This selection of old photographs from the Evening News archives show Edinburgh University’s Rectorial election had become a big event, as were charity fundraising stunts - from “horizontal climbing” to smashing up pianos.
There were also student protests over issues such as the Vietnam war and in support of causes like housing campaign Shelter.
Scroll through these pictures to get a flavour of student life in the Capital back in the 1950s and 1960s.
5. Flour bombs in Old Quad
Students throw flour bombs at each other during the Rectorial clashes at the Old Quad of Edinburgh University in November 1968. | TSPL
6. Pistols at Dawn in Princes Street
These students staged "Pistols at Dawn" stunt in Princes Street to raise money as part of the 1965 Edinburgh Students Charities Appeal | TSPL
7. Fast for peace in Vietnam
Members of the Christian Student Movement with sleeping bags take part in a National Fast for Peace in Vietnam on the steps of the Edinburgh University chaplaincy in Forrest Road in October 1967. | TSPL Photo: George Smith
8. Asking about shoes
Students with a clipboard question shoppers in Princes Street Edinburgh as part of a shoe survey in November 1968 | TSPL Photo: Alan Ledgerwood