Student Housing in Edinburgh

Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

Located in the southeast of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities, which host a large number of international students. The city is very diverse, with nearly one in four residents born outside the UK. The central location and excellent transport links make it ideal for international students. Compared to other major UK cities, Edinburgh is moderately affordable, though living costs are higher than in some other Scottish cities. With over 50,000 international students, Edinburgh has a highly competitive student accommodation market.

Choose UniAcco to ease the stress of finding the right student accommodation. At UniAcco, we only list verified properties. All properties are fully furnished, include all-inclusive bills, have no hidden charges, and we provide 24/7 support.
 

Explore Student Room Types in Edinburgh

Finding a good student accommodation in Edinburgh is challenging; you’ll find a range of student accommodations with different price ranges. Understanding the room type and which one suits you best helps students make the right, affordable decision.

• Ensuite Room

These rooms are ideal for students who want a balance between privacy and social life. In ensuite rooms, students will have their own bedroom and bathroom and share the living room and kitchen. At UniAcco, these rooms come with a bed, a study desk, a wardrobe, and sometimes extra storage.

• Non-Ensuite Room

These rooms are ideal for extroverted, social students. In non-en-suite rooms, students will have their own bedroom and share the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Non-ensuite rooms are generally cheaper than ensuite and studio rooms.

• Studio Room

These rooms are ideal for students who want full privacy; they offer the most independent living option. Studios are self-contained units with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. Studio rooms are usually more expensive than en-suites and non-ensuites but offer maximum privacy.

• One Bed Apartment

These apartments are ideal for students who prefer space while still living independently. It has a separate bedroom, a private bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen. One-bed apartments are usually more expensive than studio rooms but offer a quieter living environment. 

• Two Bed Apartment 

These apartments are ideal for students who want to share accommodation while still having their own private bedroom. Having two separate bedrooms along with shared spaces such as a kitchen, living area, and sometimes one or two bathrooms. These are more expensive than studios and one-bed apartments because its private and spacious at the same time. 

• Three Bed Apartment 

These apartments are ideal for students who want to share accommodation with friends while still having their own private bedroom. A three-bed apartment usually includes three separate bedrooms along with shared spaces such as a kitchen, living area, and one or two bathrooms. These apartments are generally more expensive than studios, one-bed, and two-bed apartments because they offer more space and greater privacy. 

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

When looking for student accommodation in Edinburgh, students often face the challenge of balancing affordability and top amenities. But at UniAcco, students will not have to compromise on quality. With a wide range of room options, all-inclusive bills, and properties near universities, students can find options that suit their budget and lifestyle without worrying about hidden charges or complicated contracts. Below are some of the most affordable options.

1. The Bridge House
2. Edinburgh College Residence
3. Haymarket Yards
4. Edinburgh Gorgie, Edinburgh
5. Edinburgh Westfield, Edinburgh
6. Sugarhouse Close
7. 8 Roxburgh
8. Meadow Court Edinburgh
9. Haymarket - Edinburgh
10. Burnet Point

 

Best Student Housing in Edinburgh

Comfort doesn’t need to be pricey, and that’s what makes a student accommodation the best in Edinburgh. It’s comfortable, equipped with top amenities, all-inclusive, near your campus, and affordable compared to other big UK cities like London and Edinburgh. According to UniAcco’s data, the top 10 student accommodations are those that students call best for their modern amenities, security team, gym, and quiet study areas.   

1. Edinburgh Westfield, Edinburgh
2. Edinburgh Gorgie, Edinburgh
3. Vita Student Fountainbridge, Edinburgh
4. Iona Street, Edinburgh
5. Haymarket - Edinburgh
6. South Bridge
7. Arran House
8. iQ Elliott House
9. Edinburgh College Residence
10. iQ Fountainbridge, Edinburgh
     

Best Areas to Live in Edinburgh for Students

Picking the right area in Edinburgh isn’t only about proximity to campus, but also about a safe neighbourhood and access to daily essentials. Let’s discover the top five best areas to live in Edinburgh.

