Why is Edinburgh the Best Place to Live?

Known for its stunning scenery, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming people, Edinburgh is a great place for UK national and international students for higher education. In the south-east of Scotland, Edinburgh is the second largest city in Scotland and the seventh largest in the UK! It has also recently been recognized as one of the best university cities, second only to London. Overall, education in Scotland enjoys a high reputation, and Edinburgh is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the UK. This handy guide we've prepared will give you five reasons to study in Edinburgh, Scotland if you're still on the fence.

High-quality Life

As the cost of living rises across the UK, people are increasingly cautious about relocating to a new city. A prominent UK job search and recruitment website launched a quality of life index survey that evaluates resident happiness, rent levels, and commute times. Edinburgh has emerged as the top city for work-life balance. Edinburgh excels in quality of life due to its high performance in resident happiness, affordable rents, and an average commute time of just 29 minutes. The accommodation, food, and transport costs in Edinburgh are significantly lower than in London. Student accommodation in Edinburgh Scotland, ranges from £800-£1,000 per month, making it attractive for young scholars.

First-class Education

As we mentioned before, Scottish universities are renowned for the quality of their teaching, boasting prestigious universities such as the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, and many more. The University of Edinburgh is the sixth oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world and was a significant leader in the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, making Edinburgh one of the centers of enlightenment at the time and enjoying the reputation of "Athens of the North." In academic rankings, the University of Edinburgh has long been ranked among the top universities in the UK and worldwide. It is a comprehensive research university ranked 27th in the QS2025 World University Rankings. Choosing to study in Edinburgh, Scotland, also means flexibility, as degree programs in Scotland are designed to be studied over four years rather than the typical three. This allows you to gain extra knowledge while nurturing your personal development. Study in Edinburgh is completed through lectures, tutorials, and independent study, with speeches delivered by industry-leading experts.

Rich History and Culture

Edinburgh, a city full of history and culture, is the capital of Scotland and one of the most glamorous cities in Europe. Its beauty and history date back more than 2,000 years, and as the center of Scottish history and culture, it attracts thousands of visitors with its distinctive architecture, such as stone castles and spired churches, as well as its vibrant cultural activities. In Edinburgh Castle, you can have a glimpse of the magnificent picture of Scottish history; in the Royal Mile, you can travel through time and space to feel the medieval flavor; in St. Giles' Cathedral, you can listen to hymns and experience the solemnity and sanctity of religious culture. Edinburgh's architectural style is unique, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. From the majesty of Edinburgh Castle to the artistry of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts to the creativity and style of modern architecture, every corner of the city is filled with art.

Colourful Festivals

Edinburgh is also known as the City of Festivals, and it is in August that Edinburgh is at its busiest all year round. The warmth of the sunshine during that season makes Edinburgh worthy of the title, with arts events taking place one after the other in the city and the streets filled with tourists from all over the world and all different cultural backgrounds. The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Festival of Military Music, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Film Festival, Edinburgh International Jazz Festival, and Edinburgh Festival of Multiculturalism are just a few of the world's art forms. You can enjoy a wide range of festivals in Edinburgh. The city comes alive during the Festival. Art traces are everywhere, from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Mile, ancient churches, and modern art galleries.

Delicious Food

Edinburgh is one of the most gastronomically diverse places in the world, and picking a random restaurant with seafood and meat paired with coffee and whisky will fill you with a sense of well-being. If you can, visit the Elephant House, next to the University of Edinburgh. This "magical restaurant" is where Harry Potter was born and was built to protect elephants. Not only are there elephants everywhere, but the toilets are filled with graffiti from Harry Potter fans all over the world. Every trip to Edinburgh or Scotland would be complete with a glass of the Water of Life. The first Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience, which has just opened on Princes Street, will turn you into a whisky connoisseur through and through. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Scotch whisky in this eight-story building, accompanied and explained by professionals. There are more than 800 flavor combinations of whisky, so it would take about two years to taste all of them, even if you came to taste one a day.