Renowned for stunning architecture, a treasure trove of shopping and gorgeous green spaces, Edinburgh is home to four universities. 12% of the city’s population are students, putting it behind only Manchester and Bristol in the UK for the highest concentration of students.
With so many universities, you’ll feel welcomed by student-friendly discounts and activities to fill your time outside of class. Not sure where to start? Read on to see how we’d spend our time as students in Edinburgh.
The great outdoors
One of nature’s biggest perks is that it’s free! Come rain or shine, Edinburgh has a wealth of green spaces to explore:
- Arthur’s Seat - get your steps in by hiking up to the highest point of the city and be rewarded with panoramic vies. It’s tradition for students to make the climb during Fresher’s week.
- The Meadows - the place to be if the sun comes out, bring a picnic, a book or a ball (and maybe some beers!) and feel right at home in this public park near the popular residential areas of Newington and Marchmont. You can even book onto the park’s tennis courts for some exercise.
- Carlton Hill - an easier climb than Arthur’s Seat, Carlton Hill is a photographer’s dream. Views of the city paired with historic monuments and lots of benches to take in the sights.
- Crammond Beach - if you want to escape the city’s bustle then look no further than this small sand beach full of dog walkers and brave cold-dippers.
- Local student tip: just as beautiful but much less busy, don’t miss Blackford Hill which also has stunning city views and the Royal Observatory.
Low-cost student activities
A big part of any university experience is saving pennies where you can and, like all good student cities, Edinburgh has lots on offer that won’t break the bank.
The best place to start is always your Students’ Union/Association. Run by students, for students, each university’s Association will offer cheap and sometimes free events for students to meet friends and find new hobbies. It’ll most likely be the cheapest place in the city for a drink and you can usually find somewhere quiet to work as well.
- Dip into your creative side at Doodles Ceramics, the city’s first ‘paint your own pottery’ cafe. Book a table and enjoy a few hours of peaceful painting and then pick up your creation 2-3 days later. All materials included, this activity works out at £30 max per person. If you’re still in need of an art fix after this, spend a free afternoon at the Scottish Natural Gallery, finding some of Van Gogh’s and Rembrandt’s best work.
- Escape with the latest movies at Filmhouse, where their student membership deal is one of the best around. For just £30 a year you get discounts on all tickets, 3 free movies and 10% off food and drink. (Local student tip: The Brass Monkey is also a must-visit for film lovers!)
- Explore the quaint, picturesque streets of Edinburgh that have made it an architectural landmark: Leith is trendy and full of hole-in-the-wall bars, as well as cobblestone walkways by the docks; in the Grassmarket you’ll find lots of tourists and battling through the crowds to spot a hidden slice of history is half the fun; in Dean’s Village there’s a photo opportunity around every corner.
- Essential for any true Edinburgh student experience is attending a ceilidh. A traditional Scottish dance, ceilidh’s are loud, local and fun. There’s no better night than one spent dancing with your friends to live music. Bonnie & Wild’s White Heather Ceilidh Club is a free ceilidh, perfect for your first taste of a centuries old tradition!
Weekend trips
Only an hour away on the train, Glasgow is a thriving city of culture with it’s own large student population. During the day wander around the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum for free. In the evening you can share laughs at The Stand Comedy Club, or listen out for one of the 130 live music events happening every week. If you have a bit longer, then pop out of the city to Scotland’s largest freshwater loch and take in the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond.
Also accessible by train are:
- North Berwick - classic seaside town with a history of whaling and gorgeous walks along the bay
- Ochil Hills - catch the train to Dunblane or Bridge of Allen and walk to this wild range of hills
- East Neuk of Fife - another beautiful coastal area with a string of historical fishing villages
If you’ve got access to a car then why not explore the Pentland Hills (37 minutes by car), with excellent hikes, or St Andrews (90 minutes by car), home to Scotland’s first university.
Cultural festivals for students
- The Edinburgh Fringe is world-famous and for good reason. With theatre, comedy, dance, children’s shows, musicals, opera, cabaret, spoken word and more, performers and audience members flock from everywhere to catch the August celebration of art. Unfortunately, this means that rental prices can skyrocket in the summer and there isn’t always protection for student tenants looking to secure accommodation over the holiday period. If you’re lucky enough to stay in the city during the festival you’ll have to make the most of the free daily shows and see if you can catch a Fringe Highlight.
- St Andrew’s Day is another staple of the Scottish calendar, celebrating the country’s saint in November. There’ll be all sorts of pop-up events, parties in bars, parades and concerts and traditional Scottish dances called ceilidhs.
- Hogmanay rings in the new year in style and you can’t miss the fireworks falling off Edinburgh Castle and the many street markets that celebrate December 31st (Local student tip: may students head to the open-air techno festival FLY on hogmanay to dance the night away)
Student hang outs
Being a student is all about finding your own favourite places to meet friends, study and eat your fill but, to get you started, we’re sharing some secrets from Edinburgh students with you so you have somewhere to start.
- Snax - a staple of the Edinburgh uni experience, Snax is a cosy cafe with a mouth-watering menu and student friendly prices. Expect a queue!
- More cafes: Ante, Little Fitzroy, Cairngorm Coffee Roasters, Love Crumbs, Low Down
- Most nights out start in a good pub and Edinburgh has plenty on offer - Blue Blazer, Cafe Royal, Oxford Bar (you might bump into famous author Iain Rankin here!), The Argyle, Golf Tavern (one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs), Caley Picturehouse
- Panda and Sons - a speakeasy cocktail bar, you might need to book for a chance to find out its secrets
- Hanging Bat - another popular cocktail bar
- Trivia nights are a great way to bond with new flatmates and lots of students head to the weekly pub quiz at The Southsider
In conclusion...
Whether you’ve come to Edinburgh to explore its gothic architecture or dive into its rich literary history, it’s guaranteed you’ll find something you didn’t expect and quickly fall in love with the city. There’s something to do whatever the season and, while it’s known for being expensive, there’s lots of student tricks to help spend your money wisely.
Hit all the tourist hot spots (they’re famous for a reason!) and find your own favourite hideaways while living in one of Europe’s most beautiful and student friendly cities.
