I've never quite understood why so much focus is put on evaluating departments by the newness of their buildings (I've seen quite a lot of universities boast on that subject).

The old building was pretty shabby and not in the center of town.

Part of me wants to go to a country where I am forced to speak another language and the culture is substantially different than here in the US, but I'm not sold on the idea. Thanks for this suggestion though, I've heard the name and it's now on my list. Thanks!

Scotland is different enough from the US, you don't want things to be too different as you need to adjust to going to school ;). The University of Glasgow also has a good program (I got my masters there), out of the 2, Edinburgh has much nicer weather but Glasgow is more "real" city with great people (although it has a bad rep).

Why the bad rep?

I read statistics that it was the most violent city in Europe. During my 2 years there I didn't really see that side of the city- if you know what neighborhoods to avoid (like most other big cities) you'll be OK. I loved Glasgow- it has a great night life, interesting museums, great parks, wonderful people but the worst weather I've ever seen ;). After living in Glasgow, Edinburgh (granted I only spent 2 days there) seemed like "Disneyland Scotland"- very touristy and seemed a bit fake.

If you think Glasgow is bad for rain you should try further up the west coast - there are places that get four times as much rain as Glasgow does. But on the days when it's clear they can be utterly gorgeous.

Glasgow is much larger, and was more industrialized, than Edinburgh and is usually portrayed as suffering from a post-industrial malaise. However, it's a great place and the University has an excellent reputation.

Edinburgh is ridiculously picturesque and historical but it does have a reputation for being, when compared to Glasgow, of not nearly such a welcoming place.