Edinburgh
137 Reviews by Students #61 out of 422 University locations
My favourite city of all time! The vibe of the city is great, the people are nice, and it's such a beautiful city! Great for students, cause it's not too expensive and the whole city is such an over all great experience!
By member1049851 On 10th July 2020
Study in Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital Edinburgh has three universities which are the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University.
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University of Edinburgh
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s ancient universities and the sixth oldest in the UK. It is a world-leading university in the Arts, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Psychology degrees. The university attracts 35,000 students that come from all across the world to study.
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Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is named after the famous 6th-century Scottish mathematician and philosopher John Napier. The university has three campuses that offer state-of-the-art facilities. They work closely with industry to help give students the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, which is shown through 95% of students in full time work or further study six months after graduation.
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Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University was founded in 1821 as the world’s first mechanics institute in the heart of Edinburgh. Nowadays the university has its UK campuses based in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney as well as a few dotted globally. It is particularly well known for its research in business and industry.
Study in Edinburgh? Review your location
Edinburgh Student Life
Edinburgh is an incredible hub of culture and events, perfect for students. There is an abundance to do, see and visit, so much actually that you might need to remind yourself that you are there to study!
Cost of Living
Too expensive…
It's a little too expensive.
Living price is acceptable…
Life in Edi is pretty convenient, and living price is acceptable comparing to other big cities.
I have previously lived…
I have previously lived and studied in England, and prices for eating out certainly seem less than in London or Cambridge.
A tad expensive…
A tad expensive but only what you would expect in a great capital city.
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Nights Out
Edinburgh has so much to offer after dark, that you’ll have no problem keeping busy until the wee hours! There’s an abundance of traditional pubs, bars, clubs, comedy and live music venues to try. Some popular student pubs and bars are The Wee Red Bar for budget-friendly drinks and live music, Brewdog for craft beer fans, The Pear Tree for alfresco boozing and Bramble for tasty cocktails and good music. For clubbers that like to get dressed up head to the George St and New Town area for clubs such as Why Not and Lulu. For those seeking venues a bit more alternative, The Jazz Bar is a favourite as well as The Cabaret Voltaire, Sneaky Pete’s and the Bongo Bar, to name but a few!
Public Transport
Lothian buses…
Lothian buses is absolutely not the best public transport company I've encountered, and I definetly had my issues with them.
Amazing…
Amazing public transport
Easy…
Easy to access by bus
Lots of buses…
There are also lots of buses and trams to get around, as well as taxis.
Eating Out
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The home of award-winning street food, The Pitt, opens its doors each Saturday where an industrial yard in Leith is transformed into a street food market. Alongside the food, you can try wine and local craft beer accompanied by live music.
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Union of Genius is going to be your go-to spot on those cold days when you need a wholesome warming meal. It is a soup cafe, who maintain an ethical approach to cooking and providing. They have a pioneering loyalty point scheme to help provide meals for those in need and you can even receive a free soup when you use your own soup container or return your takeaway packaging!
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Barburrito has two restaurants in Edinburgh and is particularly popular with students thanks to offering a 20% student discount. It’s a colourful Tex-Mex spot where you can have a casual bite in the restaurant or take away if you are on the move.
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Shopping
Princes Street and George Street are the roads to head to for all your high-street shopping needs. Make sure to take a detour off Princes Street to explore a selection of independent boutiques. Edinburgh is great for vintage shopping if that’s your bag. Stockbridge’s Raeburn Place is home to many charity and vintage shops and you must visit Armstrongs, a vintage emporium and one of the UK’s oldest and most loved vintage clothing stores.
Cultural Guide
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Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest art festival, with the city’s population doubling whilst its on. For 25 days Edinburgh plays host to internationally renowned and breaking acts performing in venues all across the city. It’s impossible to miss out on this incredible event!
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Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year and Edinburgh is arguably the greatest celebration of New Year in the world. Expect concerts, events and spectacular firework displays that take place over 3 days. It’s one party you won’t want to miss out on!
