Frequently Asked Questions about playing, training, the university and more

Q: Will I be able to make the team?

A: As of now there are two men's teams and one women's team.   Up until now, those who chose to be dedicated could make it onto the women's team and the men's second team without much experience as long as they exhibited some athleticism and decent swimming ability.   However, we are the current Scottish Champions and one of the premiere polo programs in the UK, finishing in the top 5 repeatedly, so its not surprising that to make the starting squad requires considerable talent and experience.  This is more so for the men's teams as men's polo is more developed in the UK and Europe.  However, our program is designed to help you develop your talent.   In the future, you can expect it will be more challenging as water polo continues to grow quickly in the UK.   

 Q: What is Edinburgh like?   

 A: Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, a city of nearly a half million people set along the coastline with an ancient castle as the center of the old town.   Students tend to love Edinburgh because it is among the most beautiful, safest and most fun cities in all of the UK.   The campus is spread through the historic city center which is full of interesting cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and shops.  The city is rich in culture as a result of being a center of higher education, innovation and the arts as well as a key european finanical capital and a melting pot of immigrants.   Most students walk nearly everywhere because it is easy to walk around and those that choose to live further away often opt for bikes though the bus system is excellent.    

Q: What is the University of Edinburgh really like?

 A:  Its a major university and with 600+ degree programs and 30,000 + students, that is a question that can be answered a million different ways.   Come visit and check it out on the school website.   That said most of the students love their experience here!

Q: What is Scotland like?

 A: Scotland is a rich and beautiful country, proud and friendly.   It is not only the birthplace of water polo on the River Dee in the 1860s, but also the birthplace of many inventions, innovations and cultural icons including Golf (St. Andrew's), Dolly the Cloned Sheep, Harry Potter, Sean Connery, Charles Darwin and so many more.   Students love the outdoor parks which are filled with reveling, festivals, rugby and football matches.   Our pool is located one block from the Royal Mile (the central road that leads from the castle to the Queen's Holyrood Palace and only one block from the Scottish Parliament.   You are likely to even see men in kilts and hear bagpipes on a walk down the "Mile".   The much maligned weather can best be described as unpredictable and there is a saying that you can experience all four seasons in a single day in Scotland.   It often showers, though rarely pours, and is often quite sunny the same day, hence there is a lush green canopy both in the countryside and the cities.   The winter is mild with rare snows and the summer is full of extremely long days when it gets dark only after 10PM!

Q:  I'm not from Scotland, will I be able to understand the professors speaking in their Scottish brogue?    

 A:  Yes, most likely.  Frankly the professors like the students are from all over the world.   Also, they are extremely highly educated and most are leaders in their fields and hence speak clearly.

Q:  I'm considering coming for a semester/year abroad, transferring to U of E, or earning an advanced degree, can I play for the team?   

A: Yes, as long as you are enrolled in classes and are issued a Edinburgh University student card and you do your training, you can play.   There are no rules regarding transfer students.   WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU ARE COMING ABROAD FOR AN EXCHANGE PROGRAM YOU CONSIDER A FULL YEAR.   Our season is in both fall and winter through April 1 usually.   Also, everytime a student comes for only the fall semester they say something like "I wish I were staying for the whole year, I'm just getting settled and getting to really make a lot of friends and don't want to leave."

 Q: What if I've used up my NCAA eligibility in the states, can I still play?

A: Yes, as long as you're enrolled in classes their is no cap on the number of years you can play.  We have had many masters and Ph. D. students on our teams.

Q: I am worried about going to school so far away from home where I don't know anyone, is the team very social and supportive?

A: Our club (combined with the swimming team) is a big supportive family.   While everyone will make their own friends and acquaintances here, you can expect to find we have many welcoming social events and make a point of being very inclusive.   Furthermore, as a big international university there will be many others in the same situation as you looking to make new friends.

Q:  How often do you train/practice and have games?   How much of a time commitment is there to be on the team?   Will I have enough time and energy to study?

A:  We train and/or play games roughly three to four times a week.  These sessions are currently Wednesday afternoon, Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.   Games are spread through the season and are announced as clubs agree to dates, however, they usually fall during a training session and currently we have the luxury that most are played at our home pool as it is one of the best in Scotland.   THIS ALLOWS PLENTY OF TIME TO CONCENTRATE ON YOUR STUDIES.   In fact, most of the players have enough time for their studies that they will also train with local polo clubs Warrender, Portobello and Caledonia to improve their ability. 

Q:  Do you offer monetary scholarships or special admissions privileges for exceptional athletes?    

 A:  Not really, but we may in the future.   The University of Edinburgh Sports Union is dedicated to raising our already strong sporting tradition even higher and does offer bursuries (extra support and funding) to top teams and individuals sports stars.   However, individually these are typically geared to Scottish national sport stars.   Look for more support in the future and for other types of scholarships: academic, cultural, etc.     

Q: Is it harder or easier to get into the University if I am from outside the UK?  

A:  Perhaps easier, however we cannot directly answer this question because each degree program will look at you individually compared to other prospective students.  Some programs are easy to get into while others are very impacted.   However, we can say that the University, Scotland and the UK appear to love foreign students for their intelligence, diversity and tuition/money they bring.  Once you are admitted to the program, getting a UK student visa is usually a very simple process.

 Q: Does the University provide student housing? 

 A: Yes, see their website for more information.  However, many students also choose to live in flats and apartments with other students.

Q: Can I play with or be involved with other sports and activities while being on the team?

 A: Yes and No.   In the past the answer was yes and it still is if these other activities do not conflict with your participation in our training and matches.   Athletes that are swimmers will always be welcome to enjoy both sports as they help each other.   Other sports and activites will have to be evaluated on an individual basis.   As a team sport we simply must do much of our training as a team.   

Q: What is the drinking age in Scotland?

A: 18.  And as a result this city with 5 universities definitely has its share of amazing parties, clubs and pubs.   Hopefully you know self-control and understand when you need to focus on your studies and training because there will always be endless opportunities to go out and party.   We want you to have a good time...AND SUCCEED!