About Welcome Here
Support before, during, and after your move.
Welcome Here was created to help international students and their families navigate the process of relocating to Edinburgh and settling into life in a new country.
Moving abroad to study is an exciting opportunity, but it can also be overwhelming. Finding accommodation, understanding unfamiliar systems, managing practical tasks, building a social network, and adapting to a new culture can all feel like a challenge. Families, meanwhile, want reassurance that their child is safe, supported, and settling in well.
At Welcome Here, we provide personalised support before, during, and after your move to Edinburgh, helping make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Why I Started Welcome Here
My name is Iga, and I know first-hand what it feels like to arrive in a new country with no roadmap.
I moved from Poland to Scotland on my own when I was 18 years old. Like many international students and young people moving abroad, I had to navigate a new city, a different culture, the housing market, and the British education system largely by myself.
I remember how confusing it all felt at times. I struggled to understand how education and student funding worked, lacked confidence when applying for jobs, found it difficult to build a social network, and often felt unsure about where to turn for advice. Like many people moving abroad, I experienced language barriers, homesickness, loneliness, cultural differences, financial pressures, and the challenge of finding a sense of belonging in a new environment.
Looking back, I often wish I had someone local who could have shared their knowledge, answered my questions, and helped me settle into life in Scotland more confidently.
That's why I created Welcome Here.
My goal is to provide the kind of practical support, guidance, and community that I would have loved to have had when I first arrived.
A Local Perspective
Over the years I have worked in healthcare and tourism, giving me the opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and develop a strong understanding of Edinburgh and the people who call it home.
I have worked in one of Edinburgh's major tourist attractions and spent years supporting people through my work in healthcare. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion for helping others.
I also have a deep appreciation for Edinburgh's history, culture, neighbourhoods, parks, cafés, and hidden gems. Whether you're looking for practical advice, local recommendations, opportunities to experience and learn about Scottish culture, or simply someone who understands what it's like to start over in a new country, I'm here to help.
How We Are Different
Most relocation and concierge services focus on helping students during their first few weeks in a new city.
- We provide personalised and ongoing support throughout your journey, not just your first few weeks.
- We combine practical relocation assistance with community building and cultural integration.
- We don't just tell you what to do — we help you do it.
Whether you need help finding accommodation, opening a bank account, registering with a doctor, navigating the city, making friends, or simply understanding life in Edinburgh, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Let's talk about your move
A friendly, no-pressure conversation about what you need and how we can help.