It’s the most wonderful time of the year, flat hunting season. It can be a daunting thought to leave the warm, all bills included, comfort of halls – but all good things must come to an end. Think of it this way, you won’t ever again have to shamefully face a cleaner whilst half-naked, hungover, and face down in a toilet. Now that’s what I call freedom.

Although everyone and their mother talks about Marchmont as if it’s the holy land, Edinburgh actually extends past Warrender Park Road. Crazy, I know.

Hopefully, these starter packs offer you some guidance as you leave your cozy Pollock palaces and spread your wings into the harsh world of estate agents, dodgy landlords, and neighbours with children.

Godspeed x

Newington

Probably the smartest option, in my humble opinion. Comfortably close to George Square and KB, full of all of your faves – Peartree, Paradise Palms, Dog House, and best of all – Lidl. The only downside is getting too lazy to venture to the other side of the Meadows, oh- and rapidly rising rents. (Alliteration aside, it is genuinely a problem)

Marchmont

Flat hunting in Marchmont in January is akin to the Hunger Games, never have I voluntarily entered a more stressful situation than a flat viewing on Spottiswoode Street. But, ask anyone who’s lived in Marchmont – it kinda sucks. Full of mice and yoga mums, at least you’ll have your beaut bay windows to show for it.

New Town

Ask any New Town-er if they ever dread the uphill walk to uni and they won’t know what you’re talking about, because they Uber there anyways (it’s only like £1 each when split between the four of us anyway, duh). Living in New Town is more than just a choice, it’s a full-blown lifestyle. Dinner party on Dundas, off to Hanover Tap, then Gari B’s – a holy trinity draped in faux fur and flares, darling.

Tollcross

Tollcross is the hidden gem we never even thought were looking for. A nice 10-minute walk to George Square and an even shorter jaunt to ECA. Tollcross is chock full of restaurants and craft beer shops – you’ll become a total culture vulture. All the money you save on rent going towards that chic curry house on Leven Street and pitchers of Long Island at Caley Picture House. Also, banging castle views.

Bruntsfield

Bruntsfield is like Marchmont for people who couldn’t find a flat in Marchmont. Despite all of the nice boutiques full of clothing that I cannot afford, Brunty, unfortunately, is not very student friendly. Full of grumpy old people and gaggles of schoolkids who never seem to be in school, at least we can drown our sorrows in some nice G&Ts at Monty Ps and bask in the fact that the 20-minute walk to uni has kept us in reasonable shape.