Why Edinburgh is a fantastic choice for students
Are you looking at Edinburgh as a potential university choice? Have you been tempted by the city that combines a backdrop of lush landscape amidst a sea of historic buildings?
We’re not surprised. Edinburgh, located in the South East of Scotland was recently voted the second best student city in the UK, narrowly beaten to the top spot by London - and for good reason.
With its world-class education, hilly landscapes, impressive architecture, lively arts scene and impressive selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy on the weekend, it’s no wonder why approximately 44% of students at renowned Edinburgh University and 40% of students at Edinburgh Napier University have travelled from overseas to study here.
But why is it such a fantastic choice for students to choose? Student Luxe delves into why.
Students can expect world-class education at one of Edinburgh’s prestigious universities
Edinburgh has long been synonymous with an impressive selection of superior universities that are renowned for their influential alumni, high university rankings and exceptional standards of education. The University of Edinburgh is a member of the UK’s reputable Russell Group of universities, a small collection of premier institutions in the UK, distinguished by its exceptional teaching standards and quality of research. It has also been ranked 15th in the world for its education by QS World University Rankings 2023 and continues to boast an impressive global community with two-thirds of students from the world’s countries studying here.
Other top universities in Edinburgh include Heriot-Watt University, famed for its specialism in business, design, science and engineering and has the largest business school in Scotland as well as Edinburgh Napier University which, as of 2022, has been ranked as #1 in the UK for Biomedical Sciences and Biosciences.
The city has a wealth of attractions and landmarks to explore
Constantly topping the bucket list of unmissable cities to visit in the UK, Edinburgh with its beautiful, cobblestone streets and grandiose castle that regularly pops up in the international travel guides, provides students with adventures as soon as they set foot outside their door - as well as their family and friends when they come to visit from overseas.
The city centre is divided into the beautiful Edinburgh Old Town and Edinburgh New Town - both of which obtained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. Students can join tours to admire the impressive architecture (in particular the magnificent castle) and acquire further knowledge about the historic city, and wander the cobbled alleys in-between lectures, taking note of the remarkably different style of buildings in both Old Town and New Town - reminiscent of distinct eras.
On the weekends, put on a warm jumper and hike to the top of Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the Scottish skyline, amble through pretty Dean Village and relax to the sounds of the nearby river, admire the famous Scott Monument (or climb the 287 steps if you’re feeling adventurous) before heading for a spot of dinner at one of the three Michelin-star restaurants in the city, more than any other city in Scotland! We recommend Condita for a spot of fine dining.
Edinburgh is also famous for its vibrant arts scene. Don’t forget to add the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival to your calendar for a summer season of spectacular comedy, theatre, music, dance and even circus performances!
For an in-depth look at what there is to do in Edinburgh, check out our city guide below!
Fantastic accessible transportation options to university, Scotland and beyond
International students don’t need to worry about confusing routes and struggling to get from A to B in Edinburgh, which is often a worry that any student has when travelling to another country for their education. The capital city is actually surprisingly small, easy to walk through and also provides an efficient transport system ranging from an extensive bus network, a reliable tram network, buses, trains and even an airport for when students travel back home.
Students studying at the University of Edinburgh can reach the campus from Old Town by walking only ten minutes, whilst both Edinburgh Napier and Heriot Watt are reachable in less than 30 minutes on public transport. The majority of attractions can be accessed on foot, bus or even by bicycle using one of the many cycle lanes the city provides, and trains from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station offer comfortable journeys to Edinburgh Airport, throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Edinburgh has a rich history that you can immerse yourself in whilst living there
It’s impossible not to be intrigued by Edinburgh’s past when you’ve travelled from overseas to live there. The city has a staggering history, stretching back to the first recorded event of human habitation in 8500 BC and it can be felt throughout the entire city. Historical sites that in the present day we visit out of interest, were landmarks of major significance in the past from the legendary Edinburgh Castle which was previously a huge fortress, military garrison, prison and even a royal residence to the Calton Hill viewpoint which was previously home to a monastery, a hospital, gallows and even a jail.
Students will notice when walking through the city centre a distinctive change in architecture from the Old Town to New Town, one representing its previous medieval street plan, complete with cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, whilst New Town’s tenements are more typical of the Georgian Era in the 1760s.
Feel free to jump onto a tour to gain more insight about Edinburgh so that you can excitedly show your family and friends around the city when they come to visit, and boast about the history of your new home.
A safe and secure place to live
Despite the fact that in any city, students must be aware of their surroundings and their belongings, Edinburgh is one of the safest places in Europe to live and study in. In fact, according to a recent poll in 2021, Edinburgh topped the list of ‘Safest Places to Live in the UK’. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions, especially during the night, but low crime rates are a huge reason as to why international students are flocking to the city.
With our luxurious student apartments located within this quaint city, close to Edinburgh University, Heriot Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University, students are provided a comfortable, secure base amidst the historical hotspots, in which to explore the quirks and hidden gems of this charming city.
…Are you looking for a luxury student apartment in Edinburgh?
Click below to see our collection of private students apartments in wonderful Edinburgh.
Alternatively you can give us a call and speak to one of our friendly accommodation experts who can discuss other apartment options that might not be advertised here.