Where Do Students Live in Edinburgh? Your Guide to the Best Student Areas

Student accommodation in Edinburgh can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect place to live. Edinburgh, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is home to 4 fantastic universities: The University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University. As a city that welcomes thousands of students every year, Edinburgh offers a variety of student-friendly neighbourhoods that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. 

So, what are the best student areas in Edinburgh? We’re here to help you explore the top student neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and benefits so you can find the perfect spot to call home during your university years. 

Marchmont 

Staying in Marchmont means you’ll be a 5-10 minute walk from the University of Edinburgh… ideal! Filled with neighbourhood shops and supermarkets, Marchmont is perfect in its location, busy with students, and diverse in its restaurant options. Close to the city centre, this area is close to all public transport links but remains a peaceful, community-oriented environment, ideal for students who want a balance between academic life and a relaxed atmosphere. Browse available student accommodation in Marchmont here.

Newington 

Newington is located close to Napier University and the University of Edinburgh which means that you can roll out of bed and straight into your lectures if you live here. The close vicinity to uni also means that it’s a very popular student area. If you’re up for the busier side of living, Newington offers a vibrant student lifestyle surrounded by lots of supermarkets, shops and easy access to the nightlife. 

Old Town 

Old Town is home to iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. It’s the place to be if you enjoy being close to busy streets, night and day, lined with gorgeous restaurants, bars, and shops. With easy access to the University of Edinburgh, it’s perfect for students. 

New Town 

Although the name would suggest that it’s ‘new’, this area is still dominated by typical Edinburgh-style buildings and cobblestone streets. Located idyllically close to Prince’s Street, you’ll never be out of luck in the shopping and nightlife scenes. There’s also a great number of students in this area. New Town is ultimately very accommodating to students, boasting a range of cafes perfect for studying and bars ideal for your sports and activities nights. If that sounds like a bit of you, check out student houses and apartments in New Town.

Fountainbridge 

Fountainbridge is close to the city centre and is popular amongst students in Edinburgh because of this. It’s the ideal spot for those who want to be close to the city but don’t want to be in it all the time. Even if you don’t fancy venturing into town for the big shop or a sweet treat, Fountainbridge has its range of amenities close by for you to test and try. Also close to Fountain Park, this area is perfect for a study break or picnic in the park. 

City Centre 

Living at the centre of any city is placing yourself at the core of everything the place has to offer. In Edinburgh, living in the city centre means being within walking distance of many university buildings, excellent public transport links, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and Edinburgh Castle. It’s perfect for students who want to be in the heart of the action. 

If you’re looking for a vibrant, diverse environment, the City Centre is one of the best places to live as a student in Edinburgh. 

Haymarket 

With its easy access to transport links that reach the city centre and further, Haymarket exists west of the city centre. A notable mention for Haymarket is the many pubs in the area, where you’ll never be short of traditional pub food. Bars, shops and cafes also line the lower floors of the Georgian buildings, making it ideal for students to live.

Tollcross  

With a mix of modern amenities and a strong community vibe, Tollcross is a popular choice for students looking for both convenience and a lively social scene. It’s close to a range of entertainment venues, supermarkets, and some of the city’s landmarks. If you’re keen to be close to nature, The Meadows Park is central to Tollcross and is a lovely place to exercise and spend time with friends or read a book. You can’t go wrong living in Tollcross. 

How UniHomes Can Help 

UniHomes are one of the UK’s leading advertising platforms for student accommodation with bills included. By choosing us, you won’t need to worry about setting up utility accounts or arguing with your housemates over splitting bills – we'll handle it all. The accommodation we feature includes your bills, as everything is covered in your monthly rent! Plus, your energy bills are uncapped; meaning you’ll have the freedom to responsibly use what you need, and you’ll always know exactly how much to pay each month, with no surprises. 

Explore the best student homes available to rent in Edinburgh from across the market- all with bills included.