Wellbeing

Why Fountainbridge is a Great Place to Live for Students

Divya Behl ‐ Content & Marketing Specialist
05.08.25 – 03 Mins Read
A canal runs through Fountainbridge, a popular place to live for students, with modern and older apartments on either side reflecting the morning sunlight. Pedestrians stroll along the towpath, and bridges span the water, with hills visible in the distance.

When you’re looking for a good place to live as a student in Edinburgh, Fountainbridge often comes up, and for good reason. It’s got a great buzz with lots of cafes, shops, and places to eat plus, you’re never too far from the city centre or your university. Here’s why living at Fountainbridge can elevate your student life.

Student Accommodation in FountainBridge

Modern student apartment in Fountainbridge with a bed, blue quilt, pillows, tablet, and TV remote. There’s a desk with chair, lamp, shelves, and large window with curtains—plus a compact kitchen area and deer wall art. A great place to live for students!.

Finding the best student accommodation in Fountainbridge is all about how it fits into your daily life and helps you thrive. For those seeking accommodation, this area offers a blend of modern living and a friendly community feel.

Perfectly Placed in the City

You’re close to the very heart of Edinburgh, meaning famous landmarks and the lively city centre are just a short walk or quick bus ride away. Fountainbridge manages to feel connected without being caught up in the constant rush and noise of the main tourist areas. This gives you a great balance – you have the whole city life around, along with a relaxed, local neighbourhood vibe when you need to focus or unwind. It’s the sweet spot between being central and having your own calm space.

Easy to Get Around

Student life is busy, and wasting time on long commutes is a no-go. Fountainbridge makes getting around Edinburgh simple. Many places you’ll want to go are easily reachable on foot. When you need to venture further, there are excellent and frequent bus routes that connect you directly to all the major university campuses, like the University of Edinburgh’s main sites or Edinburgh Napier University’s various locations. This means less stress about travel and more time for your studies, hobbies, or social life.

Everything You Need on Your Doorstep

Living in Fountainbridge truly puts convenience first. You’ll find a wide range of essential amenities right on your doorstep. There are several supermarkets nearby for groceries. There’s a modern cinema in the area to catch a movie or enjoy some downtime. Beyond the basics, Fountainbridge is packed with a diverse mix of eateries, offering everything from quick bites to relaxing dinners. This means you won’t have to travel far for anything, making your daily life as a student much more straightforward and enjoyable.

A group of people at a social gathering in cozy, dimly lit Fountainbridge student accommodation, with sofas, bookshelves, and a floor lamp. Some are sitting and chatting; others are standing and holding drinks—an inviting place to live.

A Welcoming Student Community

Fountainbridge has seen a real boom in its student population over the past few years. This growing presence means you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in a friendly and vibrant student community. Living amongst other students who are also navigating university life can be incredibly comforting and fun. It makes it easy to meet new people, form study groups, discover new friends, and share experiences. Whether it’s through an accommodation that supports culture and community, local hangouts, or just bumping into familiar faces, you’ll feel right at home and part of something special.

Lifestyle Perks

Six young adults, likely students, sit around a wooden table with laptops, snacks, and drink bottles. The cozy indoor setting with large windows suggests a welcoming space in Fountainbridge—a great place to live and collaborate.

Fountainbridge isn’t just practical; it also offers a great lifestyle. The Union Canal runs through the area, providing lovely paths for walks, runs, or even just a peaceful escape from studying. You’ll find independent shops and local businesses adding character, giving the area a unique feel that’s different from the more touristy parts of Edinburgh. It’s a dynamic and evolving neighbourhood, always offering something new to explore.

Overall, Fountainbridge offers a winning combination for students. It has a superb central location that still feels like a true neighbourhood, plus excellent transport links; all the amenities you could ask for, and a strong, supportive student community. If you’re looking for an area that makes student life convenient, connected, and truly enjoyable, it’s definitely a strong contender for the best student accommodation in Fountainbridge and a smart choice for making your time in Edinburgh unforgettable.

Our All-Inclusive Student Flats in FountainbridgeIn Edinburgh, we provide student homes across three great spots – Fountainbridge, Iona Street, and our latest addition, New Waverley. These areas are packed with independent coffee shops and important cultural landmarks, offering a genuine taste of Edinburgh. Most of the university campuses from here are just a short journey away. With Vita Student, you’re choosing the only student accommodation in Edinburgh that comes with everything covered, no matter which building suits you.