• Marchmont: This area is a top pick for University of Edinburgh students; it’s just about a 10?minute walk from the George Square campus. Marchmont is known for its classic Victorian tenement flats, local cafés, and parks, such as The Meadows and Marchmont Gardens. Rent in this area is mid?range to slightly higher because of its popularity and proximity to campus.
• Newington: Newington isn’t just close to the University of Edinburgh (around 10 minutes on foot), but also one of the most student?friendly areas in the city. Known for its lively South Clerk Street with shops, cafes, and groceries, rents here start from moderate rates for private flats and shared housing.
• Leith:This area is a great spot for students looking for a coastal feel and lower rent compared to central areas. Leith has a diverse community, good bus links into the city centre, and an emerging arts and food scene, making it a popular choice for students looking for value.
• Stockbridge: Stockbridge gives a quieter, village?like feel within the city, with charming streets, boutique shops, and cafés near the Water of Leith. It’s ideal for students who want a peaceful area that’s still well?connected by bus to the main universities.
• Haymarket: Haymarket is a well?connected area west of the city centre, close to the tram and rail network, and convenient for students attending multiple campuses. It has a good mix of pubs, restaurants, and transport links, making it a balanced choice for students who want easy access to university buildings and city life.

 

Monthly Cost of Living in Edinburgh

Knowing monthly living expenses helps students budget better, especially in the UK, where everything is expensive. But compared to big cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, Edinburgh is moderately affordable. Students require £1,167–£2,330 a month to live comfortably, this figure includes accommodation, bills and food. Let’s take a detailed look at the cost of living in Edinburgh below.

 

Getting Around Edinburgh – Student Travel Guide

Knowing how you will commute every day and what options are available makes it easy for students to stay. Transportation in Edinburgh is very easy and affordable thanks to generous discounts, student passes, and easy access to the city centre. Below is the breakdown of travel modes availability in Edinburgh.

 

Student Life in Edinburgh: Lifestyle & Attractions

On weekends, students like to unwind after a stressful week at university; thankfully, there are a few famous places in Edinburgh where they can go without worrying about spending too much. Below are some of the students’ favourite places.

• The Meadows: Students go here on weekends or after lectures to hang out with friends, play sports, or have a picnic. This large green park is right next to the University of Edinburgh campus (about 0.3 miles away), so it’s easy to reach on foot. It has a lively and relaxed vibe, perfect for chilling in the sunshine.
• Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat: When students feel like escaping the city buzz, they head to Holyrood Park. Arthur’s Seat, an ancient extinct volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh, is great for hiking and relaxing. It’s around 1.9–3 miles from the University of Edinburgh, depending on the route you take.
• Grassmarket: People in the UK love vibrant social scenes; they thrive on them. This historic market area in Edinburgh’s Old Town is full of pubs, affordable eateries, and quirky shops. It’s about 0.5 miles from the University of Edinburgh, making it a popular evening hangout for students, especially those living in Old Town accommodation.
• National Museum of Scotland: On days when students want to learn something new or just explore indoors, many visit the National Museum of Scotland. Entry is free, and it offers exhibits on history, science, and culture. It’s about 0.6 miles from the University of Edinburgh city campus, so most students walk here easily between study sessions.
• Portobello Beach: Edinburgh is a busy city, which can be overwhelming for students sometimes. To relieve stress, students take a bus, train, or bike to Portobello Beach, a sandy seaside promenade where they can walk, relax by the sea, or meet up with friends. It’s about 4 miles east of the University of Edinburgh, roughly a 20–40 minute journey by public transport or bike.   

 

Top Universities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a population of over 50,000 international students, and most choose universities such as the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University. Both universities are known for strong academic reputations and diverse cultures. But these aren’t the only universities in Edinburgh. Let’s look at the ones below for the top universities in Edinburgh.

 

How to Book Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

Finding the right student accommodation in Edinburgh is not easy, but booking is even tougher. The procedure is lengthy; it involves signing complex documents, verifying properties and paying a deposit, but with UniAcco, it’s effortless. 

At UniAcco, students can compare prices and get personalised recommendations from our experts. Once you finalise the property, our team will help you with everything from filling out the forms to moving into the property.