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Galleries
Edinburgh boasts some of Scotland’s most important national galleries. The Scottish National Gallery shows both international and Scottish art, for contemporary art and sculpture parks there is Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and Scottish National Portrait Gallery for superb portraiture in a variety of media.
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Historical Sites
The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Georgian and Victorian architecture and medieval streets it's clear to see why. You can’t miss Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dominates the skyline, on top of an extinct volcano as well as St Giles Cathedral and National Monument of Scotland to check out too.
Top 10 Edinburgh Accommodation
Canal Point
As it is in the heart of the city it is very convenient for both University and part time job and it is also quite (walkable distance) near to the ban...
Arran House
Really great location - really close to university and the city centre and the shops. Close to good transport hub. Spacious and comfy room with a nice...
Goods Corner
I think the living environment here is very good and safe because it is accomodation. And it is convenient to shop because the Sainsbury’s and some ot...
Lady Nicolson Court
Pros: Very friendly and responsive management staff. Literally beside informatics forum so only a 5 minutes' walk to campus. Great cleaning and maint...
Portsburgh Court
Angie, Emma and Georgia are amazing individuals; so helpful, accommodating and honestly just special. Thank you for a great semester so far <3...
New Park
Wonderful reception and help anytime with all love and happiness. I will advise anyone who will come to Edinburgh to come here, it's a great place an...
Panmure Court
Choosing Panmure Court as my home away from home for one year has been the best decision! The location is amazing, right in the city center, close to ...
The Mill House
The millhouse is in a great location , very clean building , rooms are spacious and comfortable as well as the kitchen/ living area. the staff are ama...
Beaverbank Place
Have been staying here for 2 of my academic years, staff is super helpful and friendly and rooms are quite spacious and new. There is also a free shut...
Kincaid's Court
Kincaid's 4 life. The beds are larger than singles (!! very exciting), the rooms are a decent size and if you live in a 12 person flat then the living...
Read Edinburgh Reviews
Very interesting to discover...
Very interesting to discover It is enjoyable Even though staying at home and look out of the window read more
Really great location,...
Really great location, lots of things to do, and never boring! read more
Edinburgh is a wonderful...
Edinburgh is a wonderful city to live in! I’d never been here before I moved to study, but the people and place has changed my life for the better in multiple ways. While the city is generally expensive, Edinburgh buses and tram links are excellent and living costs go down significantly if you decide to love only 20-30 minutes away from the uni by bus. There are a myriad of cultural events which make the place wonderful! read more
Lovely city with many...
Lovely city with many shops but also gorgeous natural areas! read more
Don't know where to begin.......
Don't know where to begin.... come experience it yourself! read more
Edinburgh is an amazing...
Edinburgh is an amazing city which is very welcoming. Really great restaurant and coffee shop scene. Huge amount of pubs and great cocktail bars. Good variety of night clubs but definitely not the best night out you'll find in the UK. Rent is high but able to find affordable housing with some searching. The architecture and general feel of the city is amazing. Lots of green space, lots of historical monuments, lots to explore. Definitely a city you'll fall in love with and not want to leave after. read more
For a student, I believe...
For a student, I believe living in Edinburgh has been very reasonable in all aspects. read more
Edinburgh is a nice city...
Edinburgh is a nice city but it has less malls compared to another cities read more
Despite the pandemic,...
Despite the pandemic, it has been an amazing first year of living in Edinburgh and with having nothing open, surprisingly you don’t get too bored read more
Public transportation...
Public transportation quite accessible. Shopping super markets are very handy. It's a place of art, literature, history, music and folklores. read more
Living and renting is...
Living and renting is expensive, but there are usually enough options to earn too. read more
Amazing, as a student...
Amazing, as a student I love staying here read more
Stunning city, public...
Stunning city, public transport can get you about anywhere. read more
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The best city i’ve ever...
