With four different universities and an impressive collection of party bars, Edinburgh is a student's paradise. From huge weekend events in the city's well-established clubs, to midweek blowouts that can't be rivalled, this town's army of students is spoiled for choice. So whether you're into your drum 'n' bass, hip hop or pop, our complete guide to the best student clubs in Edinburgh has them all.
Last updated on 15th February 2023
Easily one of the most poppin' party clubs in Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire brings you industrial chic interiors and the city's only student night devoted to techno, DICE. Party under their brick arches to the sounds of the best independent selectors in town.
Hidden away inside ultra-chic George Street hotel Le Monde, Shanghai Club is a wonderland of midweek mischief. Hosting chilled-out DJ sets in the week and a strict dress to impress policy at the weekend, it's a firm favourite with students and locals alike.
Edinburgh's student clubs are topped of by the arrival of Ballie Ballerson, the famous ball pit party spot that also fronts a range of nostalgia-inducing cocktails, including a Dip Dab concoction. Better yet, DJs bring disco, house and RnB beats.
A one-stop-shop for all your budget-friendly nightlife needs, CC Blooms is a restaurant, bar and late-night haunt. Hosting regular cabaret shows (including from the biggest stars of Ru Paul's Drag Races), the atmosphere here is as welcoming as it is wild.
Hosting various events throughout the week, including the legendary Milk Tuesdays and Rascal Thursdays, the crowd at Bourban Bar and Club are always up for a good time. Offering private VIP booths complete with table service, it's also the perfect spot for a stylish birthday celebration.
As well as being open for lunch, dinner and post-library drinks, Boteco do Brasil is also a top spot to get your dance on. With cocktails half price from Sunday to Wednesday, the bar is usually bursting with societies and students looking to blow off some steam during the week.
Sneaky Pete's might be a small club with a capacity of just 100 but it's firmly cemented in the heart of every funk and soul-loving student in the Scottish capital. Open throughout the week and with drinks prices starting at just £2, it ticks most boxes for a boozy student night out in Edinburgh.
The Hive is probably the perfect embodiment of what a student club should look like. Think sticky floors, incredible drinks deals and a closing time of 3 AM every night - a night spent here is never uneventful.
Sleek, elegant but still able to bust a move when it counts, Why Not has been a firm favourite amongst Edinburgh's student population since its refurbishment a few years ago. Based on George Street, the club's lineup of resident DJs create an unbeatable party vibe.
Nestled in a cosy nook just off the infamous Cowgate, The Bongo Club is the king of Edinburgh's cultural underground. Having started life way back in 1996, you'll still find it lives up to its rep of platforming the best in cutting edge live music and DJs.
