Edinburgh is one of the most loved student cities in Europe. Maybe even the world.
Among the magic of the Scottish capital’s cobbled streets and medieval marvels, you’ll find dozens of brilliant study spots. In fact, there are 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 some of 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 Café 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 place to head 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 menu is stacked with all-day options, along with fresh coffee, wine and beer.
- 5-minute walk from New Waverley
- 10-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh
- 25-minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30-minute walk from Iona Street
Southern Cross Café
Southern Cross Café is a cosy corner loved by students, tourists and locals alike, and makes the perfect backdrop for a productive study session.
With an intimate atmosphere and a friendly team, this charming café is especially famous for its cakes. And if you’ve not tried haggis yet, this is a great place to start.
Plus, you’ll be just around the corner from the Royal Mile, so make sure your phone is charged for those Instagram stories.
- 7-minute walk from New Waverley
- 10-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh
- 20-minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30-minute walk from Iona Street
Edinburgh Press Club
Self-proclaimed coffee connoisseurs, this one’s for you. Edinburgh Press Club sits in the heart of the Royal Mile and makes studying that little bit better with its excellent range of speciality drinks.
We’re talking strawberry matcha, iced chocolate, deluxe hot chocolates and more. Not to mention an 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 the University of Edinburgh
- 25-minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 30-minute walk from Iona Street
Royal Botanic Garden 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 peaceful 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 of 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 the University of Edinburgh
- 40-minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 40-minute walk from Iona Street
Libraries
Edinburgh Central Library
Working in a café can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing. However, it can also be an overstimulating environment full of distractions. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to find somewhere quieter.
Enter Edinburgh Central Library.
Located in the Old Town, this beautiful Victorian building is ideal for all-day concentration. Set yourself up at an individual desk, access thousands of free resources, and enjoy the exhibitions on your lunch break. There are even free-to-use computers if you need them.
- 5-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh
- 10-minute walk from New Waverley
- 20-minute walk from Fountainbridge
- 35-minute walk from Iona Street
Edinburgh Futures Institute
This is one of the capital’s top spots for future-focused research and collaboration.
Part of the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Futures Institute is a hub of innovation, technology and big ideas. It’s the kind of place that makes a productive study session feel even more inspiring.
Study among some of the country’s brightest minds in a space designed to encourage ambitious thinking.
- 2-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh
- 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 cafés to choose from?
If you’re looking for a table for quiet focus or some light studying with friends, the National Museum of Scotland has a space to suit your mood.
And when you’re finished for the day, why not explore the museum itself? There’s a lot to see and so much to learn about Scotland’s fascinating history.
- 10-minute walk from New Waverley
- 2-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh
- 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 range of study spaces for students to choose from.
The University of Edinburgh Library offers free tools, helpful e-resources and high-speed internet, all designed to support productivity. Study alongside like-minded students and enjoy being right at the heart of one of the world’s oldest and 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 a great study space.
Vita Student New Waverley, our newest building opening in September 2026, has been designed with creativity in mind. Our energising Hub spaces give students the perfect setting for both solo and group study.
Got an important deadline to work towards? Grab a seat in New Waverley’s quiet library area or book a private space for uninterrupted concentration.
Working on a group project? Our open study area is the ideal place to share ideas and collaborate with friends.
To book a private space, visit your My Account.
