Best way to move daughter into Edinburgh halls from West London

[Pigeonpair1]

Hello all, my daughter is starting at Edinburgh in a couple of weeks and I’m just debating the best way to get up there with all the kit (from West London). I am mostly tempted to drive as I like the idea of just putting everything in the car and going door to door but of course I know it’s a very long drive and probably sensible to stop overnight. Then there’s flying but that will likely involve paying for extra bags etc and I just find it all a bit of a hassle! Lastly, there is the train option but I’m sure they will be limits on how much you can take.She is in Halls so no need for kitchen stuff, but I expect they will still be a lot! In terms of manpower it will be me, my daughter and my son who is coming to help (sadly my husband died a few years ago) I’d love some advice on what current and former Edinburgh parents did and what fresher are planning to do!! many thanks

Overnight Mega-Bus? Presume you can store cases in hold?

I would drive. Such a PITA taking loads of stuff on the train. Stop en route for a decent break.

Why no kitchen stuff tho? Is her hall catered? She still might need some kitchen kit eg for weekends so check that.

If you are driving, I would research where you are going to park, it's a nightmare getting anywhere during the Edinburgh Festival.

Do you have to take stuff? You could ship things up there or you could buy them when you get there.

I'd fly if it were my kid.

Or put it in storage if she hasn’t got a flat over the summer (lots of students prefer to secure accommodation before they leave for the summer but then have to pay rent over the summer). From experience, if they take one care load up, this may have grown onto two car loads by the end of year.

Why are people talking about Tebay service on the M6? From London to Edinburgh she'll be going up the M1.

Anyway, definitely drive and stay in a hotel and have a few days in Edinburgh. There's loads to do and it's a beautiful city so you and your son will have a nice time. If she has to clear her room every term that's a bit shite though, get her to check if there are storage facilities she can use so you don't have to do the trip termly. But if you do you'll get to know Edinburgh which will be nice.

You don't have to clear you room out in the holidays in Pollock anymore. That was in the bad old days when they made you move out at Easter for conferences. It was a pita for all of us that came from far away places.

Festival and fringe will be over a couple of weeks before freshers week.

A1(M) or up to the M6 and Tebay take about the same time. Wouldn’t normally go M1

It takes at least an hour and a half to drive to St Andrews from Edinburgh. Longer if there is congestion on the bridge.

plus St Andrews will be chaos with freshers too.

It is not a particularly long drive, we’ve done it the other way loads. If you aren’t used to 7/8 hours driving, then stopping mid way is what you should do. There is no way I’d consider taking a child to move in to halls by public transport.

This was my experience (one car load becoming two)

I’d even say M74/M8. I hate the A1, A701 and A702. I’ll spend an extra 20 minutes in the car to avoid it!

We would probably do M8 too. We tend to do A1(M) to Scot’s corner then over the Pennines and up the M6 (though we are starting further east). Not done the A1 north of Newcastle for ages. All the roads other than the M6 are slow through the borders.

Edited for those unaware - the A1 through the borders is single carriageway.

Cairn Lodge just south of Glasgow on the M6 is owned by the same company as Tebay and also a nicer service station. Unless Gretna has changed in the last ten years definitely avoid.

Thanks for that I didn’t know that. I’ll make that my second stop then. Thanks !!!

I’d drive; it’s a long day but doesn’t need an overnight stop necessarily.

It used to be horrible so we avoided it for years before we realised it had be taken over by them.

We also buy fuel at Penrith as there is a petrol station just off the motorway (town side) that is a lot cheaper than service stations.

She will want some kitchen stuff - bowls plates, mugs, cutlery and glasses. She might want cereal or a sandwich / toast now and again in between proper meals in the hall

There is also an Asda just off motorway at J44 Carlisle. 👍

There is more dual carriageway than there used to be, but the stretch from Anwick to Berwick is mainly single. I hate it with a passion!

Yes I would have waited to go shopping up there.

Because we do M40, M6 so Teebay is the best place to stop for us. Best route for us. M1/A1 is long

There is a service, Unikitout, that was recommended by my DC's university. We haven't used it, but it has mostly very good reviews on Trustpilot. You can order new pots, pans, duvets etc on line, and the idea is that it all is taken for you to the DC's halls of residence, neatly packed for them. It occurred to me that this is a really good idea, if the DC is going to a university miles away and you aren't in a position to ferry loads of stuff for them.

Can I just say I ❤that this has become (somewhat) a which roads discussion :)