Edinburgh Student Guide
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a buzzing city with lots on offer for students. There are 4 universities in the city and together they offer places of study to over 100,000 students.
Nightlife
There are many traditional pubs scattered around the city centre, particularly in the Grassmarket area of the Old Town, although these tend to be tourist traps and drinks can be overpriced. The Three Sisters pub is great for pre-club drinks as it is lively and always full of students. The pub has three bars and an open-air courtyard, which is great in the summer. City Nightclub is popular with students; Monday night is designated student night and offers cheap drinks and enough space for 1500 people to dance the night away.
Live Entertainment
One of the many advantages of living in Edinburgh is the thriving theatre and concert scene on offer all year round. The Edinburgh Playhouse is Europe’s largest theatre and provides a varied range of musicals, comedy and performance events. Bedlam Theatre is right in the heart of the city centre and is a great option for students on a budget. The theatre regularly hosts student theatre nights.
Culture and Festivals
Edinburgh is famous for the annual Edinburgh Festival, which takes place over four weeks in August. The festival is the largest performing arts festival in the world and attracts over 1 million visitors every year. Students in the city centre should take advantage of the festival, as there are a number of student discounts available at many of the theatres and concert halls and an abundance of street performers who perform for free – although it is customary to make a donation to the performer if you watch their show, as this is how they make their living!
Where Can I Study
There are four universities in Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University.
The University of Edinburgh is the largest university in the city and is home to over 28,000 students. The university is a public research university and is the only Scottish university to be a member of the Russell Group and the League of European Research Universities.
Edinburgh University receives nearly 50,000 applications every year, making it the third most popular university choices in the UK. The university has a world-renowned reputation for providing an excellent level of tuition, particularly in the fields relating to art, veterinary medicine, linguistics, chemistry and mathematics.
Heriot-Watt University is a teaching and research university and provides places of study to over 9,000 students. The university is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK and was founded in 1821. Heriot-Watt is known for offering vocational degrees often leading to engineering or business roles. The main campus at Heriot-Watt is located in Riccarton and is spread over 380 acres. Facilities at this campus include a postgraduate centre, sports facilities and Europe’s oldest research park.
Edinburgh Napier University is home to around 17,000 students and is spread over 4 main campuses. Sighthill Campus is the university’s centre for health, life and social sciences and includes a crime scene scenario room and a biomechanics laboratory.
Craiglockhart Campus is home to the Business School and includes facilities relating to the practice of law in business. The Merchiston Campus is designated as home to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries. Craighouse Campus is the fourth main campus at Edinburgh Napier University and is home to the School of Arts and Creative Industries.
Queen Margaret University provides places of study to around 5,000 students and is home to the Schools of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Business, Enterprise and Management and the School of Health Sciences. The university also has 5 research centres.
Should I Study in Edinburgh
A student’s honest opinion:
“Edinburgh has so much to see and do. My four years here are nearly up, but I still have so much left to explore!
The nightlife is great, and I always find new and interesting places. Some of my favourites include Bannerman’s at Cowgate and The Prive Council.
For a student in Edinburgh it is mandatory that you talk a walk to Arthur’s Seat, and jogging in the Meadows with some friends is also a cheap and fun way to exercise.
There is a really cool cafe culture here with lots of students hanging out and drinking coffee. I personally like The Forest and Rigs (where they host gigs on Friday night).
If you are a big Harry Potter Fan, you must check out The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling started to write these infamous books! There’s a really nice view of Edinburgh Castle too.” – Jade, 23
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