Edinburgh is bursting at the seams with student-friendly bars, boasting unbeatable drinks deals, super cheap scran and themed events throughout the week. Welcoming students from Napier, Heriot-Watt and University Of with welcome arms, these places know a thing or two about getting up to some midweek mischief. Whether you're planning a society social, a night out with your sports team or are just looking to enjoy a few drinks without breaking the bank, check out our guide to the best student bars in Edinburgh here.
Last updated on 18th November 2022
Become a Soba Student member and you'll get a mammoth 50% off food along with 25% off drinks from Sunday to Thursday. Sit back and let the team of super-skilled mixologists do all the work as you sip on Jangshi Zombies, chocolate orange espresso martinis and Singapore Slings.
Offering some of the cheapest drinks in Edinburgh, Belushi's is a perfect option for students. Whether you're grabbing a few bevvies or hosting a full-blown pres, it's always a lively, fun and cheap hangout. Head here on matchday and enjoy wall-to-wall coverage on the many HD plasma screens throughout.
The ENSA union bar below The Three Sisters is always abuzz with society socials, sports nights and those looking for some bargain booze. Enjoy £1.99 pints, £5 cocktail buckets and £2.35 spirit mixers at this student staple.
A student bar in Edinburgh with a ball pit? That can only be Ballie Ballerson, the famous spot that's made its way to our city all the way from the streets of Shoreditch, London. Expect £5 cocktails, a go diving among the balls and a live DJ to boot.
If you're looking for a decent spot that won't burn a hole in your wallet, then you've come to the right place. The Grove Street spot has been an Edinburgh institution for over 30 years, serving up stone-baked pizza, over 35 gins and boasting a retro arcade with an Xbox and a trilliards table.
Need somewhere to wet the whistle after a long day of studying? Then grab the gang and head over to Tron. Found just short of the Royal Mile, this brilliant boozer rustles up affordable food and drink, plus boasts live sports screenings, top-notch DJ sessions and so much more.
The team at BrewDog strongly believe in the saying 'work hard, play harder' and that's why they're offering exclusive mega deals just for students. Enjoy knock off burgers, free birthday treats and £15 bottles of fizz in this contemporary Cowgate spot.
The perfect spot for celebrating in Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire is known for its quirky drink offering and signature sharing cocktail trees. Book a booth ahead of time and enjoy an evening of throwing shapes to the city's best DJs.
Garibaldi's sticky floors and dirt-cheap drinks prices has earnt itself quite the reputation amongst Edinburgh's student population over the years. Located on Hanover Street, this place is a wonderland of cheesy tunes and regular drink deals.
Spread across two floors, city centre bar Revolution knows a thing or two about getting up to some late-night antics. And with mouthwatering cocktails, competitive shuffleboard tournaments and 25% off for all students? Just be prepared to miss those 9am lectures.
A one-stop-shop for all your nightlife needs, Paradise Palms hosts regular speed dating events, bingo games, karaoke sessions and live music. Adorned with neon lights, pink flamingos and quirky knick knacks, it's the perfect drinking den for a night on the tiles that won't see you reaching for your overdraft.
Come summer term The Pear Tree's legendary beer garden is flooded was students keen for an al fresco pint whilst catching up on the latest sporting fixtures on the huge outdoor screen. And if you're looking for some scran? There's 2 for 1 on all mains between Mondays and Thursdays when you flash your uni ID.
Located in Old Town, just a short stroll away from the majority of Edinburgh University's buildings, Pilgrim is the perfect spot for a post-lecture pint. Flash your student card here on a Monday and you'll be treated to £2.25 drinks, 50% off all burgers and free Kit Kats, because everyone needs to take a break every now and then.
This chilled out bar on Lothian Road is a top spot to hunker down between essays with a pint and some good chat. Located close to the Lauriston campus, you'll find 6 casks, 14 keg lines and 120 bottles and cans of beer to quench your thirst.
Staying open late between Thursday and Sunday nights, a guide to Edinburgh nightlife would be nothing without the vibrant Boteco Do Brasil. Styled as a colourful bar in Rio, the live salsa dancers, discounted tropical cocktails and reggaeton DJ sets create an atmosphere that can't be rivalled.
