Kitchen starter kit — pots, pans, utensils — Everything a new student needs for a kitchen. Includes: 2 saucepans, 1 frying pan, 1 wok, chopping board, knife set, wooden spoons, spatula, colander, and a few plates/bowls. All from Tesco/IKEA, decent condition. Selling as a bundle — £15 for everything. Perfect for September freshers. Can store until then if needed. Near Pollock Halls.

Edinburgh in summer is a completely different city — My first summer here and I can't believe how different it feels. The sun sets at like 10pm, everyone is outside, The Meadows is packed with people playing sports, having barbecues. After the dark winter months this feels incredible. If you're considering staying over summer — do it. June-August Edinburgh is the best city in the UK.

Submitted my dissertation!!! — IT'S DONE. 15,000 words. 4 months of pain. Submitted at 11:47pm, 13 minutes before the deadline because that's how we do things. Now I'm going to sleep for 3 days. To everyone still writing: you've got this. The last 10% takes 50% of the time but it gets done.

Found a student card near Bristo Square — Found a University of Edinburgh student card on the ground near Bristo Square this morning. Name starts with "L". I've handed it in to the Main Library reception desk. If it's yours, go collect it with ID.

Winter duvet (13.5 tog) + 2 pillows — Bought from John Lewis in October, used for one winter only. 13.5 tog king size duvet + 2 medium firmness pillows. Freshly washed. Selling because I'm downsizing to a single bed flat. £20 for everything. Tollcross area pickup.

Moving out checklist — things I wish I knew — End of tenancy coming up? Here's what I learned the hard way: 1. Take photos of EVERYTHING before you move in AND before you move out 2. Clean the oven. Seriously. Landlords charge £80+ for oven cleaning from your deposit 3. Fill nail holes with white toothpaste (works perfectly) 4. Redirect your mail at Royal Mail (£33 for 3 months) 5. Cancel your broadband with 30 days notice 6. Read your meter and take a photo on move-out day 7. Return all keys — lost key charges are insane Start at least 2 weeks before. Don't leave it to the last day.

The Scotch Whisky Experience is actually worth it — I know, I know — it looks like a tourist trap. But I took my parents there last week and it was genuinely good. The tour guide was hilarious, you get to smell different whisky regions, and the barrel ride is fun. Plus a free dram at the end. £19 for the basic tour. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. The gift shop is overpriced though.

IKEA MALM desk — white, good condition — Moving out in June, selling my IKEA MALM desk (120x60cm). White, used for one year, some minor scratches on the surface but nothing major. Collection only from Marchmont. Need it gone by end of May. Can help carry downstairs.

Dyson V8 vacuum — works perfectly — Dyson V8 Absolute. Bought refurbished 6 months ago for £180, selling for £80. Battery lasts about 30 minutes. All attachments included. Selling because I'm going home for summer. Can demo before you buy. Near Newington.

Meadows cherry blossoms are peaking right now — If you haven't been to The Meadows this week, go NOW. The cherry blossoms on the north side are at full bloom. Best I've seen in three years. Early morning (before 8am) is magical with the light. They'll only last another week or so. Walk from Marchmont side toward Middle Meadow Walk.

Lost a black umbrella at The Meadows — Left a black automatic umbrella near the bench by the east entrance of The Meadows (Buccleuch Street side) yesterday around 4pm. It has a wooden handle and a small dent on the top. Long shot but if anyone picked it up please message me. Sentimental value — it was a gift.

Best place to watch Champions League final? — Champions League final is coming up. Where does everyone watch football in Edinburgh? Looking for somewhere with a big screen, decent atmosphere, and ideally not too packed. Tried Three Sisters last time and could barely move.

Bike — Carrera Subway 2, medium frame — Carrera Subway 2 hybrid bike, medium frame. Bought from Halfords 2 years ago for £380. Well maintained, new brake pads last month, tyres good. A few cosmetic scratches. Comes with U-lock and lights. Great commuter bike. Bruntsfield area.

Where to print dissertation cheaply? — Need to print and bind my dissertation — about 80 pages, double-sided, one colour page. University print shop quoted £18 which feels steep. Anyone know a cheaper option? Need it by Friday.

Found an amazing brunch spot nobody talks about — Lowdown Coffee on George Street. Not the touristy George Street — the quiet end near Charlotte Square. Their shakshuka is incredible. £9.50 for a massive portion with sourdough. They also do a proper flat white. Went three times this month already. Gets busy after 11am so go early.

Good barber that knows Asian hair? — Been to three barbers in Edinburgh and they all messed up my hair. I have thick straight Asian hair and nobody seems to know what to do with it. Looking for recommendations around Southside or city centre. Budget around £15-20. Please help.

Finally got my BRP! — After 8 weeks of waiting and 3 trips to the post office, my BRP finally arrived. For anyone still waiting: the tracking on the UKVI website is useless, just keep checking your assigned post office. Mine was at the WHSmith on Princes Street. They keep it behind the counter — you need to ask specifically for a BRP collection.

Has everyone sorted their Council Tax exemption? — Just a reminder — if you're a full-time student and living in private accommodation, you need to apply for Council Tax exemption yourself. The university doesn't do it for you. It takes 5 minutes on edinburgh.gov.uk and saves you £100+/month. Get your exemption letter from MyEd first. Don't throw away money.

I love musicals — does anyone want to go together?

Grassmarket sunset — Walk down here at sunset, the light hits the castle walls and turns them gold.

Best kebab — No debate. Open until 3am. The garlic sauce is homemade.

Cameo Cinema — Has been here since 1914. The bar inside is the best part.

Best chippy — The haddock supper here is enormous. Cash only.

Cherry blossoms — The Meadows at 7am in spring. Cherry blossoms, almost no one around.

Sunday market — Get there before 11 or the crepes stall runs out.

Charity shop find — Found a Barbour jacket for twelve quid last month.

Canal walk — The towpath from here to Fountainbridge is the quietest walk in the city. No cars, just swans.

Blackford Hill — Walk up from the back of campus. 15 minutes to the top. Best view of the city.

Hidden courtyard — The close next to this shop leads to a hidden courtyard. Most people walk past without noticing.

Best Asian Supermarkets in Edinburgh — A local's guide to Asian grocery stores: 1. Matthew's Foods (Dalry Road) — Largest in Edinburgh. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Filipino. Great frozen dumpling selection. 2. PCY Oriental (Barclay Place, near Meadows) — Closest to uni. Good for quick shops. Fresh tofu. 3. Starlight Chinese Supermarket (Clerk Street) — Massive selection of Chinese products. Cheapest instant noodles. 4. HiYoU (online + collection) — Good for bulk orders. 5. Baixing (Clerk Street) — Specialises in East/Southeast Asian ingredients. Pro tip: Matthew's on Dalry Road is worth the bus ride. PCY is convenient but smaller selection.