University of Edinburgh King’s Building campus tour
By Lara, from the United States, studying Biological Sciences
Campus tours are one of the best ways to get a real feel for the University of Edinburgh, especially if you’re not able to attend an Open Day. They give you the chance to explore the campus in person, ask questions, and imagine what day-to-day life as a student might actually look like.
This tour focuses on King’s Buildings (KB) and is a perfect opportunity if you’re interested in studying a degree within the College of Science and Engineering.
As a current student, I lead these tours alongside other student ambassadors, so visitors hear about the University and campus from someone who studies here.
Hearing directly from current students often helps prospective students feel more comfortable asking questions and in return, getting honest answers as well as the context that goes beyond what you might find online!
The Nucleus Building
The Nucleus is the starting point for KB tours and is the heart of student life on campus. I absolutely love spending time here, and so does most of the student population.
Before my first tour, I was under the assumption that students only spent time in their own subject buildings, but seeing the Nucleus in action showed me that everyone really mixes together at Edinburgh.
Most large lectures are held here as well as various workshops in the teaching studios. It also hosts the Wrap Bar and Nucleus Café, which are extremely popular on-campus lunch options.
Engineering Building (New)
Whilst not open yet, I love pointing this structure out on tours because it’s exciting to watch the campus grow. It’ll be a huge new hub with teaching and study spaces, research labs, a café, and an outdoor terrace. I can’t wait to see it come to life.
The building will also be home to expanded facilities for the Institute of Energy Systems, where cutting-edge research in sustainable energy will take place.
Ashworth Laboratories
I may be a bit biased as a Zoology student, but I adore the Ashworth Building. Now it’s known as the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and is where research and teaching in areas such as animal biology and genomics take place.
It’s incredible to see how an almost 100-year-old building has been adapted for current scientific research without erasing its history. The main lab still even uses the authentic wooden benches that generations of students have used.
The Quad
When the Scottish weather decides to play nice, the Quad is the place to be! It’s a great social spot and perfect to romanticise your student life by studying on a picnic blanket.
During the summer you can even book the grills for BBQs or eat your lunch outside throughout the year (though I’ll reiterate that the Quad really comes alive during the Spring and Fall when a comfortable breeze pairs well with the sun).
Swann Building (The best view at KB)
On my first tour of KB, my guide told me that if I wanted the most beautiful study space on campus, I should go to the seventh floor of the Swann Building. I can now confirm that this is exactly the case.
Swann’s seventh floor offers a sweeping view of Edinburgh, from the Castle to Arthur’s Seat. And if you look closely, you can see McEwan Hall, Appleton Tower, and Pollock Halls).
This view is especially something I would not have expected when I first explored campus as a new student, as KB has a reputation (by some) for being less picturesque than Central Campus. However, Central doesn’t offer views like this! The space is also used as a lunch, social, and poster space, mainly by biologists but open to anyone studying at Edinburgh.
My KB tour top tips
I would highly recommend checking the weather in advance and preparing as much as you can for any rainy conditions. Throughout my time in Edinburgh so far, I have realised that the weather can change shockingly fast and the city is no stranger to rain. Packing a rain jacket or umbrella just in case will make sure that the outdoor portions of the KB tour are much more comfortable.
To make the most of the tour, I suggest preparing some questions (either in your head, on a sticky note, or your phone’s notes app) in advance that cover your biggest concerns or curiosities about day-to-day university life, studying at KB campus or the University in general.
For example, you can ask your tour guide about our accommodation experiences, where our favourite study spots are, any advice regarding moving away from home and getting to know the city, what our typical workload looks like, and/or how to make friends while on campus.
Your tour guide is there to answer any and all questions you may have about their experience of university life so don’t hesitate to ask.
We look forward to welcoming you to the King’s Buildings campus on a tour soon!
