EdinburghStudent Accommodation In
There’s no city quite like Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital boasts striking architecture, rich history and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a melting pot of culture, literary arts, and higher education, and is considered one of the world’s best festival cities.
Book with confidence
Edinburgh is so much more than its famous castle, Arthur’s Seat and the fringe festival – although they certainly help to draw the crowds. From the olde-worlde charm of Old Town and the famous Royal Mile to the hip and artsy Leith, there’s so much for students to discover. All the parks, beaches, pubs, museums, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants in and around Edinburgh could keep anyone busy for a lifetime.
Unite Students puts you in the heart of it all with outstanding Edinburgh student accommodation. We have two properties on Leith Walk just north of the city, surrounded by a plethora of independent cafes and bars. Our other five properties are dotted around The University of Edinburgh, close to Holyrood Park, Southside and Haymarket.
We have seven different student halls to choose from in Edinburgh:
So, whether you’re applying for the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University or Edinburgh Napier University, we’ve got you covered.
Book now for 2024/25 to secure your room.
Choose your property and room type.
Book a viewing or watch a virtual tour.
Choose your length of stay.
Enter your personal details.
Enter your guarantor details.
Submit your payment details.
Choose the instalment plan of one, three or seven payments.
To book student accommodation in Edinburgh you must be at least 16 years old and a student in education.
We offer as standard:
7 Day Cooling-Off Period – if you change your mind you can cancel your booking within seven days.
No Place, No Pay – if your offer is withdrawn or you choose a different university, you can cancel your agreement at no cost.
You can pay for your Edinburgh student accommodation in the following ways:
Direct Debit
Card payment
UnionPay for international students
All bills are included with Unite Students, so there are no hidden extra costs. Pay in one, three or seven instalments to suit your finances.
We don’t take deposits but advance rent may be required. This is a small part of the full-year amount, and we put this towards your first rent instalment.
You may need a guarantor for your student accommodation in Edinburgh. This must be someone over 25 who can make payments if you’re unable to pay rent on time – for example, a parent or legal guardian.
Our Edinburgh student housing comes in three grades:
Basic – our best value student accommodation, with access to all the facilities.
Classic – get more space and storage with our Classic rooms.
Premium - better views, more space and larger beds when you opt for Premium.
Features may vary by property – browse our Edinburgh student accommodation for further details.
Find out what’s included in your room and what you need to bring.
You can apply for student accommodation in Edinburgh as soon as you have accepted an offer from the university. The earliest you can book accommodation is from the first week of November for the following academic year in September. Edinburgh property is in high demand and usually sells out quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as possible.
Be aware that universities often have deadlines for applying ahead of your course start day, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Applying early (at least three months before) also means you can lock in the price with no expected rises in costs.
If you’re going through clearing – don’t worry! Most universities will keep rooms available within their accommodation for clearing students. That means we may still have some Edinburgh university accommodation available. Even if there aren’t any rooms up for grabs, you have the option to join the waiting list. And, if you don’t get your place as a first-year student, you can always cancel for free.
Prices for Edinburgh student accommodation depend on where you stay. They can range from budget accommodation away from the city centre to more high-end offerings close to popular amenities within the city. Booking your accommodation early can help to lock in the best price.
Unite Students prioritises safety for all residents. All of our properties are accessed by either a fob or card system, and each room has its own secure lock. We also have CCTV at every home, a concierge with 24/7 assistance, and an onsite service team.
Edinburgh Old Town is one of the city’s most popular student areas. Catch a movie at the Cameo Cinema then tuck into a gourmet burger at the Red Squirrel. Heading out? The Liquid Room is a student favourite. Even better, our Chalmers Street and Sugarhouse Close student accommodation are nearby.
Yes, you can view student accommodation in Edinburgh before booking with Unite Students. We’ve created 360 tours so you can view our properties online, but there is also the option to view the property in person. Book a viewing online today, or email or phone us to arrange one, and we’ll sort the rest.
No, you don’t have to stay in halls at Edinburgh universities. While there are university-owned halls available, you can choose privately-run student housing in Edinburgh with Unite Students. If you’ve requested accommodation through your university, our local property team will get in touch to complete your booking.
According to the NatWest Student Living Index, Edinburgh is the most expensive place in the UK for students to live. The city is a desirable place to stay, which means student accommodation, food and drink and going out all tend to cost more than in other cities. That being said, there are lots of places that cater for a student budget if you know where to look. Plus, Edinburgh’s culture, lifestyle and universities more than make up for the cost.
Haymarket, Marchmont, Morningside and Bruntsfield are all popular student areas close to university campuses and within easy reach of Edinburgh city centre. Most first-year students live in halls – dedicated student flats either run by the university or private companies like Unite Students.
While lots of second-and third-year students choose to live in house shares, student accommodation is still an option. Unite Students offers group bookings, so you can enjoy all the benefits of purpose-built student accommodation while living with your chosen friends.
Our student accommodation in Edinburgh is purpose-built for university students. That means, aside from your room and flat, you’ll also find communal areas. Features like study spaces, common rooms, cinema rooms, gyms and laundry facilities are available at Unite Students, depending on where you choose to live. Check out our accommodation pages for more information on facilities and amenities.
Boasting world-renowned universities, history, culture and nightlife, Edinburgh makes a fantastic university city. Well connected with public transport links and also compact enough to walk around, Edinburgh city centre has something for everyone, from charming pubs and grand museums to modern eateries and independent shops. Students flock to Edinburgh every year, with over 55,000 students living and studying in the city.
