Experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom by Nicole

What is it like to live in Edinburgh? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I adore Edinburgh. Living here is incredibly exciting, especially for a first timer. The locals are (generally) very friendly and helpful and you're never far from a Starbucks. The city is beautiful and absolutely breathtaking.

Walking up the High Street, there are no typical high street shops but tiny boutiques selling bespoke jewelry and tartan. Until you come to the castle esplanade, to wonder in the sheer magnitude of the Edinburgh castle.

The city comes alive in August, with the Edinburgh International Festival. People from all over the world flood into the city for comedy shows, acrobatic performances or just to soak up the atmosphere.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Edinburgh?

Student lifestyle in Edinburgh is great. Each university's sports union has a club in town with which they have deals. This is fantastic for those involved in sport. If not, never fear, every night there is a different club boasting 'the best student night in Edinburgh' (best speak to some locals to find out who's telling the truth). Most of the shops on Princess Street and many bars also have a 10-20% discount for students.

How much does it cost to live in Edinburgh?

Living in Edinburgh is exactly what you make it. You can rent a reasonable flat from £300+ pcm. Though this will probably not include utilities, how much you want to spend there is then entirely down to you (personally, I’d rather put on a jumper than the heating). Getting to know people is very beneficial if you want a cheap night out. Looking for a job? Why not think about PR-ing for a club. Money and a cheap night out, you can't go wrong there!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Edinburgh? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding accommodation can be difficult, if you're the unorganized sort. Edinburgh has 4 universities and one college spread over 4 campuses, meaning that the number of students looking for accommodation is very high. If you're smart about it and organized, you can find exactly what you're looking for with minimal effort. Also, if it's just a room you're after, Gumtree is fantastic.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food in Edinburgh is great. From fine dining at the Witchery or the Tower, to the best deep-fried Mars bars in town at Cafe Piccante - you can't go wrong. Many companies with a few restaurants throughout the city have great food deals, such as 2 courses for £10 at Montpeliers. Want a burger? There are countless 'burger and a drink' deals in Edinburgh from Wetherspoons to Candy - you're bound to find something to your liking.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Edinburgh?

I would definitely recommend going on the ghost tour. Edinburgh has a fantastically gruesome history that you can't fully appreciate without being terrified out of your skin.

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Is it good to eat out in Edinburgh? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I had brunch at Blue Bear on Brandon Terrace recently and was blown away. Waffles, bacon and syrup all washed down with a breakfast Martini. If you're looking for cheap-ish but classy I would definitely recommend one of the 'Rick's' restaurants: Montpeliers, Tigerlily and Indigo Yard. Though drinks are usually more expensive than food.

Is the nightlife good in Edinburgh? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is great in Edinburgh. From grungy Cowgate to classed up George Street everyone will find something they like. Being somewhat in between I have a mix of favourites.

For a cheap night of dancing in jeans I would definitely recommend Bongo club, though most of the bartenders do look incredibly drugged up. On the other end of the scale, Lulu's is good for group nights out. Tuesdays are my personal favourite, the Dirty Sexy team are incredibly fun and it's always a fab night.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Edinburgh?

Be prepared to get stuck right in. Standing on the side and not getting stuck into life here will get you nowhere. The locals are generally very friendly, with most of them being students themselves. It can be easy to get lost here, lots of the streets are strangely connected and the city is layered which can be confusing but never fear, you will get the hang of it eventually. Ultimately, have fun!