How to Prepare for Life After University 💡
Student areas in Edinburgh: a complete guide
Thinking of heading to Edinburgh for university? Whether you’re moving from across the UK or abroad, you’ll soon discover that Edinburgh is packed with student areas full of life, culture, and plenty to explore.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best parts of Edinburgh for students – from the historic Medieval streets of the Old Town to the trendy cafes and buzzing nightlife of Tollcross and Cowgate. Each neighbourhood has its own vibe, so knowing where to go and what to do can make all the difference to your student experience.
TL;DR: Edinburgh’s student hubs mix the historic and the modern. The Old Town and Southside offer city centre convenience; The Meadows and Bruntsfield are leafy and social; Haymarket and Dalry are ideal for transport links and amenities; while Tollcross and Cowgate are buzzing nightlife hotspots.
Old Town and Southside – Historic heart and lively streets 🏛️
The Old Town is the historic district of Edinburgh and one of the most vibrant student areas. Its cobbled streets are packed with pubs, cafes, quirky shops and iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Students love exploring the narrow closes and wynds, as well as taking in the festival atmosphere during the Fringe and Hogmanay festivals.
The Southside sits just south of the city centre (as the name suggests) and is home to a mix of student housing and social hubs. You’ll find classic pubs, late-night food spots and small independent cafes – ideal for a study break or weekend brunch. Southside is also close to several university campuses, making it easy to walk or cycle to lectures.
When it comes to nightlife, both areas are buzzing. You can hop between student-friendly bars like the Devil’s Advocate, historic pubs and live music venues without needing transport. Staying at our Yugo accommodation means you’re on the doorstep of all this energy, with modern en-suite rooms, gyms and social spaces to come home to.
Post codes: EH1, EH8, EH10
What it’s known for: Historic landmarks, pubs, nightlife, the Royal Mile
Closest universities: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University
Marchmont and Bruntsfield – Leafy green streets and cafe culture 🍃
If you prefer a calmer, more study-friendly environment (while still having access to the city’s full offering), Bruntsfield and Marchmont are unbeatable. These neighbourhoods boast the expansive green space of the Meadows, which is perfect for picnics, exercise, or sunny study sessions.
You can enjoy a quieter lifestyle compared to the city centre, but there’s still plenty of social spots with pubs, restaurants and weekend markets. Many students like the mix of convenience and community, with easy access to the city centre along with the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier’s Merchiston campus.
A visit to Modern Standard Coffee is a must, and for a drink after lectures, Brass Monkey Grange has an affordable student-only menu, with a burger and fries on the cards for just £8. Accommodation options include traditional flatshares and modern student apartments, including over very own Canal Point and Arran House residences which are close by.
Post codes: EH9, EH10
What it’s known for: Parks, cafés, boutique shops, relaxed vibes
Closest universities: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University
Haymarket and West End – Upscale and indie ✨
Haymarket and the West End are popular student areas in Edinburgh just outside the historic centre with a host of fun things to do. Haymarket station is a key transport hub offering easy access to trams, trains and buses, while the nearby West End is a trendy upscale neighbourhood with art galleries, cocktail bars and restaurants lining the streets.
You can catch a game of rugby at Murrayfield Stadium, soak up culture (for free!) at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, or hang out with friends on a budget at Marcos Pool Hall and Pizza Bar. These areas are also home to a mix of student flats and private options, plus modern residences within walking distance of campus.
While they’re quieter than the Old Town, these districts still have their fair share of nightlife, with local pubs and bars running a cool social scene without being overwhelming. Living here, you’ll appreciate a nice balance of comfort, connectivity and sophistication.
Post codes: EH2, EH3, EH11, EH12
What it’s known for: Transport links, indie boutiques, trendy restaurants
Closest universities: University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University
Tollcross and Cowgate – Nightlife and entertainment 🌃
Tollcross and Cowgate are the best areas in Edinburgh for nightlife, perfect for students who like their evenings lively. The streets are packed with student-friendly pubs, bars and clubs, offering everything from craft beer to live music and packed dancefloors.
Student nights happen almost every day of the week, from Why Not’s Love Wednesdays to BROKE! Fridays at The Liquid Room. Other student favourites include The Hive, the Wee Red Bar for live music and Monkey Barrel Comedy for stand-up lovers.
Students living nearby benefit from short walks to classes, a range of local cafes and bars and a quick bus or tram ride to other parts of Edinburgh. The social energy here is contagious, making it a top pick for weekend nights out or post-lecture coffee meetups.
Post codes: EH3, EH8
What it’s known for: Bars, clubs, entertainment, late-night eats
Closest universities: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University
Other parts of Edinburgh every student should explore 🔍
As a student in Edinburgh, you’ll inevitably spend a lot of time in hubs like the Old Town, Southside or Bruntsfield – but the city has plenty of other areas worth exploring! Here are some student-friendly neighbourhoods that deserve a visit:
Leith
Leith is the city’s waterfront hotspot, packed with trendy bars, cafes and restaurants along the Shore. Its artsy vibe makes it a favourite among students looking for brunch spots like the Old Spence, evening drinks or weekend strolls by the water.
You’ll also find plenty of live music venues and quirky shops tucked down the side streets, giving it a feel-good energy that’s perfect for exploring with friends.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge has a charming, village-like feel despite being so close to the city centre. Its independent cafes, boutique shops and weekly market make it ideal for lazy weekend wanders or study breaks with a coffee in hand.
You'll love exploring the cobbled streets, picking up fresh produce or enjoying the calm atmosphere away from the busier city areas.
Canonmills
Canonmills is a small neighbourhood with canalside walks, quaint cafes and easy access to the Royal Botanic Garden. It’s perfect for students who want a peaceful spot to study during the day and close links to the city centre for socialising in the evenings.
Portobello
Portobello is Edinburgh’s seaside escape, perfect for a weekend away from the lecture hall. The beach, colourful cafes and pop-up bars make it a favourite spot for socialising and chilling out. It’s a little further out, but well worth a visit – especially on sunny days!
Edinburgh: a city with many faces ✨
From historic streets in the Old Town to buzzing nightlife in Cowgate, each part of Edinburgh offers its own unique charm. And luckily for you, they’re all well connected, meaning you can explore each and every one during your time at university.
Looking for a comfortable base near the best spots? Yugo’s Edinburgh student accommodation puts you close to the city’s top student areas, making it easy to get the most out of university life – take a sneak peek inside our residences below!
More on student life in Edinburgh...
Top student attractions
Things to do in Edinburgh
Heading to Edinburgh for your studies? Check out our guide on the top attractions and hidden gems for students to explore in this historic city...
Everything you need to know
Universities in Edinburgh
Keen to study in Edinburgh but not sure where? Get the lowdown on all four of the city’s universities and find the right one for you with our handy guide...
Museums, festivals, landmarks
Edinburgh Culture Guide
Edinburgh's packed full of arts and culture — find all the best spots to get your fix in this complete student's guide.
How much to budget as a student
Edinburgh Cost of Living Guide
Wondering how much you need to budget as a student in Edinburgh? Our handy cost-of-living guide breaks down the main expenses and compares costs to other major UK cities.
Top 5 Coffee Shops for Students in Edinburgh
Need a nice spot to get away from it all? Are libraries not quite giving you the vibe you want? We've put together a list of our top 5 coffee shops in Edinburgh for you to check out!
The city's best-kept secrets
Hidden gems in Edinburgh
Have you just moved to Edinburgh to embark on your student journey, or are you in your final year and tired of the same old plans?