Student Accommodation Edinburgh: The Ultimate Guide

Edinburgh, Scotland's captivating capital, allures students worldwide with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive Edinburgh city guide provides essential information for students, covering everything from the city's highlights to student accommodation options.

About Edinburgh

Located in southeastern Scotland, Edinburgh is a port city with Leith as its largest port on the North Sea. The city boasts a charming and aesthetic character, featuring two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Old Town and the New Town. Edinburgh abounds with cultural landmarks, including galleries, museums, historic palaces, and abbeys, alongside beautiful gardens and green spaces, with 32 considered the best in Scotland.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers numerous attractions and activities for students to enjoy.

Climb Up Arthur's Seat

Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, rises 251 meters above sea level in Holyrood Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Explore Edinburgh’s Museums and Galleries

Museums and Galleries Edinburgh comprises 13 venues housing over 200 historical monuments and 220,000 historical objects. The buildings themselves are architectural gems, with many being A and B-listed. Notable structures include the Scott Monument and the Nelson Monument.

Explore the Old and New Towns

The Old Town, established in the mediaeval period, and the New Town, built between the 18th and 19th centuries in a neoclassical style, are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Old Town features Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood House, Gladstone's Land, the National Galleries of Scotland, and St. Giles Cathedral. The New Town showcases neoclassical structures like the Georgian House, Princes Street, St. Andrew Square, Charlotte Square, and the General Register House.

Explore Edinburgh Nature

Edinburgh’s unique landscape of hills, parks, green fields, and ports provides opportunities for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking, boat trips down the Water of Leith, and visits to parks like the Royal Botanic Garden.

Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, a series of streets connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, is a culturally rich area in the heart of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top Places to Eat and Drink in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from fine dining to cozy cafes.

Restaurants in Edinburgh

Condita: Located at 15 Salisbury Pl., Newington, Condita is a Michelin-listed restaurant specializing in modern cuisine and offering an intimate dining experience.
Heron: Situated at 87, 91A Henderson St, Leith, Heron specializes in Scottish seafood with waterfront views and features an à la carte tasting menu.
Fhior: Located at 36 Broughton St, Fhior is a Scandinavian-style Scottish restaurant that offers seven and ten-course menus while focusing on local ingredients and fresh produce. It is another restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide.
Noto: Located at 47a Thistle St, Noto serves Japanese food with an American twist, earning the Bib Gourmand Award for its uniqueness and quality.
Baba: Located at 130 George St, Baba is a Middle Eastern/Levantine restaurant known for its bold flavors and small plates, perfect for sharing.

Cafes and Tea Rooms in Edinburgh

Fortitude: Located at 72 Newington Rd., Newington, Fortitude is a local favorite with single-origin specialty coffee and a coffee subscription service.
Union Brew Lab: Situated at 6-8 S College St, Union Brew Lab is a trendy cafe with an extensive menu, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Lowdown: Situated at 40 George St, Lowdown Coffee is known for its specialty coffee, light bites, modern ambience, and creative brewing methods.
The Dome Edinburgh: Located at 14 George St, The Dome Edinburgh offers an authentic afternoon tea experience in the Georgian Tea Room, featuring a Neo-classic style.
Palm Court: Situated at 1 Princes St, Palm Court serves award-winning afternoon tea in a serene setting with palm trees and Venetian chandeliers.

Where to Shop in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a variety of shopping destinations, from high-end boutiques to independent shops.

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Edinburgh Shopping Streets and Areas

Princes Street: Edinburgh’s main shopping street in New Town features architecture and historic shops like Hector Russell’s kilt shop. Notable brands include Apple, Boots, Primark, and Urban Outfitters.
George Street: Known for its high-end shops, cafes, beauty product stores, and jewelry stores, including AllSaints, GANT, and Joules.
Stockbridge: A charming area with boutique shops, homewares, crafts, and gift shops, featuring Georgian and Victorian architecture and cobbled roads.
Grass Market: Ideal for independent designers and merchants, offering high-quality gift shops and a rich history, along with various restaurants and cafes.

Shopping Centres in Edinburgh

Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park: Features over 70 shops, cafes, restaurants, a gym, and a cinema.
Ocean Terminal: Offers a mix of shopping and leisure with waterfront views, including a 24/7 gym, a 12-screen cinema, retail options, and dining options.

