Edinburgh vs London for Students: Which UK City Is Better for Student Life?

 

Edinburgh vs London for Students: Which UK City Is Better for Student Life?: A Complete Guide

It might not be an understatement to say that choosing a proper place for studying at a university affects your learning process, lifestyle, financial situation, and future career greatly. In the UK, there are two leading cities for students – Edinburgh and London. Both of these cities provide great universities, unique cultures, entertainment, and promising careers, however, they offer completely different experience. So if you're thinking whether to choose Edinburgh or London as the place of your study, the decision will depend mostly on your budget, aspirations, way of life, and expectations regarding the university. Even tourists visiting Scotland can use services such as Glasgow City Private Hire Taxi to plan their trips between major cities of Scotland.

Edinburgh vs London: A Quick Comparison for Students

Edinburgh is the historical capital of Scotland, and it is famous for its magnificent architecture, small city center, lively student population, and great universities. London, on the other hand, is a giant international capital that provides a variety of universities, industries, cultural places, and job positions.

Those students who would like to enjoy being in a manageable city where most of the places are not too far away from each other will find Edinburgh a good place to study. Those students who want to get familiar with life in an international city and have a giant professional network will definitely choose London.

Both cities provide great universities and friendly student communities, therefore, neither of them can be better for everyone. It all depends on your personal preferences.

Cost of Living: Is Edinburgh More Affordable Than London?

The main differences between these cities can include the cost of living. The price of accommodation in London is usually very high and the overall cost of living can be rather expensive for students. Students will have to allocate their budget carefully and take into account rent, public transport, meals, entertainment, etc.

Edinburgh can be an expensive place to live in as well, especially if students choose accommodation in areas near universities or city center. However, there can be less expensive options compared to London in terms of accommodation and other costs.

To save money, students in both cities can share accommodation, cook at home, use student discounts, control transportation costs, etc. When selecting universities, it would be logical to develop a reasonable budget per month including accommodation, utilities, food, textbooks, transport, leisure, etc.

Student Accommodation and Everyday Lifestyle

Another aspect that should be considered while contrasting Edinburgh and London is that of accommodation. London provides a wide array of options for accommodation for students – university dormitories, private student flats, shared houses, and even rented rooms. Yet the competition is high and the prices are very high.

Edinburgh is a small city and, therefore, the process of moving around the city is facilitated by the relatively small area. The students can look for university accommodation, private flats, shared apartments, and rented rooms. Moreover, since the city is relatively small, it might happen that the students will be able to move around on foot between all those places.

London is bigger, yet it is not necessarily better. Edinburgh may suit those students who want convenience and do not mind walking.

Transport and Getting Around as a Student

Transportation is a significant factor when choosing universities because daily commuting may take away time and money. Public transport in London is well-developed, and there is the subway, buses, trains, and others. Therefore, it will be possible to live far from your university but still stay connected.

There is a well-working public transportation system in Edinburgh too; however, it only includes buses and trams. The small territory of the city means that many students will not have to spend hours on commuting to universities and favorite places. Moreover, if you come from other places, then you need to arrange good airport transportation for your arrival or departure. Glasgow Airport pick up and drop off services may be helpful for some students.

Therefore, London is the best choice for students who do not mind long commutes and the rapid transport system, while Edinburgh is great for those who like everything close by.

Universities and Academic Opportunities

Both Edinburgh and London have remarkable reputations for their educational institutions. There are renowned academic institutions such as the University of Edinburgh that attract students from all over the United Kingdom and even from abroad. The high level of academic and historical atmosphere makes this city suitable for studying.

London boasts an even greater number of universities and higher education institutions. Students will find a variety of internationally known educational institutions in the field of virtually all academic subjects. It also has access to special libraries, research establishments, professional associations, museums, companies, and other facilities.

While London gives you more opportunities in terms of the variety of universities and courses, Edinburgh has its own advantages due to its high academic reputation.

Also read: What Are the Most Unique Places to Stay in Scotland

Career Prospects and Part-Time Jobs

Career prospects represent another domain where London stands out. Being one of the leading business hubs around the world, London features a wide variety of companies operating in the fields of finance, IT, media, law, medicine, consultancy, fashion, hospitality, and others.

Internships, networking events, graduate programs, career days, and even part-time work are available for students. Proximity to companies can be especially helpful for students trying to build career contacts while still studying.

Edinburgh also has an economy offering career prospects in finance, IT, tourism, public sector, education, and creative industries. Edinburgh's growing business and technological sectors promise good career prospects despite being smaller than those in London.

London can be more preferable for students primarily concerned with gaining maximum access to large corporations and international career opportunities.

Social Life, Culture and Entertainment

The university experience entails much more than just academics. There is lots to see and do in Edinburgh as it boasts of pubs, restaurants, music bars, festivals, theatres, art galleries, and other historic sites to visit. Edinburgh is most known for its festivals that come every year attracting many artists and tourists from all over the world.

London offers literally endless entertainment options. University students can experience a vast array of concerts, museums, theatres, sports events, restaurants, night clubs, exhibitions, marketplaces, and cultural events that represent different nationalities.

All the difference comes down to the scale. Edinburgh offers exciting social life in a compact city while London offers great variation of options but in a much bigger city.

Safety, Community and Student Experience

Being comfortable in one's surroundings is very crucial for many students, almost as much as the academic standard. Edinburgh is known for being small and having a good sense of community. It is easy to get used to various neighbourhoods as well as see fellow students in the streets.

London is obviously very large and diversified. There are millions of people living and studying in the city, and it is necessary for the students to become used to going through the streets full of people and riding crowded buses and trains. Naturally, as in any big city, personal safety is dependent on some personal responsibility and awareness.

Students who like diversity and the atmosphere of an international city will probably like London better. Students who prefer something smaller will like Edinburgh better.

Edinburgh or London: Which City Should You Choose?

Which city should you choose if you are studying, Edinburgh or London? This question cannot have only one answer since both of these cities have unique qualities.

If you need an academic environment in a small and beautiful town with great festivals, then the city of Edinburgh is the best option for you.

If you value your future career development and experience in the big world more, then go with London as your choice. The reasons for this can be plenty of job offers and international contacts.

Whatever your final decision will be, you should consider your university courses, your budget, your future career, your preferred way of life, and accommodation. You should also pay attention to the surrounding area and easy access to your home country during the holidays at university.

Final Thoughts

Both Edinburgh and London have much to offer when it comes to higher education; however, both cater to different sorts of students. Edinburgh provides a blend of all the factors like good studies, history, community and accessibility, whereas London provides good professional chances, diversity, and an unmatched city life experience.

When choosing the right city for you, take into consideration the university of your choice, expenses of study and living, availability of accommodation, transport needs, professional prospects, and future career plans.