The oldest and largest art school in Scotland, situated in a striking position above the Grassmarket and facing the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Founded way back in 1760, it has an illustrious history and is considered one of Europe’s most successful art education institutions.

The main redstone building on Lady Lawson Street features the beautiful Sculpture Court where you’ll find casts of the Elgin Marbles placed alongside work by current students. The art and design library sits at the other end of the architectural scale in the modern Evolution House on West Port, adjacent to the original building.

It merged with the University of Edinburgh in 2011 and co-founded Screen Academy Scotland — an educational centre of excellence for film studies — in 2005, alongside Edinburgh Napier University. Alumni range from contemporary composer Max Richter to Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, the first woman elected to the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy.

iQ offer a range of student room options within walking distance of Edinburgh College of Art and a stone’s throw from Edinburgh's historic city centre. With Elliott House overlooking the Royal Terrace Gardens and giving views of Calton Hill, Grove handily situated between Haymarket Train Station and the glorious Meadows, and Fountainbridge on a direct bus route to the uni campuses outside of town, we’ve got all bases covered.

See all our Edinburgh student accommodation