Moving to Scotland... Tips?

[Xqst]

Hey! newcomer here, hope you're all doing well. Im 23yo, im from Portugal and i've always had a dream to work/live abroad (UK pref) and therefore decided to go to Scotland not only because its a beautiful country , but also because i have always been attracted to it.

The thing is , i've never even gotten out of Portugal (not even to visit anything) and therefore im a bit "scared" on what should i do first and most of all where to go, im going to visit it in January for a few days and get to know the country a bit before actually moving in as i'm going without any job offer or friends there.

So i was hoping you guys could give me a few tips on what to do/expect , and mainly what city to go to and which specific area (preferred a budget and friendly location, a bit away from the center of any city with good means of transportation , a good employment % and friendly people)

Thanks
Best Regards!

Stockbridge or Bruntsfield are nice, but very expensive.

Leith might be worth a look, but some parts could be a bit "edgy" for you.

Edinburgh is more expensive for rental (and general living costs) than Glasgow.

Abbeyhill (already mentioned) is a good option, as is Leith, and around the shore. I lived in Marchmont, in a flat-share so it wasn't too expensive, and was amazing in the festival time! I've also lived a bit further west of Haymarket, in Roseburn. This was a one-bed, so not flat-sharing, and was perfectly affordable. In my time I've lived further out, in Corstorphine and South Gyle. They were fine, but a bit too far out of the city for my liking in my younger days. Newington is pretty nice, too. I considered moving to Gorgie at one point (next to Dalry) - both of these are fine, but a bit edgier than some others I've mentioned. There are loads of great options.

I have friends who live in Glasgow and they love it just as much as I love Edinburgh, so I guess it's just a case of what city you fall in love with!