The best city i’ve ever been to so I love living here. Should be even better after the pandemic read more
Can't speak for Nights...
Can't speak for Nights out but everything is else is really good and reasonable compared to Dublin prices! Great to have a reliable bus service & the app is unreal. Hard to beat the beauty of Edinburgh read more
Dont eat out/ mights...
Dont eat out/ mights out/ use public transport often enough to have a review but heard good things read more
Edinburgh is my favorite...
Edinburgh is my favorite city in UK, so unique and so much to do as well as a lot of opportunity. read more
Its an expensive city...
Its an expensive city but is much more organized when compared to other cities in UK but its worth the money since its a beautiful city with great view. read more
Great city with lots...
Great city with lots of shops and great nightlife read more
On the cusp of expensive,...
On the cusp of expensive, Edinburgh provides a range of both amazing cultural and entertaining aspects. Whether you want to live your university life raving in clubs or taking a calming walk in the meadows, you can truly pick your life here. read more
The cost of living in...
The cost of living in Edinburgh will be higher compared to other locations in the UK, but there is no denying the upbeat and vibrant lifestyle here. You will be able to get just about any cuisine you like around town, night outs are never too hard to plan, and shopping is as easy as walking down Princes Street, literally! Public transport is easily accessible through buses and trains that runs around town regularly. read more
I can´t really rate properly...
I can´t really rate properly many of these items because the quarantine had everything closed. But the city´s parks and architecture were spaectacular, and the public trasport was very efficient too. read more
Edinburgh is a beautiful...
Edinburgh is a beautiful city and I went to many famous places of interest. But unfortunately because of the epidemic, my understanding of Edinburgh is not very clear. I hope I can visit this city again in the future. read more
Nice to live in
Nice to live in read more
I don't really experience...
I don't really experience the social part of the city but Edinburgh and its surroundings are definitely beautiful. read more
The city can be expensive,...
The city can be expensive, however it you know where to look prices decrease very quickly. This year has been different with the pandemic, but Edinburgh seems to have adapted well and still offers an abundance of opportunities. Would have liked to enjoy my last year further but it has allowed me to focus and realise what matters most to me about this wonderful city. read more
A beautiful city. No...
A beautiful city. No shortage of local amenities. Has a good nightlife, but also has places that feel like you're in the countryside in the middle of the city. read more
Great city all around,...
Great city all around, I love the architecture, the ambiance and that it has a lot of natural spaces. The people are really nice and the population is really diverse because of the university having students coming from all over the world. It has a great choice of restaurants, you can find any food you want really. It is not so great for shopping but I don't really mind. The public transport only has buses and I really think it is too expensive for students even if you take a monthly pass. read more
Great student city! Would...
Great student city! Would definitely recommend read more
Edinburgh is one of the...
Edinburgh is one of the best cities to spend your university years. Great pubs, welcoming people and incredible landscapes and architecture. read more
Public transport is very...
Public transport is very good, it is easy to reach any part of the city. There are many good quality restaurants and variety of choices of international cuisine. read more
Not much to say given...
Not much to say given the current pandemic situation we're in, but ordering food in hasn't been great. Princes Street shopping is decent though. read more
Very expensive city,...
Very expensive city, but its beautiful and pre-covid social life is great. read more
Edinburgh is a great...
Edinburgh is a great city to live in read more
It’s good
It’s good read more
No dudhdhd dhdhdhdh dhdhdhd...
No dudhdhd dhdhdhdh dhdhdhd dhdhdy read more
Edinburgh is an amazing...
Edinburgh is an amazing city to live in although very expensive, especially student accommodations read more
Can’t comment too much...
Can’t comment too much because of covid but it’s a brill city from what I’ve experience read more
Covid regulations stopped...
Covid regulations stopped the socialising and eating out portion but everything else about Edinburgh is amazing read more
Edinburgh is so beautiful....
Edinburgh is so beautiful. The buses are convenient and every second shop front is a restaurant or bar. read more
Expensive but worth it...
