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

A twin room shared with another student is usually the cheapest option for University accommodation.

Support is available to help disabled students secure accommodation that best suits their needs.

There are also accommodation options available for students who wish to bring their partners or children with them while studying (though, partner and family options are not covered under our guarantee).

Read our accommodation FAQs

  • 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

Benefits of our accommodation 

  • Live in a flat/house with other postgraduate students only
  • No deposit or guarantor required
  • One all-inclusive price, with contents insurance and free WiFi. No separate utility bills or hidden extras
  • 24/7 dedicated Residence Life staff provide wellbeing and pastoral guidance throughout the academic year
  • 24/7 security from the University’s Response Team available day and night
  • All our accommodation is managed by the University
  • Your accommodation rent is reinvested back into the University

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, you can find private accommodation in the city. Most undergraduate students stay in private accommodation from Year 2 onwards.

There are two types of private accommodation:

  • individual rooms in flats or houses or entire properties owned by private landlords, usually available for anybody to rent
  • purpose-built student accommodation blocks, which are managed by private student accommodation firms and only available to students

Renting from a private landlord

Flats and houses rented by private landlords:

  • are often managed and advertised by letting agencies
  • have open-ended leases, with no minimum or maximum period (although some landlords may prefer to let to tenants who will stay for at least 12 months)
  • usually require rent on a monthly basis (in some cases a landlord might request an upfront payment of up to six months’ rent)
  • do not usually include utilities (gas and electric) and WiFi in the rental price

Rental prices and quality of accommodation vary depending on location and property features. You can save money by renting in a cheaper neighbourhood and sharing with other students.

Advice on renting a room or flat (The Advice Place)

Advice on finding flatmates (The Advice Place)

Edinburgh neighbourhoods: video tours from our students

Renting private student accommodation

Purpose-built student accommodation blocks:

  • are similar to University accommodation
  • usually offer studios or ensuite rooms within shared flats
  • have fixed leases that correspond to the length of the academic year (for example, 39 weeks)
  • may require rent payment on a specific schedule, for example in four instalments throughout the year
  • usually include utilities (gas and electric) and WiFi in the rental price

The quality of private student accommodation tends to be high, which means it is often more expensive than renting from a private landlord.

List of private student accommodation providers (The Advice Place)

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