Another question about student living, George IV bridge.

[Ineedcoffeenow]

Apologies for posting again on this subject, but there is a potential flat for DD and her fellow students on George IV bridge. In the last thread, a couple of people mentioned to avoid Cowgate, which I believe runs underneath the bridge. Can anyone give advice on that area? DD says it’s where the clubs are so I expect it can be very busy on a night. Whether that’s a good thing or not, I don’t know.

Sorry, j should have made it clear that she’s in Edinburgh and goes to Napier—they’re mostly at Merchiston, a couple at Sighthil.

George IV bridge is quite a majestic street which links the Mound leading off Princes Street with the main university of Edinburgh area. It houses two enormous libraries and the rest is mostly pubs and restaurants. I can’t visualise a club as such but I’m likely out of touch. So, not particularly residential. It’s very central with great transport links. Yes, it sits above less attractive parts of the Old Town and is more touristy, I’d say.

Very central to the old town. However the clubs add hostels open very late and the street is busy.

It will be very loud - sirens, tourists, late night drinkers. It’s a major route.

If they love pub club and cafe life right on their doorstep, fine.
If they would actually like to get some studying done, I’d be looking further south towards more residential areas away from the main arterial routes.

It’s fine. Better than haymaket and south bridge. If it’s near Frankenstein it’ll be noisy at night but if it’s high up less of an issue. It’s a main route and absolutely mobbed with tourists but it’s a sensible central location.

the cowgate is four stories below the street because of the way the hills work so it’s not as noisy ( provided she’s up the stairs from George iv bridge, not in a “basement” flat).

on the 45, 23 bus routes for merchiston. Not as convenient for sighthill but ten minutes walk to Prince’s street for buses to get there

Easy walk to Merchiston, 10 mins via Mound to Princes St tram stop for Sighthill.

Anywhere central will be plenty safe.

If you are the same parent whose daughter was considering South bridge, id much prefer George Vii bridge. Yes it will be noisy but it feels a lot safer.

Nice street. I love Vittorias . My DD avoided the Cowgate when walking home late from the West even if quickest route not because she felt unsafe more because how busy with people (and not very pretty compared to walking via Victoria Street/Royal Mile). I’d be more worried about noise. My DD not on the Bridge but adjacent to Cowgate used earplugs/noise cancelling headphones which worked well but might not suit everyone.

Better than South Bridge and she can get the 23 to Napier at Merchiston and would shorten the walk to the Craiglockart campus.

It’s not a residential area. In August it is hard to walk down the street with all the tourists on the pavement. It’s adjacent to a studenty area near Edinburgh Uni at one end and has hotels and the royal mile at the other. Seems perfectly safe but could be loud.

Is The flat a decent price? I only ask because you could probably find somewhere nearer Sighthill , say Longstone/Chesser, that’s not far from either

Sorry but I think it would be horrible to live there. Noisy and rammed full of tourists the whole time.

I think it would be a brilliant place to live as a student. Safer as so busy and open. Middle of fun. Beautiful too.

Nothing earplugs won’t be able to fix.

For student living, it will likely be noisy but fine. Not somewhere to live permanently but OK for a year when you're young. Very handy for going out and getting back afterwards.

I lived there as a student ( albeit at Edinburgh so shorter walk) and it was fab. Not always quiet but utterly brilliant!

Very similar to South Bridge in terms of noise/busyness/access to services without the Hunter Sq crowd. Sits above the Cowgate so can be avoided if she chooses to. Fwiw, there are blocks of uni student accommodation along the Cowgate & I personally don't think it's unsafe, just busy with clubbers etc. Edinburgh city centre is pretty safe, I wouldn't say there are any no go areas.