Student Experience

Edinburgh University Students’ Association

As soon as you join the University, you’ll be welcomed into the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA), which works on your behalf to ensure you have the best possible experience during your time here.

EUSA is led by five elected students (sabbatical officers) and maintains a Student Council. You will be represented by elected college, school and programme representatives, and by black and minority ethnic, disabled students’, LGBT+, and women’s officers. EUSA supports more than 290 student-led societies and volunteering groups, from the A Cappella and Business societies, to the Yoga and Zoology societies.

EUSA facilities include a world-class centre for student activities at the iconic Pleasance complex, which includes dance studios, a multipurpose performance space, TV and radio production studios and a café and bar. Their venues deliver award-winning food and drink and hundreds of events throughout the year; from language cafés to silent discos and from ceilidhs to food fairs.

Edinburgh University Students’ Association

Dick Vet Student Union and On-Campus Activities

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is host to a variety of clubs and societies, and has its own Students’ Union, the Dick Vet Student Union (DVSU).

Dick Vet Student Union

The School also hosts several events throughout the year where students and staff come together to celebrate.

These range from the annual Pre-Burns Night supper to the Halloween party.

These events are just one example of the many ways the School includes all its students and makes them feel more like a family.

Sports and Fitness

The Easter Bush Campus is home to a fantastic gym, and students can attend a range of fitness classes on campus.

Whether you’re a recreational gym-user or a performance athlete going for gold, the University of Edinburgh’s world-class sport and fitness offering caters for you. We’ve long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading sporting universities, consistently finishing in the top four of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings. Our central gym at the Pleasance is top-of-the range, and joins our campus gym facilities (including those at the Vet School), swimming pool, playing fields and outdoor pursuits centre at Loch Tay to form a comprehensive package of fitness facilities.

With more than 60 sports clubs made up of more than 200 teams, we offer something for everyone. Our clubs offer regular coaching, training, tips and competition, both locally and nationally, with opportunities to participate and/ or compete most days of the week. We run Scotland’s largest intramural sports programme, offering informal leagues, tournaments and fun events, alongside a pioneering ‘EDex’ come and try programme in an array of sports.

Sport and Exercise at the University of Edinburgh

Accommodation

We realise you need more than just a place to live. You need an environment in which you can thrive. That’s why we guarantee accommodation for as many new undergraduates as possible. If you’re from outside Edinburgh, intending to study for the full academic year, and apply by the deadline, our accommodation guarantee is open to you.

The University is an integral part of the city. You’ll be learning, and living, just a short walk or bus ride from the city centre of one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Our undergraduate accommodation is in the city centre, and typically includes:

• All heating, hot water and electricity costs
• Wi-fi in your study-bedroom and in common areas
• Contents insurance
• Secure bike storage
• Laundry facilities

Excellent transport links exist between student accommodation and the Easter Bush Campus – and student bus passes are subsidised. Once you accept your offer to study at the University of Edinburgh, our accommodation team will be in touch to provide you with details on what packages are available. Semester dates for BVM&S students are slightly different. This will impact students in catered accommodation options where meals are served during regular term time.

BVM&S semester dates

University semester dates

Some of our students choose to find their own accommodation through private landlords. Rent varies, but you should make sure you compare to other rental prices and see the accommodation before signing or paying any money. Consider visiting the city before you move here, and look at bus routes to make sure your neighbourhood will offer easy access to the School.

For students completing the four-year Graduate Entry Programme (GEP), which has an earlier start date, University-owned flats are available from early August and cover the whole academic year. Located 10-15 minutes’ walk of the central University buildings and convenient for buses to Easter Bush, these flats are self-catered with single study bedrooms and shared facilities. They also have the option to be placed over the summer in University catered accommodation before moving into Halls or private accommodation in September.

Accommodation at the University of Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world.

The City of Edinburgh and Beyond

National Student Survey

Click below to view more statistics and to compare this course with others.

UNISTATS