Living in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a great place to live and study.
This is a lively and dynamic student city, with students making up 12% of the population (Forever Edinburgh, 2025). Edinburgh is home not only to Edinburgh College, but also four universities including one of Scotland’s oldest universities, the University of Edinburgh.
Visiting Edinburgh, you will walk in the footsteps of great artists and thinkers such as Sir Walter Scott, Adam Smith, David Hume, Arthur Conan Doyle and even Peter Higgs of the Higgs Boson. Edinburgh is home to many museums and galleries steeped in history and culture. Known as the festival capital of the world, Edinburgh hosts 12 major festivals each year, welcoming 4.2 million visitors from over 70 countries.
"I always feel that when I come to Edinburgh, in many ways I am coming home."Alan Rickman
Edinburgh was named as one of Time Out’s most beautiful cities in the world in 2025, and walking through though the city’s famous cobbled streets, it’s easy to see why. If you are interested in architecture, the countless chimneys that punctuate the skyline and the gothic spires of the Old Town offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. For some of the best views, climb the Scott Monument or hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcanic peak.
Stretch your legs in Princes Street Gardens, capture your ‘One Day’ moment at the Vennel Steps viewpoint, enjoy a barbecue and soak up the atmosphere in the Meadows, or cosy up in one of the city’s many cafés with a good book.
Edinburgh also offers easy access to the sea, hills and forests nearby. Hike through the Pentland hills, take a dip in the waters of Threipmuir Reservoir or Wardie Bay, enjoy a riverside walk in Dalkeith Country Park or soak in the stunning views along the Fife Coastal Path. One of the benefits of living in Scotland’s capital is the proximity to nature, perfectly balanced with the more metropolitan aspects of city life.
The city is well-connected by regular and reliable bus and tram networks, features plenty of cycling routes, and is compact and pedestrian-friendly for those who prefer to explore on foot.
