Planning to apply to uni in Edinburgh? Here’s 12 reasons why you definitely should.
Updated: 10 Mar 2025
Edinburgh is a bustling, vibrant city that has something for every student. With its impressive historical architecture, the city centre offers stunning views of Edinburgh castle and the picturesque Georgian New Town. A mix of traditional and modern culture, Edinburgh offers a variety of attractions from cultural events to its lively nightlife. With several universities based in the city, including the prestigious University of Edinburgh, you’ll be able to find world-class education combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for an academic experience or just want to explore what Scotland has to offer, Edinburgh is a great choice for students and here are 12 reasons why:
The University of Edinburgh and other prestigious institutions offer world-class education, research, and development. Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh are two of the other institutions on offer. The range of unis here means there are hundreds of different courses to choose from, so there's something for everyone!
Edinburgh is a city full of history, culture and art waiting to be explored. Even just walking around the city lets you soak in the heritage, but if you fancy learning more, there’s lots of museums and galleries around the city to check out.
Everywhere you turn in the city centre you will find stunning views of historical buildings and monuments. Edinburgh Castle is probably the most famous landmark, and for good reason. It’s a spectacular sight, and one you certainly can’t miss if you spend any time at all in the city.
With plenty of pubs, clubs and bars there are always exciting things to do in the evening. Student favourites include Belushi’s, Pilgrim Bar and the Bongo Club.
Be it the Edinburgh International Festival or Hogmanay celebrations, there are always festivals taking place in the city throughout the year. The Fringe Festival is famous worldwide, and you’ll get the chance to see plenty of up-and-coming acts.
From mountains to lochs and countryside, Scotland offers a perfect landscape for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping. Even just a walk around Edinburgh offers you access to plenty of green spaces and beautiful sights.
Explore some of Edinburgh’s best attractions with student discounts available at museums, galleries and theatres across the city. Many shops also offer a student discount as well as several of the restaurants across the city, so make sure you never leave home without your student ID to make the most of the bargains on offer.
From designer labels to vintage boutiques, visit one of the many shopping districts around town for a unique shopping experience. As well as the classics UK high street shops, you’ll find plenty of quirky independent shops around, catering to a wide variety of interests.
The crime rate in Edinburgh is relatively low compared to other UK cities (source: Numbeo), so you can feel confident walking around your new city. Especially if it’s your first time living away from home, it’s really important you feel safe in your uni city.
Try traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and treats like Scottish Tablet or check out some of the many international dishes on offer across the capital. No matter what you’re craving, Edinburgh will be able to provide it.
Make use of your student budget thanks to affordable housing opportunities and low-cost supermarkets in the area. Edinburgh is cheaper than many other UK cities and is relatively affordable for a capital city as well.
Travel around easily with an extensive bus network covering most parts of Scotland plus trains that can take you further away from home. You’ll find direct trains to places including Glasgow, London and Birmingham.
The city of Edinburgh boasts some of the most prestigious universities in the world, making it an attractive destination for international students. The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest universities in the UK and is consistently ranked among the top higher education institutions in Europe and worldwide. Other notable universities in Edinburgh include Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh Napier University. All these institutions offer a wide range of courses designed to meet all student requirements, while at the same time providing excellent teaching staff, cutting-edge research opportunities and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Edinburgh is an exciting city full of interesting things to do. From museums and galleries to cozy cafes and charming pubs, there's something for everyone in the city. Student discounts are widely available throughout Edinburgh, so you can explore some of the city's greatest attractions without having to break the bank. When the weather is nice, take a stroll through Edinburgh's beautiful parks or enjoy a bike ride along the many trails that cross throughout the countryside. There's also plenty of student-oriented nightlife for those looking for a bit of fun in the evenings – from traditional pubs to buzzing clubs. With so many activities and events happening all year round, it won't be long before you're making memories that will last a lifetime.
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