Edinburgh Student Areas Explained: Where to Live Based on Your University

Location Is Everything in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a compact city, which works in students' favour. Most of the best student neighbourhoods sit within a 20–30 minute walk or short bus ride of at least one campus. But the difference between the right area and the wrong one is significant — in terms of rent, community, and day-to-day quality of life.

Here's our area-by-area guide, broken down by university, to help you find the best fit.

University of Edinburgh Students

The University of Edinburgh's main campus clusters around George Square, Bristo Square, and the Central Area. The surrounding neighbourhoods are among the most sought-after student postcodes in the UK.

Marchmont (EH9)

Best for: Students who want to be at the heart of it all.
Commute to George Square: 10–15 minutes on foot
Average student HMO room rent: £650–£800/month
What it's like: Wide Victorian tenement streets, independent cafés, Bruntsfield Links on your doorstep, and a strong student community. Marchmont is the classic Edinburgh student area — lively but not loud, sociable but not chaotic. The Meadows park is right there for summer study sessions.

Newington (EH8–EH9)

Best for: Students who want central access without paying Marchmont prices.
Commute to George Square: 10–20 minutes on foot
Average student HMO room rent: £600–£750/month
What it's like: South Bridge leads directly into campus. A mix of students, young professionals, and long-term residents. Good transport links, plenty of takeaways and grocery shops, and cheaper than Marchmont for similar properties.

Bruntsfield (EH10)

Best for: Students who want a quieter, more residential feel.
Commute to George Square: 20–25 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £650–£780/month
What it's like: Bruntsfield Place has some of Edinburgh's best independent shops and restaurants. More settled community feel than Marchmont, but still very popular with students. Bruntsfield Links is ideal for outdoor space.

Edinburgh Napier University Students

Napier operates across three campuses — Craiglockhart (Business/Health), Merchiston (Engineering/Computing), and Sighthill (Sciences/Nursing). Location depends heavily on which campus you'll be based at.

Fountainbridge / Tollcross (EH3–EH11)

Best for: Craiglockhart and Merchiston students who want city-centre access.
Commute to Craiglockhart: 15–20 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £550–£680/month
What it's like: Central, affordable, and well-connected. Tollcross has a busy local high street, independent cinemas, and good bus routes. Fountainbridge is undergoing significant regeneration — a solid choice for value-conscious students.

Gorgie / Dalry (EH11)

Best for: Budget-conscious students at any Napier campus.
Commute to Sighthill: 15 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £480–£600/month
What it's like: Gorgie Road is unpretentious and affordable. Tram connections into the city centre and out to Edinburgh Airport. Less studenty in feel, but you get significantly more space for your money. Hearts FC's Tynecastle stadium is nearby if you're a football fan.

Heriot-Watt University Students

Heriot-Watt's main Edinburgh campus is at Riccarton, southwest of the city — purpose-built and somewhat isolated. Most students live either on campus or in the western suburbs with bus routes to Riccarton.

Corstorphine / Murrayfield (EH12)

Best for: Heriot-Watt students who want off-campus living with easy access.
Commute to Riccarton: 20–30 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £520–£650/month
What it's like: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented area. Edinburgh Zoo is nearby. The 25 bus route runs directly to Heriot-Watt. Not a nightlife hub, but comfortable and well-served.

Slateford / Longstone (EH14)

Best for: Students who prioritise proximity to Riccarton over city access.
Commute to Riccarton: 15 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £470–£580/month
What it's like: Residential and affordable. Good for students who spend most of their time on campus and want to keep costs low. Less to do locally, but Edinburgh city centre is 20–25 minutes by bus.

Queen Margaret University Students

QMU's campus is in Musselburgh, east of Edinburgh, near the city boundary.

Leith / Easter Road (EH6–EH7)

Best for: QMU students who want to be part of Edinburgh city life.
Commute to Musselburgh: 30 minutes by bus
Average student HMO room rent: £550–£680/month
What it's like: Leith is Edinburgh's most exciting neighbourhood right now — the Shore waterfront, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant creative scene. It's further from QMU than Musselburgh itself, but many students prefer the city vibe. Edinburgh Napier's Leith campus is also here for cross-registration events.

What's Your Priority?

Use this quick reference to find your fit:

• Shortest commute: Live nearest your specific campus
• Best value: Gorgie, Slateford, or Longstone
• Best student community: Marchmont or Newington
• Best all-rounder: Tollcross or Bruntsfield
• City life + culture: Leith

Not sure which area suits you? We help students find the right match based on university, budget, and lifestyle — including video viewings for international students who haven't visited Edinburgh yet.

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