Expensive but worth it for the experience. Nights out are great but can be expensive although and the are also very affordable places for students to go out. read more
One of the most beautiful...
One of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Europe. Must visit! read more
There are so many things...
There are so many things to see and do in Edinburgh. One of the reasons I chose Edinburgh was for its culture, especially as the hub of the Edinburgh Fringe. Obviously with COVID-19 about, it has been impossible to experience all of this firsthand, but even without all the events on, the city is beautiful and has lots on offer. read more
I stay just outside the...
I stay just outside the city centre so everything is basically on my doorstep. My area is very quiet and there is no noise or antisocial behaviour problems. Edinburgh is beautiful and should be appreciated in all aspects. read more
Edinburgh is a beautiful...
Edinburgh is a beautiful city with lots of things to do. Whether it be walking up Arthur’s seat, shopping on princes street or eating out, there are so many options to choose from. read more
Some places are expensive...
Some places are expensive but then again, lost places are worth it!! read more
Edinburgh is an awesome...
Edinburgh is an awesome city which is quite small considering it is the capital of Scotland. read more
Edinburgh is a nice city...
Edinburgh is a nice city but restaurants are lacking even you are just slightly off the central area and shops aren't always accessible. in uni area everything is swamped by students. read more
Edinburgh is great city,...
Edinburgh is great city, there are many clubs and restaurants. You many people from all over the world, it is truly an international city. I personally loved living there and exploring Scotland. read more
Edinburgh is a nice town...
Edinburgh is a nice town but Napier is in a dodgy area with no shops around read more
Easy to get around and...
Easy to get around and a historically incredible city read more
Nice city for studying,...
Nice city for studying, but too crowded for longterm living. read more
Peaceful, but not a lot...
Peaceful, but not a lot of interesting places to dine or shop at. Historic locations and nice cafes. read more
Edinburgh is one of the...
Edinburgh is one of the loveliest cities I have ever been to read more
My favourite city of...
My favourite city of all time! The vibe of the city is great, the people are nice, and it's such a beautiful city! Great for students, cause it's not too expensive and the whole city is such an over all great experience! read more
An international student...
An international student studying in Singapore read more
Cost of living is a nightmare...
Cost of living is a nightmare - the most expensive in Scotland. Probably why it's most suited to people with rich parents who will foot the bill read more
Expensive but magical...
Expensive but magical place read more
Edinburgh is the most...
Edinburgh is the most magical place on Earth and I wouldn't change it for the world. It is expensive though and the public transport is not that efficient. read more
I love the city. It offers...
I love the city. It offers a great deal of different opportunities. The city is the only thing that has been really good about this experience. I wish the school was as welcoming and pleasant as the city. read more
There is an abudant of...
There is an abudant of things to do in Edinburgh including a wide variety of cuisines and activities read more
I love Edinburgh safe...
I love Edinburgh safe and quiet read more
Edinburgh is a very beautiful...
Edinburgh is a very beautiful city, which really attracts me. I really love this city, especially the beautiful scenes and fresh air all day. read more
Edinburgh is a very nice...
Edinburgh is a very nice historical city with plenty of things to do in your free time read more
A beautiful and artistic...
A beautiful and artistic city. read more
It's a little too expensive....
It's a little too expensive. And the got no Uniqlo. read more
Amazing city. Highly...
Amazing city. Highly reccomend read more
Life in Edi is pretty...
Life in Edi is pretty convenient , and living price is acceptable comparing to other big cities. read more
Lecturers and students...
Lecturers and students are of the lowest profile alike. Most of the lecturers here were low-grade students who got into MSc program, brushed up by the University by being awarded PhD here, and allowed to teach afterward. Because the University can't afford high-profile business teachers elsewhere. Finally, the student satisfaction stat confirms everything my cousin says. Edinburgh is one of the 5-bottom worst Universities in the UK https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?sortby=student-satisfaction. Gosh, she should see this chart before going there. read more
It is a world-class city...
