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Whether you're a local resident, young person, school teacher, community group member, or part of a local business or organisation, we have something for everyone.
Community Access to Rooms offers local community groups and organisations the opportunity to use University rooms free-of-charge during evenings and weekends.
Our scheme helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration. We support local people's vision for a better Edinburgh.
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.
Arcadia Nurseries are nestled within the King’s Buildings and Easter Bush campuses, providing bright, purpose-built spaces designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and free play in a warm and welcoming environment.
Counselling for individuals who are residents of Edinburgh, aged 16 years or over.
Animal care
The Hospital for Small Animals offers care for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and exotic animals.
All4Paws offers support and advice for unhoused and vulnerably housed animal owners in Edinburgh.
Services for local business and organisations
Explore the University
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.
![Student in Old Medical School Outside the Anatomy Museum, Old Medical School Open to the World student recruitment campaign [Laurence Winram]](/sites/default/files/styles/card_image_top/public/2025-05/GRA_6712-1%20%5BLaurence%20Winram%5D-X2%20CROPPED.jpg.webp?itok=xv1kLd27)
Our superb Collections include musical instruments, works of art, manuscripts and rare books, anatomical specimens, rocks and fossils and much more.
![Students talking and walking outside the Main Library (looking towards 40 George Square) [Laurence Winram]](/sites/default/files/styles/card_image_top/public/2025-05/Students%20talking%20and%20walking%20outside%20the%20Main%20Library%20%28looking%20towards%2040%20George%20Square%29%20%20%5BLaurence%20Winram%5D.jpg.webp?itok=EyTLmyCg)
Our Main Library in George Square isn’t just for current staff and students; those living in the local community are welcome to use it too.
Our superb sports facilities are some of the best in the UK and open to everyone.
Our cafes are open to the public and located all across the central area and on campuses at Little France, the Western General, King’s Buildings and Easter Bush.
To stay: Edinburgh year-round hotels and summer accommodation.
To meet: venues and event management services.
Visit
Our Visitor Centre and Giftshop has a friendly and helpful team who can answer enquiries on most aspects of University life.
It is located in the University of Edinburgh’s Central Campus, opposite Teviot Row House.
Giftshop | Visitor information
Find out about open days, campus and virtual visits, tours, maps and buildings.
Learning opportunities
We offer short courses on a variety of interesting subjects, aiming to support learners who want to study predominantly for leisure purposes or learn a new skill.
Enhance your knowledge, skills and employability in a short time - ranging from a few hours to a few months. Choose to study online, on campus or blended, allowing you flexibility in your learning. Many courses are free of charge or low-cost.
We work with teachers, schools and parents to develop inspiring and educational programmes in schools across the region.
The University works with partners in the city to promote the Scottish Gaelic language and culture in our local area.
Modern Apprenticeships with the University are a great way for young people to make a positive start to their career.
An Edinburgh programming club for under-19s. Born out of the University of Edinburgh’s Informatics Forum.
Open Education Resources (OERs) are online resources that are available for others to use to support learning.
Our research and you
We recognise that listening to new perspectives and including public opinions and expertise can improve the quality of our research.
Find out about our Edinburgh focused-research, hear about projects our staff are working on and learn about some of the interesting research happening in your city's University.
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