some of your other equipment may be 110 V only.