It is a world-class city nothing else to say. read more
I do love Edinburgh....
I do love Edinburgh. The city is beautiful, the people are helpful and kind and there's always something to do or explore. Lothian buses is absolutely not the best public transport company I've encountered, and I definetly had my issues with them. In all, Edinburgh is an amazing city for students, workers and families, and I'm 100% happy with my decision to move here. read more
Edinburgh is such a wonderful...
Edinburgh is such a wonderful city. It has made me so happy that I am able to study in such a beautiful place. read more
Pretty good, all in...
Pretty good, all in all. :) read more
Too expensive and dirty....
Too expensive and dirty. A bit dangerous. read more
Amazing public transport,...
Amazing public transport, great nightlife read more
Beautiful old city, with...
Beautiful old city, with so much history, unfortunately nights out might be a little bit scary, seeing so much drunk people, since then spending night out in my accommodation playing board games with flatmates read more
It’s just too cold here
It’s just too cold here read more
Great city to live in...
Great city to live in and have fun. read more
Edinburgh is really beautiful,...
Edinburgh is really beautiful, and local residents are nice. read more
I love this city with...
I love this city with beautiful sceneries. But the shopping places are a few read more
Great for having a good...
Great for having a good time. No shortage of places to have fun and go out. Just remember you're here to study! Sighthill campus is on the edge of the city and far away from the centre and many students living arrangements. The closer you live to Sighthill, the further you will be from the life of the city read more
Great for having a good...
Great for having a good time. No shortage of places to have fun and go out. Just remember your there to study! read more
Easy to access by bus
Easy to access by bus read more
Edinburgh is a really...
Edinburgh is a really good city for uni. read more
Expensive but lovely...
Expensive but lovely place read more
Beautiful city. Great...
Beautiful city. Great place to study. read more
The most beautiful city...
The most beautiful city with hills and beaches and volcanos. An extremely clean and pure environment with amazing transport network. read more
AmaZing! So many cool...
AmaZing! So many cool bars and restaurant. Very friendly people read more
Edinburgh is a beautiful...
Edinburgh is a beautiful city, worth the hassle of being mistreated at the University of Edinburgh read more
As said, the city of...
As said, the city of Edinburgh is a s******. Infrastructure is non-existent, and this town is so poorly managed that looks like some sort of post-apocalyptic hellscape. I would not recommend. read more
Buses finalllllllly are...
Buses finalllllllly are contactless but hey ho they still ask for exact change. Still some dragging out of the dark ages is required in edi read more
Will update as I get...
Will update as I get to know to the city more. Currently just blown away by the beauty of the city. I have previously lived and studied in England, and prices for eating out certainly seem less than in London or Cambridge. Plenty of pubs and clubs and shopping available everywhere. There are also lots of buses and trams to get around, as well as taxis. read more
Amazing except for the...
Amazing except for the terrible accommodation read more
Such a beautiful city!!!
Such a beautiful city!!! read more
Amazing city. Great shopping,...
Amazing city. Great shopping, food, night life and public transport. read more
It is a capital city...
It is a capital city so the cost of living is a little above average - and the same goes for food. Although, there are normally always student deals and apps that bump down the price of eating out. Public transport is great. You can get a bus anywhere in the city for £1.50 and to be honest, it is easy enough to walk too if you prefer walking! There are different clubs/pubs to suit everyone. If your in to dress and heels - George street! If your up for wild hip hop nights - cow gate! If you just want a chilled pub - grass market! It's great. Princes street is so close and it has every shop a girl needs! read more
Fantastic city: there's...
Fantastic city: there's so much to do (and soooo many cool bookshops!), but it's also quite a small city meaning you can walk everywhere by foot. Perfection. read more
Beautiful. Wouldn't want...
Beautiful. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else read more
I would argue the greatest...
