5 Things Edinburgh Students Should Do At Least Once

5 Things Edinburgh Students Should Do At Least Once

A fun, vibrant and ever-popular city, Edinburgh is a top choice of study destination for any student looking to further their education.


Edinburgh is home to a heady mix of traditional and modern and is home to some of the best universities in the UK so it it little wonder that competition for places is fierce.

But there’s more to Edinburgh than just studying and new Edinburgh students will be greeted with a wide variety of activities in and near the city to while away their non-study time, even during these trying Coronavirus times.

Here’s a quick list of five things every student should do at least once during their stay in Edinburgh assuming of course circumstances allow!


1. Marvel At The Views From Arthur’s Seat

Edinburgh’s famous landmark is an extinct volcano standing at around 275 metres high and dominates Holyrood Park. Climbing Arthur’s Seat won’t cost anything – ideal for those looking after the pennies.

5 Things Edinburgh Students Should Do At Least Once

Easily accessible from any part of the city those tough enough to make the trek to the top will be rewarded with breathtaking 360 degree views of the city and beyond.


2. Chill In The Meadows

A huge expanse of green fields in the heart of the city, The Meadows is the place to be when the sun is out and is an excellent and popular spot for barbecues and simply hanging out with friends.

Chill In The Meadows, Edinburgh

Its’ popularity means getting a space can be difficult as many have the same idea to descend on the idyllic location armed with all the ingredients of a picnic or barbeque; but The Meadows is in easy reach of the major university campuses.


3. Explore Nature At Blackford Hill

One of the seven hills believed to provide Edinburgh’s foundations, Blackford Hill sits within the Hermitage of Braid and the Braid Burn, a local nature reserve that is rich and diverse, especially in birdlife and can give students an out of city feel without leaving the city limits.

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Situated not far from the Morningside campus of Edinburgh Napier University but also accessible from other areas of the city the climb up Blackford Hill affords superb views over the city of Edinburgh but is less demanding an ascent than Arthur’s Seat.


4. Do The Cowgate Crawl

It might be harder at present given the current COVID-19 situation, but the ‘Cowgate Crawl’ involves a long stretch of clubs and bars that guarantee an excellent night out in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town without being too hard on the wallet.

Cowgate Crawl for Students, Edinburgh

Along the way are a selection of live music venues, craft beer bars and older-style gentleman’s pubs with a long stretch starting at the more upmarket Grassmarket area and leading down to Holyrood Palace.

Large areas of the Cowgate appear dark and gloomy, but don’t let the aesthetics of the area dissuade a visit as there’s something to suit any taste along the way.


5. Take In A Sports Game

Whether football or rugby is the name of the game, or even golf, there’s plenty of opportunity to get out and about and take in some sport.

Edinburgh is home to two famous football teams, Heart Of Midlothian whose home is in the Gorgie district of the City; while Hibernian are based in Leith at their Easter Road Stadium.

Meanwhile the Scottish National Rugby team are based at Murrayfield, a famous sports ground that has also held numerous big name concert acts.

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

And for golfers, there’s a number of Edinburgh golf courses both within the city limits and nearby out of town so there’s no excuse to get out on the course.

Of course these are just a few activities that students choosing Edinburgh can indulge in; Edinburgh’s make up and mix delivers a wide choice of activities and past-times and students making Edinburgh their home surely won’t be bored!

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