Exam season is fast approaching, and what better procrastination is there than tackling the question of where to live next year? Whether you’re moving out of student accommodation or escaping a flat-share gone wrong, this is a daunting prospect for the inexperienced student. These are some insights into Edinburgh’s vibrant neighbourhood culture that could guide you.
Newington needs no introduction when it comes to student living, so let’s keep this shorter than its residents’ walk to campus. One of them is Sophie, who remarked that it is “the most convenient place in the city,” featuring many pubs, restaurants, transport links, and adjacency to Holyrood Park. Besides its worrying proximity to Pollock Halls however, Newington’s bustling streets might not be right for those preferring a quiet night’s sleep over a backdrop of bellowing teenagers returning from Cowgate.
If you’re a burnt-out fresher looking to retire from these lesser pleasures of student life, there is good news! Just a stone’s throw from Newington lies Edinburgh’s elderly home of a neighbourhood, situated on its own little hill of hubris, and one its residents are willing to die on. Marchmont replaces pubs with more hair salons, and has more deli shops than it hosts flat parties, and that says a lot. Slander aside, it’s an excellent choice for students, close to George Square and the King’s Buildings, yet quieter than its surroundings. This comes from a shortage of bus connections however, meaning that “it’s a hassle to reach large supermarkets” according to a local student.
The same cannot be said for neighbouring Bruntsfield, a happy medium that is more grown up than Newington and less residential than Marchmont. Bruntsfield is the perfect place for those who like to find themselves caught up in a well-stocked charity shop or a cute café while skipping lectures. Whether its unmatched charm distracted you or the trek to campus just seemed a little too ambitious, Bruntsfield certainly doesn’t leave you short of excuses to keep you covered.
If you really want to commit to the daily commute however, look no further than New Town. Locals commonly say it’s “not as bad as it seems” to live there, citing the finer things in life drawing them to live among Edinburgh’s high society. If you prefer wine bars over pubs, nightlife minus the footfolk of cowgate, and a matcha latte to cure your hangover the next morning, New Town might just be the right place for you.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to where the best place to live is. Every neighbourhood has its own benefits and flaws that are part of their distinct identity. Where you end up living should reflect your personal preferences more than anything, and the best way to find out what you like is by exploring this wonderful city. A coffee date in Bruntsfield, brunch in New Town, or even a deli browse in Marchmont will certainly make for an excellent change of scenery, keeping you motivated during exam season.
Photo by Lea Collins for The Student