I would argue the greatest city in the UK. Large, bustling with life and friendly. Easy to get to know and unmistakably gorgeous. Whilst this will to some degree be biased. The city is amazing no matter who you ask. read more
Bustling
Bustling read more
Stay south of Princes...
Stay south of Princes St, and the prices are student friendly. Plenty of places to eat with a variety of prices and cuisines. Nights out are brilliant, whether it's the Big Cheese at potterrow on Saturday, downing chilli shots at Vodka Revs, or even shisha at Hanam's overlooking the Grassmarket on their terrace. Shopping is good; their Primark even looks quite nice! And buses are the main way of getting around (£1.50 for a single), but you can walk just about everywhere/ get a bike. read more
Nice city to live in.
Nice city to live in. read more
A lot going on. Club...
A lot going on. Club scene is good/quiet, poor compared to some big cities but still good fun. Public transport is brilliant. read more
A tad expensive but only...
A tad expensive but only what you would expect in a great capital city. Everything else is great read more
Edinburgh is just the...
Edinburgh is just the best. I knew the city well before moving for uni but it can still surprise you! Nights out are just the best and everyone is so friendly. Everything is easily accessible with good transport links. Also for spending all of that student loan, the shops are great, just don't spend all you're time in them you are there to study haha read more
Love Edinburgh it's a...
Love Edinburgh it's a beautiful city with a lot to do read more
I love Edinburgh so much!...
I love Edinburgh so much! It is the perfect student city in the way that there is something for everyone, and you have loads to do when you're there. It is a capital city, so there's tons going on. A big music scene, lots of galleries/museums, some lovely parks, plenty of shops (highstreet and more vintagey) some awesome pubs and bars, plus plenty of clubs! Obviously you get all of that in lots of cities, but the thing about Edinburgh is it's beauty. Both the old town and the new town have beautiful architecture with lovely old buildings, cobbled streets, little market squares etc. (there's a great farmers market every Sunday in new town!). Plus you have Arthur's seat, which I think is awesome. Just a giant hill in the middle of the city! You get a fab view of the city and surrounding mountains from the top, and it looks beautiful from below with holyrood park surrounding it. It's almost like a snippet of the countryside thrown into the centre! read more
Great clubs and bars
Great clubs and bars read more
I've never felt more...
I've never felt more at home that in Edinburgh. It's a nice size, the people are nice, coming from the Lake District the air and water are as nice as home. I'm definitely going to try and get a job here after uni. read more
Expensive! Good busses...
Expensive! Good busses though read more
Edinburgh is but so worth...
Edinburgh is but so worth it it's literally the best place ever. On hot days half the student body will be found drinking, bbqing and playing sportsbon the meadows. It's glorious. read more
Great city loads to do
Great city loads to do read more
Edinburgh is amazing!...
Edinburgh is amazing! Everything is easily accessible, either by walking or by reasonably priced buses. There's so many shops and restaurants everywhere you look, and it's such a pretty city too. read more
Amazing city. Really...
Amazing city. Really good prices for a capital. Loads of green spaces and beautiful buildings. The city makes the uni worth it. read more
Variety of different...
Variety of different priced and themed clubs and bars - awesome student nights every night of the week read more
wonderful place to study;...
wonderful place to study; great atmosphere! read more
Has everything I needed...
Has everything I needed even if a bit pricey read more
High cost of living,...
High cost of living, but that's just what comes with living in a capital city. There are plenty good places to eat out, as well as many bars and clubs. Shopping isn't the best here, you'd be better taking a trip to Glasgow, but it's still good enough. Public transport is excellent and reliable with very regular buses throughout the city. read more
Edinburgh is a fantastic...
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to live, I don't think I could have picked a better place to go for my first experience of living away from home! It's a safe city, and although it's fairly sizeable it doesn't stifle you the way somewhere like Manchester does. The university (of Edinburgh) is incredible - and wherever you go in the city, it looks like Hogwarts! read more
Cons?
It's an awfully long way from home, and my partner.