Accommodation

You can find a variety of accommodation options, located both on our campuses and in surrounding areas. We guarantee an offer of University accommodation to taught students from outside the UK and all research students.

University accommodation

Guarantees

You are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation if you are either a:

  • new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) student
  • new, single postgraduate taught student from outside the UK

The guarantee applies as long as:

  • you send us your online accommodation application by 31 July
  • you have accepted an unconditional firm (UF) offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • you will be studying in Edinburgh for the whole of the academic year starting in September

If you do not meet the guarantee, we recommend you still apply, and you will be put on a waiting list. Each year we have a number of spaces to offer students who do not meet our guarantee.

Accommodation guarantees

Our accommodation options

Our accommodation is based across a number of sites, all located within a short walk or bus ride from Edinburgh’s centre and the main University areas. 

Our accommodation options are:

  • self-catered
  • in traditional halls of residence or blocks of self-contained flats (typically four to six single bedrooms in a flat)
  • en-suite or with shared bathroom facilities
  • mostly mixed gendered, with some single gender flats available

We also offer options for those with disabilities and those with a partner or family (though, partner and family options are not covered under our guarantee).

Disabled students accommodation information

Couples and families accommodation information

  • A student works on a laptop at his desk in his university accommodation.
  • Two students sit on a bed looking at a laptop in their university accommodation.
  • Two students talk in the kitchen of their university accommodation.

What’s included in your rent

University accommodation offers:

  • comprehensive community and welfare networks from our Residence Life team
  • laundry facilities
  • secure cycle storage
  • shared spaces (like common rooms)

Rent for University accommodation typically includes:

  • utility (heating, hot water and electricity) costs
  • internet access
  • personal contents insurance
  • some cleaning services

Socialising and support

Our Residence Life team supports students living in University accommodation and aims to build community and create a home away from home.

We have a large team of staff, including many who live in the accommodation alongside you, such as the Resident Assistants who are continuing students. They help organise events and offer support for community issues.

We also have a team of Wellbeing Advisers if you need support with issues related to your health, wellbeing, studies or personal life.

Support from the Residence Life team

How to apply for University of Edinburgh accommodation

As soon as you have accepted an offer to study with us, you should apply for accommodation, regardless of whether your offer is Unconditional or Conditional.

How to apply for University accommodation

Private accommodation

If you would prefer not to live in accommodation managed by the University, we can also offer you advice and assistance on finding private student accommodation or renting from a private landlord.

Private student accommodation (advice from our Students' Association)

Renting a room or flat from a private landlord (advice from our Students' Association)

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