Winding cobbled streets, teeny tiny pubs, and more gorgeous buildings than you thought possible; Edinburgh is one dreamy city. Anyone lucky enough to attend this historic university is pretty much guaranteed a good time. To make doubly sure, we asked nightlife pros DesignMyNight for five ways to make the most of your time as a student at Edinburgh.

The Best For Post-Lecture Pints: The Hanging Bat

Whether you’re a newbie to this Scottish city or are well-versed in what Edinburgh has to offer, The Hanging Bat should be on your drinking bucket list. Great for beer novices and experts alike, the little wooden bar is frequently voted one of the best in Scotland. Sure, some of the options are out of a student’s range but have a chat with one of the friendly bar staff and they will recommend your perfect tipple. There’s a filling menu of burgers, hot dogs and ribs to mop up any remaining lectures’ blues.

The Best For a Crazy Night Out: Frankenstein/ Bierkeller

You might love it, you might hate it, but no student’s university experience is complete without a trip to Frankenstein/Bierkeller. The insane venue mashes together Oktoberfest and Mary Shelley’s mutant for a club like no other. What does that actually mean? Think steins of beers, old movies screened above the bar, and spooky decor that includes monster shows and static electric charges. Head here on a night out or look up one of their kooky events, from cabaret through to karaoke.

The Best For Hanging Out With Housemates: Pilgrim

From karaoke Sundays to themed pub quizzes, Pilgrim puts on a hot range of activities nightly, perfect for breaking the ‘who left the washing up’ tension. Only minutes from the uni campus, this bar is always buzzing. And it’s not just the location; students get 15% off the menu, which is full of comfort food classics, including haggis-topped hot dogs and nachos covered in pulled pork. Watch out; their cocktail sharers make missing that 9am lecture a very real possibility.

The Best For A Cute Date: Paradise Palms

Whether it’s the cutie you spied on your first day or a long-term thing, Paradise Palms is going to blow your boo away. This kitsch cocktail den is perfect for knocking knees and slurping tropical concoctions, with an original list of fruity mixes and an award-winning vegetarian food menu. It’s worth taking note of the weekly nights as the bar curates an eclectic mix of cabaret, spoken word and vinyl fairs, all set within a plant-filled, bunting-covered space.

The Best For An Affordable Meal: Tuk Tuk Edinburgh

Another night of pasta and pesto making you want to stick a fork in your eyeballs? Tuk Tuk will fill you up with a tasty dinner that won’t blow your student loan in one sitting. The vibrant restaurant is modelled on the street cafes of India, with candy-coloured interiors and curries that start from £4.95. The lunch deal is particularly good with four flavoursome plates coming in at £12 - add in their BYOB policy for wine or beer, and you’re onto a scrumptious bargain.

For more info on the best things to do in Edinburgh and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.