Fine Art at Edinburgh Uni vs Kingston Uni

hi! i’ve been offered a conditional place for the Fine Art course at ECA and an unconditional at Kingston.
currently, i’m debating the benefits of studying in London (a huge creative hub full of opportunities but this may be a romanticised/naïve view?) versus Edinburgh, also with a good creative scene but not comparable to London. i like the course and extracurriculars more at Edinburgh but can’t shake the thought of having trouble finding work in the future because i didn’t study in/near London. i’m open to discussion and any advice is welcome!

Hi @yuni.mints
Congratulations on your offers! I both study here at Kingston School of Art and have friends here who study fine art and have just recently visited my friend in Edinburgh who studies fine art so I feel I can give you a interesting insight of what I have observed, although I have only visited Edinburgh for a couple of days and been at Kingston for a year now. So I would recommended also doing your own research and visiting open days or just the areas if you can, to see for yourself.
Firstly the creative scene, London of course there is a huge creative scene with so many galleries, museums and always new exhibitions. In Kingston itself there is a gallery next to the Knights park campus that students sometimes exhibit their work at and can get jobs there. As I have been looking for placements this summer I did find an overwhelming amount in London which is really useful, although I was looking for fashion there is lots of creative industries based there and creative events.
When it comes to Edinburgh I was surprised by how creative the environment felt, although lots of touristy parts I found the art students really make it feel creative, there are again exhibitions, events, museums and galleries, although not as many as London they are still there. When it comes to jobs and internships I am not entirely sure, it is not something I looked into, but potentially you could do your own search and see what opportunities there currently are in both cities to give you an idea and see what companies are based there. My friend also mentioned a grant scheme, which is very competitive, but basically the university offers money for students who want to go abroad for a placement or a course over the summer. My friend is doing a painting course in Italy with it. Plus you could always relocate after university.
The extracurriculars are a good point as you want to enjoy your time there. I am personally involved in a few at Kingston like Cheerleading and French, but it depends what you are looking for and interested in. You can also use any workshop at Kingston no matter what you study so it is a great opportunity to try lots of things. And the Knights park campus has lots of events going on, with one of the student union bars being located there, there are lots of fun events and overall a really creative feel to the campus, which I love.
The studio space at Edinburgh is amazing and very inspiring, I was impressed, but there is also great studio space at Kingston with first year studios being based right next to the campus and Middle Mill, so very convenient. And the second and third year studios being at a building called River House which is right on the Thames so very scenic.
The accommodation I found to be better value at Kingston. My friends accommodation was more expensive than what I am paying at Middle Mill and it was further away from the campus and not as modern. My other friend there, who I am not sure how much she is paying, was even further away and again not as modern. I personally prefer the layout of Middle Mill and find it much nicer with the look of the buildings, the rivers running through, the parking and the fact it is right next to the campus and so a creative atmosphere. Plus not far from central London. But I am sure you can have a look online and compare the two.
I hope this helps, and feel free to ask any more questions you may have
-Grace (Kingston Rep)

I’ve heard many things about Edinburgh giving placements in London too! I’m hoping they do the London area too, as I’m originally from there so was hoping for something close to home. Do share which you pick, I’d love to meet new people if you’re going to edi!

i’m going to Kingston! so unfortunately i might not meet you but you never know, might cross paths at some point haha, best of luck at Edinburgh

hi Grace! i actually firmed my offer for Kingston as 1st choice last week so i’m really looking forward to going in autumn. i think the idea of a huge city is what made me pick it as both courses are great, offer good opportunities and facilities. i was looking to stay in Middle Mill as well, would you say the shared bathroom situation is of any issue though?
thanks for your in depth reply btw! both are definitely great places to study so for me it came down to personal preference of what i want my studies and career in the future to be like.