Transportation in Edinburgh

Navigating Edinburgh is easy with its various transportation options.

Bus

The bus is a convenient way to get around, with Lothian Buses being the biggest provider, operating 24/7. The TFE app helps plan journeys and buy tickets.

Tram

Trams run from the airport to Newhaven every seven minutes, with 23 stops and dedicated spaces for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

Ridacard

The Ridacard provides easy mobility around the city on buses and trams. A monthly adult Ridacard costs £66, while a student monthly Ridacard costs £57.

Taxi

The city has over 1000 black cabs, which can carry up to five passengers.

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Cycling and Walking

Edinburgh features safe cycling paths, including off-street paths with beach views and former train lines. The city is also ideal for exploring on foot, with distinct towns and natural sites like Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.

Student Life in Edinburgh

Student life in Edinburgh is vibrant, with historic sights and exciting places to explore. The city has a lively nightlife around Princes Street Gardens and near the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University. Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival.

Edinburgh's Top Attractions

Edinburgh’s top attractions include:

Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The New and Old Towns
The Real Mary King's Close
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens
National Museum of Scotland
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Where to Stay in Edinburgh?

Casita offers various student accommodation options in Edinburgh to suit different locations and budgets. Top picks include:

Edinburgh College Residence: An affordable option.
Lady Nicolson Court Roost: Ideal for central Edinburgh.
Silk Mill: A close and affordable option.

Finding University of Edinburgh Accommodation

uhomes.com offers a wide range of options to suit your needs and preferences. All student housing near Edinburgh University comes with modern furnishings such as free WiFi, laundry, lounge, fitness centre, lifts, study rooms, and 24-hour security, all designed for a comfortable life.

University of Edinburgh accommodation starts from £122 per week. All University of Edinburgh student housing is all-inclusive, so don't worry about water, electricity and internet. You can also take advantage of various discounts, including early bird offers, group discounts, and cashback promotions, to help alleviate financial stress.

Best University of Edinburgh Accommodation

uhomes.com offers top-rated student accommodation near the University of Edinburgh, so you don't miss lectures. All University of Edinburgh student housing offers first-class facilities, including an on-site gym, study area, games room, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and more, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Below are the best University of Edinburgh accommodation.

Huxley Studios
iQ Elliott House
Salisbury Court
Haymarket House
George Street Apartments
Westfield
27 King's Stables Road
Buccleuch Street
The Mont
Fountainbridge

Cheap University of Edinburgh Accommodation

uhomes.com offers a wide range of cheap University of Edinburgh accommodation. Affordable Edinburgh University accommodation starts from £122 per week, with all bills included.

Below, we list cheap University of Edinburgh student accommodation options.

Edinburgh College Residence: £121 per week
Westfield: £177 per week
McDonald Road: £192 per week
The Bridge House: £180 per week
Gorgie: £192 per week
8 Roxburgh: £199 per week
Beaverbank Place: £199 per week
The Mill House: £203 per week
Haddington Place: £207 per week
Haymarket: £211.02 per week

Best Areas for University of Edinburgh Student Accommodation

The best areas for University of Edinburgh student accommodation include Edinburgh Old Town, Newington, Marchmont, and Leith. These areas near the campus are in proximity to popular student areas and offer a student-friendly atmosphere.

Below are the best neighbourhoods for University of Edinburgh student housing, each offering unique benefits for University of Edinburgh students:

Edinburgh Old Town
Marchmont
Leith

Cost of Living in Edinburgh

Understanding the cost of living is essential for students.

General Expenses

Item	Cost (GBP)
Private One-bedroom Apartment (City centre)	£850 to £1,500 per month (Avg.)
Private One-bedroom Apartment (Outside the city centre)	£650 to £1,200 per month (Avg.)
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) + Internet	£250 per month
Purposely built student accommodation	£5,355 to £12,495 a year (Avg.)
Monthly Ridacard (Transportation)	£57 (student) or £66 (Adult) per month

Cost of Living at University of Edinburgh

The cost of living at the University of Edinburgh is around £1,023 and £2,043 per month, depending on your accommodation choices.

Below is the detail about the cost of living at the University of Edinburgh, including food, transportation, entertainment, laundry, and mobile phone costs.

