Sure, student union bars are cheap – but which are the best ones? In the capital, Edinburgh College of Art’s Wee Red Bar is a gem. As well as low-priced drinks, look out for upcoming club nights Jackhammer (techno), Mjölk (Swedish indie) and longtime indie-kid’s favourite, The Egg, too. Edinburgh Uni’s Teviot – the oldest purpose-built student union in the world – is home to several bars. One that stands out is the Library Bar, with its book-lined shelves and snug sofas –plus you can get beer and a burger for £5.

Nearby, you’ll find Sandy Bell's, a renowned folk music venue with live performances every evening (as well as great whisky). On the rare occasions the sun is out, head to the Pear Tree’s expansive and leafy beer garden. On the other side of the Meadows, The Earl of Marchmont is a lively pub that does mean meal deals and delicious ale.

For cocktails, the New Town has things sewn up: you might spend more than you’d like at swish 99 Hanover Street and cosy Bramble – both just a short walk from Princes Street – but you’ll be sampling drinks from some of the city’s best mixologists (the Edburgian at Hanover is a particular favourite). Or head to Bar Soba, which has bars in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, for a delicious mix of cocktails and pan Asian street food – students get 2-for-1 on all main meals too (Mon–Thu, and Fri until 5pm).