Student Life In Edinburgh: Everything You Need To Know

Whether you’re thinking about becoming a student in Edinburgh, or you’re already set to be one, this guide is here to help you navigate everything there is to know about being a student in Edinburgh. 

Home to 4 major universities and an art school, Edinburgh caters to the student experience. From the art galleries to the nightlife, to the wide variety of festivals and delicious food, Edinburgh has something for all students to enjoy. Read on to discover all the hidden gems that make Edinburgh an unforgettable place to study and live… 

Student life in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is bustling with cafes for students to spend hours on their laptops and buried in books. If you’re not the biggest lover of the library or you simply want a change of scenery, what’s better than studying with a view of Edinburgh Castle? 

If you’re a fan of pubs, Edinburgh is definitely not short of them! It won’t take long to find your nearest local pub to visit with friends. Pear Tree and the Three Sisters are popular for their low prices. 

If clubbing is more your thing, students in Edinburgh boast about Hive, Bongos, and Liquid Rooms. There’s something for everyone’s tastes, even a Jazz Club! The University of Edinburgh’s Students' Association also regularly host entertainment and society events which are ideal if you’re seeking non-drinking activities. 

Is Edinburgh a good student city? What does it have to offer? 

Rich in its cultural heritage, Edinburgh is home to an abundance of museums, art galleries, and festivals. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a joyous weekend where thousands of people flock to see the performances across the city. The Royal Mile is a walk alongside history, with some great shops to explore, and it leads to Edinburgh Castle - a historical wonder with great views of the city.  

The Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit, a tranquil place and home to one of the largest plant collections in the world! 

If you’re an Arts and Humanities student, or you have an art appreciation, the National Galleries of Scotland are sure to be a great day out for you, especially because they’re free! Get a coffee, put some headphones on, and take a wander around the exhibitions. 

Edinburgh is also renowned for its beautiful architecture and the cosy atmosphere it assumes in the Winter months. It makes for a beautiful study spot and a great motivator to start the work you’ve been putting off. If quaint cities are your thing, you’re sure to find Edinburgh admirable. 

Although Edinburgh is a capital city, it is a fairly compact place. Wherever you are, you’re going to be close to pubs, shops, supermarkets and restaurants not far from the city centre. This also means that it’s easy to get from point A to B via walking, bike, or efficient and reliable public transport.  

Living in Edinburgh as a student 

As important as studying is, it’s crucial to find a balance between working hard and resting. Edinburgh makes this easy with its quick accessibility to the coast. A short train ride will get you to the coast, or even dip into England’s waters in less than an hour.  

Students and residents alike will always recommend Arthur’s Seat, the best seat in the Edinburgh house if you will. Climb your way up to the top of the hill in Scotland for wondrous views and a well-earned break from studying. Holyrood Park is also a great place for picnics and a walk with some fresh air. 

Like any university city, the prices vary for accommodation, food and drinks. The University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, Heriot-Watt University, and Edinburgh Napier University attract around 60,000 students a year to the capital city, Edinburgh. This means that there’s plenty of student accommodation to house you! 

What’s great is that Edinburgh offers a varied range of accommodation options. You can explore student accommodation in Edinburgh here. 

How UniHomes Can Help 

As a student-friendly place, Edinburgh is the perfect place to choose to study. So, if you’re searching for private student accommodation in Edinburgh, UniHomes should be your top choice. Our site makes it easy to find the perfect student house. Simply select which area you’d like to live in, how many bedrooms you need, and a maximum budget, and we’ll filter everything for you. 

What’s more, is that you won’t have to stress about setting up utility accounts or bickering with your housemates about splitting the bills fairly - UniHomes takes care of this. The accommodation we advertise includes your bills because everything is included in your monthly rent! Plus, your energy bills are uncapped, so you’ll know how much you’ll pay each month without it changing and will have the freedom to responsibly use what you need. 

Check out our student homes available for rent in Edinburgh - all with bills included.