Edinburgh University Accommodation: £200 to £500 per week
Food: £150 to £200 per month
Transport: £60 to £80 per month
Entertainment: £40 to £90 per month
Laundry: £30 to £60 per month
Mobile phone: £30 to £50 per month

Transportation at University of Edinburgh

Public transport around the University of Edinburgh provides a variety of ways for students to travel between UOE accommodation and campus, including free shuttle bus, bus, train and bicycle.

UOE Shuttle Bus
Public Bus
Trains
Cycling

Student Life at University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh has a strong, free and open learning environment with students from all over the world, where different cultures meet and mingle. The University of Edinburgh encourages students to think critically, emphasizes independent learning, and stimulates students to think for themselves.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of social and cultural activities. The University of Edinburgh has more than 280 student societies, 65 sports clubs with more than 8,000 members, and museums, galleries, and performing arts venues on campus for study and recreation, as well as a series of cultural events and festivals each year.

Tourist Attractions near the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh has many attractions nearby, so you don't have to worry about running out of places for your leisure time. You can visit the University of Edinburgh gyms, libraries, and McEwan Hall. Besides, there are many fun things to do in Edinburgh for students and convenient transport links to all parts of Edinburgh from the University of Edinburgh student accommodation. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions:

Calton Hill
Arthur's Seat
Forth Bridge
Edinburgh Castle
Princes Street Gardens
Meadows
Royal Mile

Popular Courses at University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of high-quality courses ranked among the world's top universities. Popular courses offered by the University include:

Medicine (MBChB)
Law (LLB)
Business & Management (MA Business & MSc Management)
Computer Science (BSc & MSc)
Artificial Intelligence (BSc & MSc)
Engineering (MEng & BEng)
Psychology (BSc & MSc)
Economics (MA & MSc)

Student Accommodation Edinburgh: A Deeper Dive

Finding suitable student accommodation in Edinburgh can be a challenge, especially for those new to the city. Fortunately, amber simplifies this task, providing plenty of student accommodation Edinburgh options. Deciding to reside off-campus comes with several advantages over on-campus living, such as increased independence, more diverse options, and often a closer immersion into the local Edinburgh culture.

Amber offers a range of room types in convenient locations across Edinburgh, ensuring that whether you're studying at the Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University or any other prestigious institution in the city, there's a comfortable and convenient place for you.

The choicest student accommodation Edinburgh options boast a range of amenities designed to suit students' needs, such as high-speed internet, communal study spaces, and often fitness centres, all designed to support both academic success and a balanced lifestyle.

When considering where to live during your university days, student accommodation in Edinburgh Scotland exemplifies convenience and comfort for a memorable university experience.

Localities such as Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh City Centre Newington, Potterrow, and Holyrood have become popular among students for their proximity to universities and the many Edinburgh student housing options. Each area brings something different to the table, from Marchmont's tranquil parks suitable for study sessions in the sun to Old Town's historic allure. Through amber, finding the right Edinburgh student accommodation options to suit individual preferences becomes an easier part of the exciting journey of studying in the United Kingdom.

Popular Student Accommodation Options

Here is a list of properties for student accommodation in Edinburgh, each delivering its unique blend of comfort and convenience, well-suited for any student's requirements:

8 Roxburgh
Haymarket
Sugarhouse Close
Gorgie
Vita Student Iona Street

Affordable Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

Here are the following affordable Edinburgh student accommodation in Scotland:

Edinburgh College Residence
Gateway Apartments
McDonald Road
Chalmers Street
iQ Fountainbridge

Best Areas for Student Accommodation

Here are some of the best areas to consider for student accommodation in Edinburgh:

Old Town
New Town
Leith
Bruntsfield and Morningside
Marchmont

Types of Rooms Available

Here’s a quick guide to the different room types available in student accommodation in Edinburgh UK:

Ensuite Rooms
Non-Ensuite Rooms
Studio Apartments
1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments
Shared Apartments
Private Rooms

Understanding the Cost of Living

The cumulative monthly cost of living for a student in Edinburgh is typically around £1,000 to £1,500 per month.

Below is the break down of all the expenses that might come your way, apart from the rent for your Edinburgh student accommodation:

Food & Groceries: £160 - £250/month
Transportation: £55 - $75.month
Utilities (including Internet): £120 - £200/month
Clothing: £150 - £200/month
Sports & Leisure: £100 - £150/month
Miscellaneous: £150 - £200/month

Transportation Options

Mentioned below are a few more transportation options:

Bus
Tram
Cycling

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