Student Accommodations near University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the top universities in the United Kingdom, and every year, thousands of students come to the city to become part of its vibrant and historic student community. The University of Edinburgh is a top choice for students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK.

One of the major challenges these students face is finding the right student accommodation in Edinburgh. Although there are several neighbourhoods near the University of Edinburgh, like Leith, Bruntsfield, Newington, and Old Town, finding the right student property can be a hassle for many students. This is where University Living comes into the picture. With over 10 years of experience, we have helped more than 12 million students to date find the perfect student property in more than 640 cities. Through ULInfinity, students can also handle flight reservations, airport transfers, currency exchange, and overseas SIM cards.

There are various types of accommodation for students in the city, which are standard across all student accommodation in UK. These include University of Edinburgh's halls, Student Housing (PBSA), and private or shared flats. Additionally, students get the option to choose between various room types like ensuite, studio, and shared rooms. The weekly rent for student accommodation near the University of Edinburgh typically varies between £155 and £479/wk.

Founded back in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and the most respected public research universities not just in the UK, but across the globe. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, which includes some of the UK's top research universities. The University of Edinburgh has ranked as the 27th best university in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026, and is well-known for its excellent research capabilities and high student satisfaction. The university is home to roughly 44,000 to 48,000 students, and has a large and diverse student community, with over 45% of its students representing over 160 different countries. The university has several campuses, including:

• Central Area Campus

• King's Buildings Campus

• Little France Campus

• Western General Campus

The University of Edinburgh is famous for its research and strong academic programs in fields such as humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering, law, and business. The excellent student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 helps students learn directly from expert teachers and get involved in real research instead of just studying from textbooks. The university has also produced several notable alumni, including Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The university has also produced 19 Nobel Prize winners.

Some of the top student accommodation options near the University of Edinburgh include Lady Nicolson Court, Potterrow, and South Bridge. These are the closest to the university and are absolutely loved by students. Although there are plenty of options for students to choose from, not every property is the best suited for students of the University of Edinburgh. Therefore, it is important to look for properties that fit your budget and are located close to the university. The average weekly price of student accommodation near the University of Edinburgh typically ranges between £155 and £479/wk. The table below briefly explains the top properties:

Lady Nicolson Court, Edinburgh

• Address: 38 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BT, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students get to use an elevator, an entertainment room, and a parcel room to keep your packages secure!

• Best for: Students who are looking for a peaceful student accommodation with great transport connectivity and proximity to the university! This property also has some of the best studio apartments Edinburgh.

• Nearby attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The National Museum of Scotland, and The Royal Mile

Potterrow Edinburgh

• Address: 16-18 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 1 minute from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a TV room, a games room, a common area, and a vending machine!

• Best for: Students looking for a good student property with great ammeinites and proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Greyfriars Bobby statue

South Bridge Edinburgh

• Address: 53-68 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LS, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 3 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students get a wardrobe, a TV room, a laundry room, and a Health & Wellbeing room!

• Best for: Students who prefer convenience and wish to stay close to the university and top attractions in the city!

• Nearby attractions: The Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and The Real Mary King's Close

200 Cowgate Edinburgh

• Address: 200 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NQ

• Distance from University: Around 5 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a social space, a lounge area, and one of the best on-site maintenance teams.

• Best for: Students who wish to stay close to the university and get a plenty of basic ammennities, but do not wish to pay a premium price.

• Nearby attractions: The National Museum of Scotland, The Royal Mile, and St Giles' Cathedral

8 Roxburgh Edinburgh

• Address: 8 Roxburgh Pl, Edinburgh EH8 9SU, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a smart TV, a dining table, a study area, and a lounge!

• Best for: Students who are looking for cheap student accommodation near the university.

• Nearby attractions: The Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park), The National Museum of Scotland, and The Meadows Park

The cost of living for students near University of Edinburgh typically falls between £1,000 and £1,800 per month. Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities in the UK outside of London, and therefore, the cost of living in Edinburgh is quite high. However, if students plan their budget properly and ensure they don't overspend on everything the city has to offer, they can expect to spend a month in well under £1,000. One of the major expenses for students is the rent for their University of Edinburgh student accommodation. The table below underscores some of the major expenses that students might incur while studying in the city:

Students should keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may change based on their actual spending habits and lifestyle choices. To get a more accurate picture of the exact cost of living in Edinburgh, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of living Calculator.

