When entering Edinburgh University each freshman is required to sign the Sponsio Academica which reads:

'I, student of the University of Edinburgh, do give my sincere and sacred promises and wish this my signature to testify thereto for ever, that I will be dutiful and industrious in my studies; and by this promise I acknowledge that in all matters relating to the teaching and discipline of the University I have willingly placed myself under the jurisdiction of the Senatus Academics, and I recognize that if, in the opinion of the Senatus, my studies or my conduct are unsatisfactory, it has authority to forbid my continuance upon course qualifying for a degree; and I engage that as a deserving alumnus of my University I will pay my debt of gratitude and goodwill on every occasion to the best of my powers, so long as I live.

More than one-hundred years ago Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: "There is no Edinburgh emigrant, far or near, from China to Peru, but he or she carries some lively pictures of the mind, some sunset beneath the Castle's cliffs, some snow scene, some maze of city lamps, indelible in the memory and delightful to study in the intervals of toil."

Apart from the affection of the Scottish people and the friendship that exists between professors and students, the thing that leaves graduates of Edinburgh with the deepest impression is the city itself, also referred to in Europe as the beautiful "Athens of the North."

"No other city can give one so many surprises as Edinburgh," says Chang Shih-hao, an architect, who has been abroad for eight years. He's traveled across Europe and the U.S., yet still remains loyal to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is located 400 miles north of London. Like Rome, strangely enough, the city is built upon seven hills. Its streets, buildings, plazas, and parks open up towards the rugged mountains, forming a kaleidoscope of images.

Train stations can be found throughout Edinburgh. Most of the passengers are students coming through London. As soon as they make their way out of the train station their adventure begins.

A doctoral student in the department of sociology describes his first impression of Edinburgh as "dark, old, and quiet."

In the city the streets and sidewalks wriggle up and down, or in some cases, even overlap. So you don't necessarily have to climb high before you can get a look at the North Sea. It's quite possible that you'll be able to view it on an ordinary street. Or just as you're savoring the solitude of a narrow cobblestone alley, you'll look up and suddenly see the green of the mountains in the distance come into view.

The president of Edinburgh University encourages students to pursue their studies, but he never forgets to remind them to enjoy the glories of the elegant city. In addition to preserving the glory of Edinburgh, there's an all-out effort to pour into the city vigor of newness.

In 1947, when Europe found itself in the ashes of the postwar years, Edinburgh began to promote an international arts festival, which has brought surprising new life and confidence to the city. From that time, top artists and myriads of tourists from around the world have poured into Edinburgh every August for the festival.

Edinburgh is a rich, international city that still manages to maintain the broad-mindedness and purity of the Scottish people. The friendliness of the local people becomes one of the sweetest memories of foreign students.

Edinburgh University is proud of the city. Likewise, the inhabitants of the city are proud to have such a university.

The largest gathering place at Edinburgh is George Square, located in the southern part of the city. Except for an old structure built back in 1776, most of the other buildings are modern, including the school of arts, sociology department, the main library with its collection of two million books, the school of medicine, the school of dentistry and an affiliated hospital. In addition, there's a modern dormitory complex that can accommodate 1,800 people.

Edinburgh University has grown together with the city over the past 400 years. She has extracted the essence of history, and nurtured new heroes. From beginning to end she has continuously walked ahead of time with human knowledge from around the world making her truly a "worldwide university in an international city."

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Four hundred years ago this beautiful city established her own university. Old College is Edinburgh University's oldest building.

The graceful ancient style of Edinburgh is reflected in the store window of a large department store on Prince Street.

Here you won't find a campus, a main entrance, or a surrounding wall. This mark of distinction is typical of Edinburgh University.

The majestic Divinity School.

The student cafeteria provides simple meals. Foreign students who are not accustomed to English food may cook up something in their dormitory.

The city of Edinburgh is built upon seven hills. After class you can take a few minutes to catch a bird's-eye view of the city from atop one of the hills.

There are many legends behind the old city of Edinburgh. It's said that this bagpiper, the lover of Queen Mary Stuart, who was later hanged.

Four hundred years ago this beautiful city established her own university. Old College is Edinburgh University's oldest building.

Here you won't find a campus, a main entrance, or a surrounding wall. This mark of distinction is typical of Edinburgh University.

The majestic Divinity School.

The student cafeteria provides simple meals. Foreign students who are not accustomed to English food may cook up something in their dormitory.

The city of Edinburgh is built upon seven hills. After class you can take a few minutes to catch a bird's-eye view of the city from atop one of the hills.

There are many legends behind the old city of Edinburgh. It's said that this bagpiper, the lover of Queen Mary Stuart, who was later hanged.