Scotland’s capital city is sure to steal your heart.
Home to one of the UK’s oldest universities, Edinburgh has nurtured bright minds and aspiring thinkers for centuries.
But why do students flock here?
Well, aside from the Insta-worthy views round just about every corner, this is a city that has it all.
Historic hotspots. World-famous festivals. Crackling nightlife. Not to mention the breezy Scottish coast and lush Pentland Hills on its doorstep.
So, how do you choose the best place to call home in a city that just keeps giving?
Let’s dive in.
Marchmont
Ever popular with students, Marchmont is one of the first names you’ll hear when deciding where to live in Edinburgh.
For starters, it’s a short walk away from the Meadows – Edinburgh’s beloved (and huge) grassy parkland. You’re also never too far from a charming coffee stop or an indie boutique, and the neighbourhood’s neat rows of 19th-century apartments make for a picture-perfect sight.
Before you rush off to find a flat in Marchmont, though, just be aware of the flip side.
The faded grandeur of the old tenement apartments looks pretty from the outside, but it comes with inconveniences as a result. Damp, mould and infamously rattly windows are more common than not.
What’s more, the magic of the city centre is comparatively far to walk to from here, and Edinburgh’s excellent tram network doesn’t stretch to Marchmont.
Other neighbourhoods will keep you closer to the action.
Average commuting times from Marchmont
University of Edinburgh: 15-min walk
Edinburgh city centre: 25-min walk
Newington
Just across the Meadows from Marchmont is Newington.
Stay here, and you’ll have the University of Edinburgh’s main library within throwing distance, with cafes, shops and characterful Scottish pubs lining the way.
Just be warned: as useful as it is being close to the university, some students find that they’re (dare we say it) too close, while being further from Edinburgh’s main attractions.
Having a bit more separation between home and lectures helps you to stay healthy, happy and focused on your university experience.
One more thing to bear in mind if you’re thinking of moving to Newington. Many of the apartments here are huddled around the main road running from north to south through the city.
Living in Newington means getting used to revving engines, ambulance sirens and late-night revellers until the early hours of the morning, so pack your ear plugs!
Average commuting times from Newington:
University of Edinburgh: 10-min walk
Edinburgh city centre: 25-min walk
Fountainbridge
To benefit from all the best bits of Edinburgh, look no further than Fountainbridge.
Here, you’re in the thick of the city (Edinburgh’s iconic castle is just 15 minutes away), yet the grassy, nature-rich Meadows are only a 10-minute walk down the road for BBQs, ball games and soaking up the sunshine when it comes.
Fountainbridge is super convenient for your studies, too. The main University of Edinburgh campus is a short stroll away (taking you right past the private school that inspired Hogwarts).
You’ll be in the heart of a friendly community, with Vita Student Fountainbridge at the centre of it all.
Choose a room here for the joy of a historic city, with the convenience of modern living. Think housekeeping, a 24/7 gym, weekday breakfasts and on-site support, with plenty of space for studying and hanging out with new-found friends.
Average commuting times from Fountainbridge:
University of Edinburgh: 15-min walk
Edinburgh city centre: 15-min walk
Leith
Welcome to Leith: widely touted as Edinburgh’s “coolest” neighbourhood.
Over on the east side of the city, Leith is a blossoming student hub and the gateway to the city’s coast (wild yoga on the beach, anyone?).
Full of character and charm, it’s an independent district in its own right, with all sorts of things to do close by. Jump on a tram, though, and you’ll be in the centre of Edinburgh in 15 minutes. Best of both worlds!
Right round the corner from one of these tram stops, you’ll find Vita Student Iona Street.
With five-star amenities, a curated weekly events programme, and spacious studios to make your own, this is the place to call home in Leith.
The cherry on the cake?
Hop off the tram from Vita Student Iona Street and in ten minutes you’ll emerge into the twinkling harbour known as The Shore. Brimming with cosy pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants serving classic Scottish dishes, it’s your go-to spot to unwind after study sessions.
Average commuting times from Iona Street:
University of Edinburgh: 20-min bus
Edinburgh city centre: 15-min tram
Edinburgh Old Town
This is the Edinburgh you’ve dreamed of.
The winding cobbled streets. The jaunty medieval buildings. The castle sitting proud above it all. But there’s more to Edinburgh’s historic heart than postcard-ready scenery.
It’s where the city comes to life.
The Royal Mile cuts through the centre, with museums, independent markets and cute cafes spilling out in all directions. Not to mention the occasional bagpiper.
Here, you’ll enjoy rooting out a new favourite study spot every week, but with the University of Edinburgh literally down the road, you won’t need to.
Tucked away just off the Royal Mile is Vita Student New Waverley, opening September 2026. As far as location goes, it doesn’t get much better than this.
In fact, this is student accommodation that ticks all the boxes.
State-of-the-art gym? Check. Private dining rooms? Yep. Unlimited tea and coffee? Of course! Throw in career talks and bookable study spaces to super-charge your university experience, and you’re onto a winner.
Vita Student New Waverley stands out as the best new student accommodation in Edinburgh, embracing the city’s energy, beauty and ambitious Scottish spirit.
Average commuting times from New Waverley:
University of Edinburgh: 10-min walk
Edinburgh city centre: 5-min walk
