Edinburgh Local

University in the city

We have many facilities available to Edinburgh residents, even if you do not have a direct connection to the University. These range from gym membership at Sport & Exercise to a wide range of evening classes and short courses. Please note that due to Covid-19, some of our usual services available to the public outlined below are not operating as normal. Please email local@ed.ac.uk with any questions.

Community Access to Rooms

Photo of University buildings, 40 & 50 George Square
Community Access to Rooms offers local community groups and organisations the opportunity to use University rooms free-of-charge. 

Community Grants Scheme

Crops in Pots 2018
Our scheme helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration.

Student Volunteering Service

EUSA Volunteers
Sign up your organisation to find student volunteers.

Learning for Locals

Laptop and books on a desk
We offer a range of short courses, qualifications and degrees both online and in person at our campuses throughout the city. Whether you want to study for leisure, to enhance your career or learn something new, explore our extraordinary range of courses on offer.

Library

Main Library sign
You can borrow books, explore our precious Collections or become a Friend of the Library.

Hospital for Small Animals

Cat at Hospital for Small Animals
The Hospital for Small Animals offers a general practice and specialist services for your pets.

Sports facilities

cardio gym
Our superb sports facilities are some of the best in the UK and open to everyone.

Free legal advice

Patient consultation
The Free Legal Advice Centre delivers pro bono legal services to members of the public living in and around the Edinburgh area who, for whatever reason, cannot access legal advice elsewhere.

Cafés and shops

Students at DHT cafe
Find out where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the University’s cafés.

Hope Park Counselling Centre

9 Hope Park Square entrance
Hope Park Counselling at the University of Edinburgh offers counselling to individuals over the age of sixteen living in the Edinburgh area.

Arts and culture

Talbot Rice Gallery
If you enjoy the arts and culture, you’ll find something of interest in our museums, galleries and exhibition spaces.

Working with schools

Artist Ed Blazey talking to primary school children about art.
We work with teachers, schools and parents to develop inspiring and educational programmes in schools across the region. If you would like more information about our work in schools, and current opportunities available, email local@ed.ac.uk.

Hotels, Conferences and Events

Playfair Library
The University of Edinburgh offers outstanding conference and events facilities. From purpose built conference facilities, venues steeped in history ideal for exclusive dinners through to break-outs and boardrooms for smaller meetings, we have the space, the team and the technical capacity to meet a broad range of event requirements.

Public events

We put on a year-round programme of events open to the public. At Doors Open Day in September our buildings are open to explore, and throughout the year we hold public lectures, exhibitions and concerts, masterclasses and festivals.

Opportunities to work and study

Photo of students studying together
Whether you’re looking for flexible ways to study, your next career move or training opportunities, we have lots on offer.

Nursery

Nursery at KB golden facade
Arcadia Nursery is based at the University's King's Buildings campus and is open to all young children.

Services for business

A man surveys research results
Our triple-accredited Business School not only offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses but also MBA and other Executive courses and opportunities. Edinburgh Innovations can put you in touch with an expert in your field or help you commission bespoke research.

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