Let’s be honest – while we all love Edinburgh, sometimes we just need to escape the chaos of Princes Street and the Royal Mile’s tourist traps. The good news is your Young Scot Card gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the rest of Scotland. Unlike your student gym card, which often sits unused at the bottom of your bag, this one is worth making the most of. Before you know it, you’ll be 22 and doing everything you can to avoid paying for the bus. So, message your friends, make some plans, and explore what Scotland really has to offer.
St Andrews
Of all the day trips from Edinburgh, St Andrews is my favourite. With beautiful beaches and rows of shops, there’s more than enough to keep you busy for a whole day. After a quick dip in the North Sea, reward yourself with ice cream from the legendary Jannettas Gelateria, which offers so many flavours you could spend hours begging for more samples. Just be careful that you don’t end up like me with a seagull dive-bombing you, trying to steal your food.
Glencoe
For the outdoorsy crowd, Glencoe is the ultimate escape. The mountains and Loch Leven offer brilliant hiking routes and the chance to wild camp – just be sure to pack layers for the cold. If, like me, you love nature but still want central heating and a proper bed, there are plenty of cosy Airbnbs scattered across the Highland towns where there is no need to worry about your tent collapsing in the middle of the night.
North Berwick
North Berwick is another perfect day trip and a complete break from city life. The stretches of coastline and golf courses provide the ideal backdrop to forget about the inevitable library all-nighter waiting for you. If you want to stretch your legs further, climb North Berwick Law for panoramic views well worth the effort. My personal recommendation: stop at Steampunk Coffee, where the drinks, décor and playlist make for an ideal lunch break.
Melrose
If small-town charm is more your speed, head to the Scottish Borders. Melrose is full of independent shops, family-owned brasseries and bakeries, and picturesque architecture. In the town centre, you’ll find the beautiful St Mary’s Abbey ruins and National Trust gardens – the perfect spot for a picnic with a historic backdrop.
Glasgow
If you’re craving a city adventure, Glasgow is just over an hour away and offers a fresh metropolitan vibe. Famous for its food scene and for the West End being packed with bars and vintage shops, it’s a great change of scene from Edinburgh. Even better if you’ve got a friend’s flat to crash in – the nightlife here will likely treat you far better than some of Edinburgh’s empty clubs.
Image by Mark Chan for The Student.