Edinburgh Student Guide
Scotland's historic capital - where ancient castle meets world-class education and vibrant festivals
City Overview
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of incredible contrasts - from the medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town, from the ancient castle to cutting-edge research facilities. It's consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the UK and the world.
With a population of around 540,000, Edinburgh manages to feel both cosmopolitan and intimate. The city hosts the world's largest arts festival, boasts some of the UK's top universities, and offers stunning natural beauty with Arthur's Seat right in the city centre.
Student Population
- • Total students: 60,000+
- • International students: 18,000+
- • Universities and colleges: 4 major institutions
- • Student satisfaction rate: 89%
Universities and Colleges
Major Universities
- • The University of Edinburgh - Scotland's most prestigious university, founded in 1582, consistently ranked in world's top 20. Strong in medicine, sciences, humanities, and social sciences
- • Heriot-Watt University - Specializes in business, engineering, design and physical sciences. Beautiful campus setting and strong industry links
- • Edinburgh Napier University - Modern university with focus on employability, excellent for business, computing, creative industries and health
- • Queen Margaret University - Specialist institution for health sciences, social sciences, and creative arts, located just outside the city
Notable Schools & Colleges
- • Edinburgh College of Art - Part of University of Edinburgh, renowned for fine art and design
- • Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh - Historic medical institution
- • Edinburgh Business School - Part of Heriot-Watt, global reach
- • Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) - Agriculture and rural studies
- • Edinburgh College - Further education with progression routes
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | £400-£600 | £4,800-£7,200 |
| Accommodation (studio) | £700-£1,000 | £8,400-£12,000 |
| Food & Groceries | £180-£280 | £2,160-£3,360 |
| Transport (Bus pass) | £55-£60 | £660-£720 |
| Entertainment & Social | £100-£200 | £1,200-£2,400 |
| Books & Supplies | £35-£55 | £420-£660 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | £50-£100 | £600-£1,200 |
| Total | £820-£1,295 | £9,840-£15,540 |
Note: Edinburgh is more expensive than other Scottish cities but cheaper than London. Festival season (August) sees higher prices.
Student Accommodation Areas
Central Areas
- • Old Town: Historic heart, near University of Edinburgh, £500-£800/month
- • New Town: Georgian elegance, central location, £550-£850/month
- • Grassmarket: Lively area with pubs and restaurants, £500-£750/month
- • Cowgate: Student nightlife hub, £450-£700/month
Popular Student Areas
- • Marchmont: Traditional student area, Victorian tenements, £400-£600/month
- • Bruntsfield: Trendy area near the Meadows, £450-£650/month
- • Newington: Close to King's Buildings campus, £400-£600/month
- • Tollcross: Central, good transport links, £425-£625/month
Further Out
- • Leith: Up-and-coming port area, creative scene, £375-£550/month
- • Morningside: Affluent suburb, quiet, £425-£625/month
- • Gorgie/Dalry: Affordable, good bus routes, £350-£500/month
- • Portobello: Seaside suburb, 20 mins to centre, £375-£525/month
Student Halls
- • University accommodation: Best for first years, £110-£200/week
- • Unite Students: Multiple locations, £130-£220/week
- • Collegiate: Premium student housing, £150-£250/week
- • Private halls: Various options across the city, £120-£200/week
Transport Links and Getting Around
Public Transport
- • Buses: Lothian Buses excellent network, student discount available
- • Trams: Line from airport to city centre via West End
- • Trains: Waverley and Haymarket stations for UK connections
- • Cycling: Just Eat Cycles bike hire, expanding cycle lanes
- • Walking: Compact city centre, most areas walkable
Student Travel Discounts
- • Student Ridacard: Unlimited bus travel from £47/month
- • 16-25 Railcard: 1/3 off train fares
- • Young Scot Card: Various discounts for under 26s
- • CitySmart Card: Pay-as-you-go for buses and trams
Connections
- • Edinburgh Airport: 30 mins by tram/bus, European flights
- • Glasgow: 50 minutes by train (every 15 mins)
- • London: 4.5 hours by train, 1.5 hours flight
- • Highlands: 3+ hours for hiking and scenery
- • St Andrews: 1.5 hours by bus
Student Life and Nightlife
Nightlife Areas
- • Cowgate: Underground student bars and clubs
- • George Street: Upmarket bars and cocktails
- • Grassmarket: Historic pubs and live music
- • Royal Mile: Tourist-friendly but some hidden gems
- • Lothian Road: Clubs and late-night venues
Popular Venues
- • The Hive: Legendary student nightclub
- • Sneaky Pete's: Underground music venue
- • The Liquid Room: Live music and club nights
- • Cabaret Voltaire: Alternative club in old vaults
- • Sandy Bell's: Traditional Scottish music pub
- • Bannerman's: Rock and metal venue
Festivals & Events
- • Edinburgh Festival Fringe: World's largest arts festival (August)
- • Edinburgh International Festival: High culture (August)
- • Hogmanay: World-famous New Year celebration
- • Beltane Fire Festival: Celtic celebration (April)
- • Edinburgh International Film Festival: June
Student Activities
- • Arthur's Seat: Extinct volcano for hiking
- • The Meadows: Large park for sports and BBQs
- • Student unions: Teviot (world's oldest), Potterrow, EUSA
- • Sports: Commonwealth Pool, university facilities
- • Societies: Over 300 student societies
Part-time Work Opportunities
Common Student Jobs
- • Tourism/Hospitality: £9-12/hour in hotels, restaurants
- • Festival work: £10-15/hour during August
- • Retail: £9-11/hour on Princes Street, malls
- • Tour guides: £12-20/hour for walking tours
- • Bar work: £9-11/hour + tips
Key Employment Sectors
- • Financial Services: Major UK financial centre
- • Tourism: Year-round opportunities
- • Tech/Digital: Growing tech hub, "Silicon Glen"
- • Life Sciences: BioQuarter research park
- • Publishing: Traditional publishing centre
Graduate Opportunities
- • Average graduate salary: £23,000-£27,000
- • Strong finance and professional services sector
- • Growing start-up ecosystem
- • Public sector opportunities (Scottish Government)
- • Research and academia positions
Safety Information
General Safety
- • Edinburgh is one of the UK's safest cities
- • Well-lit city centre with CCTV coverage
- • Visible police presence, especially during festivals
- • Safe public transport system
- • Active campus security at all universities
Safety Tips
- • Be aware of pickpockets during festival season
- • Take care on cobbled streets when wet
- • Use licensed taxis or Uber late at night
- • Lock bikes securely - theft is common
- • Avoid the Meadows after dark
Emergency Contacts
- • Emergency: 999 or 112
- • Police Scotland: 101 (non-emergency)
- • NHS 24: 111 (health advice)
- • Samaritans: 116 123 (emotional support)
- • University security: Check your institution
Weather and Climate
Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate. It can be windy (it's nicknamed "Auld Reekie"), and weather can change quickly. The city is actually drier than many UK cities, but always be prepared for rain!
Spring
7-13°C
March - May
Summer
14-19°C
June - August
Autumn
8-14°C
Sept - November
Winter
1-7°C
Dec - February
Tip: Invest in a good windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Layers are essential as you'll be walking between warm buildings and cool streets.
Cultural Attractions and Things to Do
Historic Sites
- • Edinburgh Castle: Iconic fortress (student discount available)
- • Palace of Holyroodhouse: Queen's Scottish residence
- • Royal Mile: Historic street connecting castle to palace
- • Real Mary King's Close: Underground medieval streets
- • St Giles' Cathedral: Historic church on Royal Mile
- • Calton Hill: Monuments and panoramic views
Museums & Galleries
- • National Museum of Scotland: Diverse collections (free)
- • Scottish National Gallery: Fine art collection (free)
- • National Gallery of Modern Art: Contemporary works (free)
- • Writers' Museum: Literary heritage (free)
- • Camera Obscura: Optical illusions and views
Outdoor Activities
- • Arthur's Seat: Hike to 251m summit
- • Portobello Beach: Seaside walks and cafes
- • Royal Botanic Garden: 70 acres of gardens (free)
- • Water of Leith Walkway: Riverside path through city
- • Pentland Hills: Hiking 20 minutes from centre
- • Cramond Island: Tidal island adventure
Quick Facts
- Population
- 540,000
- Students
- 60,000+
- Universities
- 4 major
- Average Rent
- £450-£700/month
- Famous For
- Festivals, History, Education
- UNESCO Site
- World Heritage City
- Emergency
- 999 or 112
Monthly Budget Calculator
Estimated Total: £800-£1,500/month