Manchester local studying Theoretical Physics at Edinburgh here. Congrats on the offers, honestly it's a tough choice. I chose Edinburgh because it's a beautiful city, a lovely place to study, but at the same time I wasn't too bothered about socialising and that. Yes, King's is a bit out of the city but it's well connected and we have free bus travel up here! On the student satisfaction side of things, Edinburgh takes 7 months to get results to you, and Manchester evicts you from your accommodation so pick your
poison! Nah, but both physics departments are very solid, and I know that Physics actually came 2nd in the Edinburgh subject specific student satisfaction rankings.
As for student life, I think both have good opportunity obviously, but I think Manchester has more student stuff going on. My nights out back in Manchester are defo a lot wilder than anything here in Edinburgh. I went to high school right next to the Man Uni campus, so I can tell you that the vibes are pretty good, and the physics building is right there in the centre of it all. Also Edinburgh's socities are so-so at best. From some of my teachers' stories, I think Manchester is stronger in that aspect.
They're both brilliant cities. Edinburgh is beautiful and historic and iconic. Manchester of course has a very strong industrial history and is much bigger. Like that's one thing I've found moving to Edinburgh, it's so small! Not necessarily a bad thing but again, if student life is your thing. As for vibes, Edinburgh definitely feels a bit posher. Manchester is a bit more like Glasgow and, to quote the great man Limmy himself "Edinburgh's for visiting, Glasgow's [Manchester's] for living". That's not to say Edinburgh couldn't work for you, I love it here!
Anyway those are just my two cents, let me know if there's anything specific you want to know about either.