Another major expense for students in the city is tuition fees at University of Edinburgh. The tuition fees for domestic (Scottish and UK) students are capped at £9,790 per annum, while the fees for international students vary from course to course and have been outlined in detail below:

Some of the best areas near University of Edinburgh for students are Leith, Bruntsfield, Newington, and Old Town. These neighbourhoods are a top choice for students in Edinburgh and are located in close proximity to the university. The best part about these areas is that they already have an established student community, and therefore, new students are recommended to stay in such locations so that they can reach out to their peers in case of any issues or emergencies. A brief overview of these neighbourhoods is provided below:

Old Town

One of the best places for student accommodation near University of Edinburgh is the Old Town, and is located a short 10-minute walk from the university! This neighbourhood is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a great immersive housing experience to students! The vibe of the niehgbourhood is quite academic yet vibrant, and is filleed with students, several top cafes, bookshops, and pubs. The area is ideal for students who want to be at the heart of university life, with everything from lectures to libraries and nightlife on their doorstep. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Edinburgh Castle, which is the iconic fortress dominating the city skyline, a short walk up the Royal Mile. The neighbourhood is also famous for housing the Meadows, which is a large public park just south of George Square, and is just the perfect spot for picnics, sports, and relaxation in the city, especially during summer. The average rent for student flats in the neighbourhood ranges between £1200 and £1600 per month.

Newington

One of the most popular neighbourhoods for student accommodation near University of Edinburgh is Newington, and is located a short 5-minute bus ride from the university! This is a classic student neighbourhood located just south of the city centre, and is a quieter and more spacious alternative to the Old Town, while remaining within easy walking distance of George Square and the main university! The area is popular with students from both the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University. One of the besst recreational spots in the neighbourhood is the Meadows, which is a large green park connecting Newington to the Old Town, and is frequented by students for everything from studying to community festivals. Another one of the most happening places in the neighbourhood is the Marchmont Crescent. This crescent is a beautiful sweeping crescent lined with local shops, including the famous Sainsbury's Local and several cosy cafes. The average rent for student residence in the neighbourhood ranges between £1000 and £1200 per month.

Bruntsfield

Located west of Newingtown, another one of the top neighbourhoods for University of Edinurgh student accommodation is Bruntsfield, and is located a short 10-minute bus ride from the university. This is a charming and affluent neighbourhood which is known for its high-quality restaurants, and a more laid-back, upmarket atmosphere than the areas closer to the university core. This neighbourhood has great transport connectivity throughout the city, and is absolutely loved by students! One of the best places to enjoy your free time in the city is Bruntsfield Links, which is a large, open park adjacent to The Meadows, and is known for its short-hole public golf course and sunny picnics. Bruntsfield is also home to the Morningside Road, which is the most famous and bustling high street in the city with independent bookshops, restaurants, cafes, and charity shops. The neighbourhood also houses The Dominion Cinema, which is one of Edinburgh's oldest independent cinemas and is known for its comfy seating and vintage interiors. The average rent for student halls in the neighbourhood ranges between £750 and £1000 per month.

Leith

Located north of the city center, one of the best neighbourhoods for affordable student accommodation near University of Edinburgh is Leith, and is a 25-minute bus ride from the university! The neighbourhood is the historic port area of the city, and has undergone a massive transformation to become one of the city’s coolest and the most vibrant neighbourhoods! Leith is particularly known for its excellent restaurants, gastropubs, and independent shops, as well as the Royal Yacht Britannia. This is undoubtedly one of the best neighbourhoods for students in the city. The only drawback of living in Leith is the travel time and cost that students would have to invest to commute to the university daily. Although students can use the tram services to reach the university affordably! One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is The Shore, and the revitalised waterfront area of the city which is lined with award-winning restaurants, gastropubs, and the historic Ship on The Shore. The neighbourhood is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was the former royal yacht, and now is a five-star visitor attraction permanently moored at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. The average rent for student apartments in the neighbourhood ranges between £600 and £900 per month.

Edinburgh is home to over 500,000 residents, and to make daily commuting easier for its residents, Edinburgh has developed an extensive public transport network that includes Lothian Buses and the Edinburgh Tram services. These act as a lifeline for students in the city and are used by thousands every single day. These modes of transport have been further explained below:

Buses

The most convenient and comfortable mode of public transit in Edinburgh are the bus services, and are used by students for their daily university commute! Lothian Buses is the main service provider in the city, and provides last mile connectivity throughout Edinburgh and also some important suburbs! A single one-way ticket costs £2.40, and the nearest bus stop to the university is Chapel Street, which is just a short 4-minute walk away. Some of the top bus routes include 23, 27, 41, 42, and 67.

Edinburgh Trams

One of the oldest network public transit system in the city are the Edinburgh Tram services, and runs from the Edinburgh airport to the city centre and further ahead till the shore of Leith. The nearest tram station to the university is Princes Street, and is located a short 5-minute walk away from the university. The entire one way round from the airport to Leith is completed in just 30 minutes!