The city of Edinburgh, coast and countryside
Edinburgh and the surrounding area is an ideal location for students. As a student at QMU, you will have easy access to Scotland's beautiful and vibrant capital city, Edinburgh, and the stunning coast and countryside surrounding the campus.
Edinburgh
Situated in Scotland's central belt, south of the Firth of Forth Estuary, Edinburgh is easily accessible from all areas of the UK and beyond. It is one of the world's most beautiful cities and continues to gather accolades year after year. It is a top tourist destination, particularly in the summer months when the city comes alive and plays host to the acclaimed Edinburgh Festivals. The Fringe Festival is particularly enjoyed by students who embrace the month-long spectacle of comedy, music, drama and art. Late December is also a popular time for visitors to 'Auld Reekie' as they come to experience a Scottish New Year at Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations — now one of the world's biggest outdoor parties!
With four universities and a large further education college, the city has a high population of students and is very student-friendly. Much of the city's culture and activity is focused around student life, with students able to share some facilities — such as student unions and libraries — that each institution has to offer. Part-time job opportunities and graduate job opportunities are excellent, and many students choose to remain in Edinburgh or the local area during holidays and after graduating.
Edinburgh is atmospheric and vibrant, with all you'd expect from a capital city: packed with shops, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, pubs, clubs, supermarkets, museums, tourist attractions, landmarks, art galleries, concert venues, parks and sports facilities etc. The city is also home to Edinburgh Castle. This spectacular landmark dates back to the 12th century and sits in the city centre on the top of a dormant volcano.
The local campus area
The campus is located to the east of Edinburgh city centre by the coastal town of Musselburgh in East Lothian. Musselburgh has a population of around 22,000 and offers a theatre, sports centre with swimming pool, supermarkets and shops, a racecourse, golf courses, a harbour and beach, restaurants and bars, a public library and a peaceful riverside. The campus is only a short walk or bus ride to Fort Kinnaird, a large outdoor shopping complex offering high street chain stores, restaurants and a multiplex cinema. There are also several supermarkets in the immediate vicinity. QMU has National Cycle Route 1 running past it, allowing a safe and comfortable cycle into the city centre in only 30 minutes.
East Lothian is a beautiful county with over 40 miles of stunning coastline, golden beaches, rolling countryside, historic sites, award-winning attractions, excellent food and drink and the world's finest links golf courses. East Lothian enjoys the sunniest climate in Scotland, great local produce, spectacular natural beauty and year-round recreational opportunities including cycling, walking, horse riding, golfing and surfing. The university offers cheap bike hire for students, making it easier to explore.
The campus is also just 20 minutes' bus journey from Portobello, Edinburgh's beach, with its independent boutiques, cosy pubs, hipster coffee shops, and the Victorian grandeur of Portobello Baths, which has one of the only original and still-functioning Turkish baths in the country.
A hop, skip and jump to the wider world
Edinburgh's transport links are excellent – you can easily head north to spend a weekend skiing or hill-walking. You are only 45 minutes from Glasgow or four hours from London by train. In the city centre, bus services provide frequent links in and around the city. Air links are convenient and widespread – it takes just over an hour to get to Paris, Dublin or Amsterdam from Edinburgh Airport.
Find out more about QMU and the surrounding area on our website.
