Edinburgh is one of the most loved student cities in Europe. Maybe even the world.
Amongst the magic of the Scottish capital’s cobbled streets and medieval marvels, you’ll find dozens of top study spots. In fact, there’s probably too many to choose from.
But don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down for you.
Whether you’re looking for a solo study spot or somewhere to work alongside course mates, you’re close to everything at Vita Student Edinburgh.
Here are the best study spots in Edinburgh, ideal for University of Edinburgh students.
CaféS
LEVELS Café AND LOUNGE
We’re probably preaching to the choir with this one.
Levels and Lounge is an Edinburgh student staple, and for good reason. As a University of Edinburgh-owned café, it offers three levels of comfortable seating – perfect for longer study days.
Located on student hotspot Holyrood Road, it’s a convenient spot to get to before lectures or after seminars. Plus, you’ll only be a maximum of 30 minutes away from all three of our Vita Student Edinburgh buildings.
Need some brain food to keep you fuelled? The Levels menu is stacked with a range of all-day options, as well as fresh coffee, wine and beer.
- 5 minute walk from New Waverley
- 10 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 25 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30 minute walk from Iona Street
SOUTHERN CROSS Café
A cosy corner loved by students, tourists and locals alike, the Southern Cross Café is the perfect backdrop for productivity.
With an intimate atmosphere and friendly team, this charming café is famous for its cakes. And if you’re yet to try haggis, this is the place for it.
Plus, you’ll be just around the corner from the famous Royal Mile. Make sure your phone is charged up for those Instagram stories.
- 7 minute walk from New Waverley
- 10 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 20 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30 minute walk from Iona Street
EDINBURGH PRESS CLUB
Self-proclaimed coffee connoisseurs, this one’s for you. Tucked in the heart of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Press Club makes studying that little bit better with their delicious range of speciality drinks.
We’re talking strawberry matcha, iced chocolate, deluxe hot chocolates and more. Not to mention their irresistible selection of sweet treats, including a chocolate cheesecake cupcake. Yep, you read that right.
The best part? Students can get 15% off.
- 8 minute walk from New Waverley
- 10 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 25 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30 minute walk from Iona Street
royal botantic gardens Café
This one’s a little off the beaten student track but trust us, it’s worth the trip.
The café inside the Royal Botanic Garden, The Gateway Café, offers a slice of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Plug in and power up with freshly prepared coffee and seasonal dishes, made on-site using handpicked ingredients from the Kitchen Garden.
After a few hours studying, why not unwind with a walk around the gardens? Who knows, maybe a tropical plant or two could cure your writer’s block?
- 35 minute walk from New Waverley
- 40 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 40 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 40 minute walk from Iona Street
LIBRARIES
EDINBURGH CENTRAL LIBRARY
Working in a café can be a great way of getting the creative juices flowing. However, it can also be an overstimulating place that breeds distraction. If you’re nodding in agreement, it may be time to find a quieter environment.
Enter, Edinburgh Central Library.
Located in the Old Town, this beautiful Victorian building is the ideal spot for all-day concentration. Set yourself up an individual desk, access thousands of free resources, and enjoy the impressive exhibitions on your lunch break. There’s even free-to-use computers if you need them.
- 5 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 10 minute walk from New Waverley
- 20 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 35 minute walk from Iona Street
EDINBURGH FUTURES INSTITUTE
This is the capital’s top spot for future-focused research. Here, you’ll be a step closer to experiencing a lightbulb moment.
Part of The University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Futures Institute is Scotland’s hub of collaboration, technology and innovation. Feel inspired working amongst the country’s brightest minds and enjoy a productive study session within a space that pushes you to reach higher.
- 2 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 15 minute walk from New Waverley
- 15 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 40 minute walk from Iona Street
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
Did you know, the National Museum of Scotland has three cafes to choose from?
If you’re looking for a table for quiet focus or to do a little light studying with friends, you’ll find the space to suit your mood here.
And when you’re finished for the day, why not uncover Scotland’s fascinating history by visiting the museum exhibitions? There’s a lot of see and so much to learn.
- 10 minute walk from New Waverley
- 2 minute walk from Uni of Edin
- 20 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 35 minute walk from Iona Street
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH LIBRARY
This one will come as no surprise. The University of Edinburgh has a brilliant surplus of study spaces for students to choose from.
All Library spaces are designed to encourage ultimate productivity – offering free tools, helpful e-resources, and of course, high-speed internet connection. Study surrounded by like-minded students and enjoy being in the beating heart of one of the world’s oldest, most pioneering universities.
- 20 minute walk from New Waverley
- 20 minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 45 minute walk from Iona Street
OUR HUB SPACES AT VITA STUDENT NEW WAVERLEY
As a Vita Student Edinburgh resident, you don’t have to go far to find the best study spaces.
New Waverley, our newest building opening in September 2026, is designed you’re your creativity in mind. Our energising Hub spaces empower students to think bigger – offering the perfect backdrop for both solo and group study.
Got an important deadline you’re working towards? Grab a seat in New Waverley’s quiet library area or hire out a private bookable space for uninterrupted concentration.
Working on a group project? Our open study area is the ideal place to bounce ideas and get collaborative with friends.
To book a private space, visit your My Account.
