UK Rejoins Erasmus: Welcome News for EU Students
Written by James McCall Accommodation Director Finally some great news for our industry. The UK is…
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Who Edinburgh suits
Edinburgh suits students who want Scottish culture, a beautiful historic city, and a serious cultural atmosphere. You’ll find strong English courses, active student areas, and constant cultural events — at higher cost than northern England cities but lower than London.
The atmosphere is more reserved than some northern English cities. The accent is Scottish — often perceived as softer than other Scottish accents. If you want a capital city setting, festival culture, and a real Scottish experience, Edinburgh delivers.
Why the English learning works
Edinburgh offers clear Scottish English. Local people speak with Scottish accents, and most students understand it easily within two to three weeks. People are used to speaking with international visitors and tend to be polite and patient, though less chatty than in Manchester or Liverpool.
With four universities and more than 60,000 students, the city has an international student mix while Scottish English remains the main language in daily life. Cultural events create natural English practice — museums and galleries explain Scottish culture in clear language, and festivals offer listening practice through performances and talks.
There is a strong choice of courses: General English, exam preparation (IELTS, Cambridge), Business English, and Academic English. Classrooms mix ages and nationalities, creating serious learning environments.
Daily life teaches vocabulary — castles, palaces, volcano hills, historic streets, and a famous literary history including Harry Potter cafés.
Daily rhythm
Weekdays often start with morning classes, lunch in the Old Town or New Town, and afternoons studying in cafés or libraries. Evenings are for student social life — Scottish pubs, live music, theatres, and university events — or quieter cultural activities. Nightlife is calmer than in Manchester or Liverpool. Wind and cold weather are common, so warm clothes help.
The centre is walkable but hilly. Expect regular uphill walks between landmarks and parks. Weekends bring coastal trips, hiking hills like Arthur’s Seat, or visiting nearby towns and the Scottish Highlands.
Living areas
Most students live south or west of the centre, connected by reliable buses. Walking uphill into the centre is common, and journeys usually take 20–30 minutes by bus.
- Marchmont / Bruntsfield: Main student areas with cafés and Victorian flats; around 20 minutes’ walk.
- Newington: Student-friendly and relatively affordable for Edinburgh; around 25 minutes’ walk.
- Leith: Waterfront district; cheaper, tram and bus links, around 25 minutes.
- Tollcross / Fountainbridge: Mixed neighbourhoods with improving facilities; good transport, around 20 minutes.
- Morningside: Quiet, family area; more expensive, reliable buses.
- Stockbridge: Village feel with independent shops; around 15 minutes’ walk.
- City centre: Old Town and New Town; convenient but much more expensive.
Practical realities
Budget
Edinburgh costs more than Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds — similar to Bath, less than London. Typical accommodation ranges:
- Homestays: £180–260 per week
- Student residences: £200–320+ per week (private room with bathroom)
Transport passes cost around £60–70+ per month. Food is typically £35–55 per week. Always ask schools for a complete price breakdown to compare total costs.
August Festival season
Accommodation becomes much more expensive and harder to find during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. Some homestay families increase prices or pause availability. Book at least 3–4 months early for August, or consider starting in September when the city is calmer and cheaper.
Transport
Buses cover the city well and trams run between the airport, central and west areas. Weekly or monthly bus passes offer best value. Walking works well but expect hills. Cycling is possible but wind and slopes make it challenging.
Edinburgh Waverley has trains to London (around 4.5 hours), Glasgow (around 50 minutes), and major UK cities. The airport has many European connections.
Weather
Edinburgh is colder and windier than English cities, with grey skies and frequent rain. Summers are mild (15–20°C), winters are cold (often below 5°C). Weather changes quickly — layers and a windproof jacket help all year.
Demand
Schools operate all year. August is extremely busy, while September–October and January–March offer better availability. University term times also affect accommodation.
Safety
Edinburgh is generally safe with normal city awareness. Watch belongings in crowded festival areas, avoid empty places late at night, and stay alert in nightlife streets such as Cowgate and Grassmarket.
Visa support
Many official schools can sponsor Student visas. Always confirm visa support directly with your chosen school and check current rules on the GOV.UK website.
Is Edinburgh right for you?
Edinburgh is a dramatic, cultural capital with history, hills, and a strong festival identity. It rewards students who enjoy culture and walking — and who don’t mind colder weather.
Edinburgh suits you if you:
- Want a dramatic Scottish capital city setting
- Value cultural activities and festival atmosphere
- Like historic cities with strong character
- Don’t mind hills, cold weather, and strong wind
- Want to experience Scottish accents and culture
- Prefer a reserved, culture-first atmosphere
- Accept higher costs for a special location
- Enjoy walking
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need warm, sunny weather → Bournemouth, Brighton
- Want flat cities and easy cycling → Manchester, Liverpool, York, Cambridge
- Prefer very casual, friendly conversation → Manchester, Liverpool
- Need budget-friendly costs → Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds
- Want easy London access → Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury
- Prefer southern English accents → Any English city
- Want busy nightlife and club culture → Manchester, London
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