40 George Square is a key University of Edinburgh building in the heart of the George Square complex on the Central (Old Town) campus, best known for its Study Hub, a large modern space with over 340 study spaces for focused and collaborative work. If you are a student wanting to live within walking distance of George Square and the central campus, browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh for options in the Old Town, Southside and Newington, then read on for what 40 George Square offers. This guide covers the building, the Study Hub, its facilities, opening context and how it fits into student life.
40 George Square at a glance
| Item | Details |
| Building | 40 George Square, University of Edinburgh |
| Campus | Central (Old Town) Campus, George Square complex |
| Best known for | The Study Hub (340+ study spaces) |
| Uses | Study space, teaching rooms, social and events space |
| Facilities | Heat and Eat area (microwaves, hot water tap), soft seating |
| Nearby | Main University Library, George Square Gardens, Bristo Square |
40 George Square is part of the George Square complex at the heart of the University of Edinburgh's Central Campus, offering a contemporary mix of teaching, study and social events space. Its most-used feature for students is the Study Hub, which is designed to provide space for both focused study and social, collaborative activity, with over 340 study spaces across the building. It sits alongside the main University Library and other central-campus buildings, making George Square the academic heart of the university. My tip: 40 George Square is one of the best central spots to study on campus, especially useful between lectures when you want a desk close to the Library.
The Study Hub at 40 George Square
The Study Hub at 40 George Square is a purpose-designed study space for the University of Edinburgh's students, blending quiet, focused study areas with room for group and collaborative work. A standout practical feature is the "Heat and Eat" area, with two microwaves, a hot water tap and soft seating, all free to use by staff and students, which makes it easy to spend a full day on campus without spending money on food. You do not need to book a study space in advance, you simply turn up and find a free desk. My tip: bring your own lunch and use the Heat and Eat facilities to save money during long study days, a genuinely useful perk for students on a budget.
Facilities and opening hours
40 George Square provides study spaces, teaching rooms and social space, and during semester and exam periods most University of Edinburgh buildings are open from around 08:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, with study hubs often offering extended hours during exam diets. Note that essential building works were scheduled at 40 George Square from April 2026 into September 2026 to protect the fabric of the building, with the Study Hub remaining open but with some daytime noise, so check current notices if you are planning quiet study there. My tip: check the University's live study-space page (Information Services) for current opening hours and any building-works updates before you head over, especially during exams.
Living near 40 George Square and the central campus
For students who spend a lot of time at George Square, living in the Old Town, Southside, Newington or Marchmont means you can walk to 40 George Square and the main Library in minutes, which is a real advantage during exam season. These central and southern areas are the classic University of Edinburgh student neighbourhoods. My tip: if your course is based around George Square, prioritise accommodation you can walk to, and browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh, including central options like 200 Cowgate, to cut your commute.
FAQs
Q: What is 40 George Square at the University of Edinburgh?
A: 40 George Square is a University of Edinburgh building in the George Square complex on the Central Campus, offering teaching, study and social events space. It is best known for its Study Hub, which has over 340 study spaces.
Q: What is the Study Hub at 40 George Square?
A: The Study Hub is a modern study space with over 340 desks for focused and collaborative work. It includes a "Heat and Eat" area with microwaves, a hot water tap and soft seating, free for students and staff. No booking is needed, just turn up.
Q: Where is 40 George Square?
A: It is in the George Square complex at the heart of the University of Edinburgh's Central (Old Town) Campus, alongside the main University Library, in the Southside of the city centre.
Q: Do I need to book a study space at 40 George Square?
A: No, you do not need to book in advance. Simply turn up at the Study Hub and find a free desk. You are responsible for cleaning your space before and after use.
Q: What are the opening hours at 40 George Square?
A: During semester and exam periods, most University buildings open around 08:30 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, with study hubs often extending hours during exam diets. Check the University's Information Services page for current times and any building-works updates.
Q: Where should I live to be near 40 George Square?
A: The Old Town, Southside, Newington and Marchmont are all within walking distance of George Square and the central campus, making them ideal for students who study there regularly.
