Choosing which neighbourhood to call home in your university city is no easy feat. There are a lot of factors to consider, from the distance to your classes and other facilities, to safety and the type of atmosphere you want to be surrounded by.
This blog will compare two of the best student-friendly neighbourhoods in Edinburgh: Meadows-based Marchmont and travel-hotspot Haymarket, to give you an idea of what each one can offer and help you decide which one might be the right choice for you to call home!
Marchmont – the heart of university life:
Undoubtedly one of the most student-friendly neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, Marchmont is situated right next to the Meadows.
It is a five-minute walk to the main University of Edinburgh campus at Bristo Square (including the library, McEwan Hall and the student support centre), and is also a walkable distance from the city centre.
There is an extremely diverse array of accommodation on offer, with prices ranging anywhere from £150 to £500 a week.
The area also has lots of lovely book stores, independent shops and cafés to study in if that’s your vibe.
As one of the most popular student areas, it has more of a community feel than some other parts of the city and offers a great chance to make new friends! It’s also located close to a lot of Edinburgh’s main nightlife in Cowgate, but is far enough away to still be quiet (perhaps one of the reasons for its popularity!)
There are fewer supermarkets to do your food shop at (a Sainsbury’s and a few corner shops), with most students having to use some of the busier shops in the city centre. However, it does have a medical practice, as well as a leisure centre and the Commonwealth Swimming Pool nearby - so there’s plenty to do!
The area has good bus links if you study further out, although it is a bit of a walk to the nearest tram stop and train station, meaning it may be quite impractical for those studying at Queen Margaret or Heriot Watt University.
The Meadows itself is also one of the prettiest spots in Edinburgh, and is perfect for a morning walk, run or cycle. It hosts a lot of university society events, as well as being a venue for the Edinburgh Festival during the summer. However, some parts can be quite dark at night, meaning walking alone isn’t necessarily the safest option.
It’s also close to Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags if you enjoy hiking, or you can walk along it until you get to Bruntsfield – another student area which is great for window shopping and cute cafés.
Haymarket – the gateway to the rest of the city:
Although it may not initially appear as student-y as some other areas of Edinburgh, Haymarket can prove a great base to stay during your degree. It is situated in the West End of the city, just a short walk from Princes Street. It is slightly further away from the University of Edinburgh’s main campus (around a 20-minute walk), but the large number of buses still make it easy to commute to and from it.
It is also located much closer to Edinburgh Napier University, whilst its excellent transport links additionally make it a good choice for those attending Queen Margaret University or Heriot Watt University. Its well-connectedness is undoubtedly one of the area’s best features – there are numerous bus stops (including for external buses going to other parts of Scotland), a tram stop, a train station, and a quick route to the airport.
It can also be accessed whilst avoiding some of the main streets, helping you avoid the dreaded city centre traffic jams, and making it much easier to drop-off your stuff at your new flat.
With regards to accommodation, studios and flats in private halls may be more prevalent, but you should still be able to find a residential flat if you wish. Prices are also reasonable, with a lot of rooms costing around £200-£300 per week.
Since it is a slightly more high-speed, commercial area of Edinburgh, it may be a better choice when you are more settled, rather than just starting out and looking to make friends.
However, there are still innumerable facilities on offer, with plenty of supermarkets, shops and restaurants on nearby Lothian Road, as well as a leisure centre and GP surgery.
If you’re looking for an afternoon out, the picturesque Dean Village is nearby, as well as Stockbridge, which is great for charity shopping and has some of the best cafés in the city. You might also want to explore the Water of Leith Walkway, or walk, run or cycle along the Union Canal. There’s also a cinema, bowling alley and trampoline park at nearby Fountain Park (which is perfect for rainy days!)
It is a relatively well-lit and safe area overall, making it a good choice if you decide to live by yourself.
One last thing
Marchmont and Haymarket are among some of the most student-friendly neighbourhoods in Edinburgh. With its great location, quirky shops and friendly community atmosphere, Marchmont is an ideal choice if you’re looking to embrace university life. On the other hand, Haymarket’s excellent transport links make it a great place to stay to get around the city and the rest of Scotland, whilst its host of nearby facilities means you’ll never be short of things to do. Overall, both neighbourhoods offer different things and can be great places to live in during your time at university!
