As part of our autumn campaign to welcome students to Edinburgh, we asked members of our team here at the Scotch Whisky Experience for their top tips and insider advice on making the most of our amazing city. Some of them study or have studied here, others haven’t, but all of them love Edinburgh!
Here’s what they told us…
Ailsa
Subject: Performing Arts
A trip to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums is an absolute must! Learn about the stories and social history of Edinburgh through its medical history. Entry isn’t expensive, and it’s a fascinating few hours.
Stephen
I’d recommend trying Escape Edinburgh – really fun and a great way to bond with your new housemates or fellow classmates. You can usually get good group and student rates, and the ‘theme’ of the room you have to escape from always changes, so you can do it plenty of times and never get bored.
Robert
The best way to make friends and learn about the city is to join as many societies and clubs as you can! Many of them do exciting trips out of the city (the University of Edinburgh’s Water of Life Society do distillery trips throughout the year, for example), and it’s an ideal way to get you connected with local and established students who know all the good spots.
Ali
Subject: Business
University: Edinburgh Napier
Arthur’s Seat should obviously be on your list, but why not go a bit further: on the other side of the Seat you’ll find the quiet village of Duddingston, home to the Sheep Heid Inn, the oldest pub in Scotland (complete with its own bowling alley!) The perfect place for a post-hike pint.
Stewart
Subject: Accounting
University: Edinburgh Napier
Loudons near Fountainpark is a lovely wee café with good food and great coffee. It’s got the perfect atmosphere to chill out or study.
Paula
Explore Cramond with its beach, teashops, historic pub, river walk, sailing and views along the Firth of Forth. The 41 bus will take you straight there. Why not try walking out to the island when the tide is low?
Kieran
Subject: History
University: Edinburgh (alumnus)
As a former history student I used to enjoy skiving off to the National Museum of Scotland in the name of “research” – there are loads of interactive exhibits which can make it seem like you’re still doing work!
Sinead
Visit the Nile Valley Café near the Edinburgh University Library for Sudanese/East African wraps. They’re huge, delicious and really cheap!
Fhi
Subject: Classics
University: Open University
A walk or cycle around any of the beautiful parks in Edinburgh is a great way to clear your head and regain focus. Edinburgh has more green space per resident than any other city in the UK, so make the most of it!
Julie
Subject: French and Italian
University: Edinburgh (alumnus)
There are some great places around Edinburgh that you can visit free of charge such as galleries, museums and outdoor spaces – meaning you can spend your money on other things like a good coffee whilst you are there, or something nice from the giftshop to take back to the relatives at Christmas.
Euan
As a student, heading for a night out is always important! Where to start? How about Lebowskis (just off Lothian Road)? Great food and all the varieties of White Russians that you can handle.
Studying in Edinburgh or visiting us on a citybreak? Visit our dedicated Student page on our website to find out about discounts, offers and competitions for students at the Scotch Whisky Experience to help you make the most of your time here (and learn about whisky while you’re at it!)
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Images:
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Shutterstock
Loudon’s Cafe
Rosie Willmot
National Museum of Scotland x2
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh