Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access medical care?

It is important to register with your local GP even if you are only in Scotland temporarily. This can be done via NHS Inform. In an urgent medical situation:

• For emergency, dial 999

• For urgent medical help or advice that can’t wait until your GP opens, or if you haven’t registered with a GP yet, call NHS 24: 111 or access NHS 24

How do I get my UK driver's licence?

You may be able to exchange your driver's licence Exchange a non-GB driving licence. You may also be able to drive on your current licence, however after 12 months you may need to apply for a provisional licence and pass the theory and practical driving tests to drive in the UK: Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence. If you need to do a practical driving test, make sure to take a few lessons with a qualified UK driving instructor first. Using your own vehicle for the test is permitted, but not recommended as the car will require additional equipment for the test to be able to take place.

Make your appointment for your computer test as soon as possible. You will not be able to book your driving test until you have passed the computer test. It can take several months to get an appointment for your tests, so don’t delay! In the UK you are licensed to drive the type of car you take your driving test in, so if you want to be licensed to drive a manual transmission (stick shift) you will need to take your test in one. Otherwise you will only be licensed to drive an automatic transmission car.

Scott Napier has come recommended from some of our parents, he can be reached on: 07920 837 490 or napier1611@sky.com. Feel free to ask for recommendations on the Buddies group. 

How does car insurance work?

Car insurance is often more expensive in the first year. It's also more expensive when you’ve had a UK driver’s license for less than one year. Insurance is most commonly set up for named drivers, e.g. only named drivers are covered by the insurance. Look at comparison websites and get quotes from multiple companies because prices can vary significantly. You may save money if you change insurance providers every year. Be sure to ask for a No Claims Discount.

What services are provided by the local council/municipality?

For up to date information about waste collection and recycling, paying council tax, road closures and parking, local libraries and other services in your area take a look at your council area website.  Most ISA families will live in the Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire Council areas.

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/

https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/

How do I get a UK phone number?

It's very difficult to get a mobile phone contract without a UK bank account and proof of address. You may have to do pay-as-you-go until you get your UK bank account set up. There are 4 mobile phone networks (3, EE, O2 and Vodafone) in the UK, but a myriad of other suppliers renting access to their networks. Roaming across networks is not common on UK mobile networks without additional cost. Check the OFCOM mobile coverage checker to see which network has the best coverage where you are: Ofcom Checker. Be very vigilant about phone scams. Especially avoid scams that tell you you’ll be in trouble if you don’t press number (X) etc. or claim there are issues with your immigration status: Alert: Cold calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the Home Office | Action Fraud 

Do I need a TV licence?

TV license: you must buy one to watch live television (even if recorded to watch later) and BBC iPlayer, even if you only watch on your tablet, phone, or computer.  For more information: TV licensing. 

How do I get internet access?

Internet access is provided by various suppliers. It can take a long time (several weeks) for the broadband to be activated. It's possible to get a Wi-Fi dongle to have access to the internet in the interim.

How do utilities work?

Energy is typically paid monthly via direct debit. You choose your provider. Make sure you take a meter reading when moving in, both for gas and electric. Comparison websites are very popular for choosing the best price.

What's the Walk and Coffee group?

The Walk and Coffee group is a great way to meet new friends or reconnect with old/current friends. We chat and walk to the outdoor Boxcar cafe or to Costa Coffee in cults, Duthie Park and Hazelhead Park with the reward of a cuppa and often a cake, scone or bacon roll! We don't let the weather stop us from getting out and enjoying each others company!  We welcome your four legged family members too. Please remember that pets are not allowed on campus. Feel free to join us every week or every now and then. For the most up to date information on our weekly wanders join the group! We look forward to welcoming you! You can join the chat here.

How do I pay for lunch?

Lunch accounts are topped up using iPayImpact. This system is also utilised to pay for things like library bags, school trips and discos.

Are there socialising groups in the wider Aberdeen community for different nationalities?

There are many nationalities at ISA and we welcome parents, students and staff sharing their culture throughout the school year. We know, however, that sometimes it can be nice to share a specific cultural celebration or speak your home language with someone "from home". There are many groups in Aberdeen, some active, some less so. Examples include the Aberdeen/shire Bangladeshi Association, Association of American Women Aberdeen, Bengali Cultural Association Aberdeen, Igbo Community Aberdeen (ICA), Indian Association of North East Scotland, Latinos of Aberdeen, Lithuanian Society (ALNES), Malayalee Association, Nederlandse Vereniging Aberdeen, Nigerians in Aberdeen, Norsk i Aberdeen, Polish Association Aberdeen, Tamil Association Aberdeen and many more. Join the Buddies chat to find out if there's a local group others recommend.