Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to over 75,000 students and is one of the UK's most sought-after student cities. With world-renowned universities, historic streets, excellent public transport and a lively social scene, it's no surprise that thousands of students move here every year. UniAcco offers over 59 verified student accommodation properties in Edinburgh, with options ranging from shared apartments and ensuite rooms to private studios. Weekly rents generally start from £180 and go up to £350, for shared rooms, en-suites, and studios. These properties are fully furnished—with all-inclusive bills, no hidden charges. 

Some of the most popular areas in Edinburgh include Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Marchmont, Edinburgh City Centre, and Edinburgh Waverley. These locations stay in high demand because they're close to major universities and have everything students need within walking distance. To avoid missing out on good student accommodation, it’s best to book at least 2-3 months before the term starts. With UniAcco, check rooms by type, area and budget, compare prices and book anytime and get queries answered by a 24/7 support team.

 

Edinburgh in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Edinburgh?

• World-Class Universities

Edinburgh is home to some of the UK's most respected universities. Whether students opt for the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University or Edinburgh Napier University, they'll be surrounded by a diverse student community from across the world. Most student accommodation options are well-connected to university campuses, making daily commutes simple.

• A Walkable Student City

One of Edinburgh's biggest advantages is how easy it is to get around. Many students walk to lectures, especially those living in areas like Bruntsfield, Marchmont and Tollcross. Even if students want to travel further, the city's buses and trams make getting around affordable and convenient.

• Modern Student Accommodation

Today's students expect more than just a room. Student accommodation in Edinburgh comes with fully furnished bedrooms, high-speed WiFi, study spaces, gyms, cinema rooms and communal lounges. Most properties also include all utility bills in the rent, helping students manage their monthly expenses with ease.

• Rich History with a Modern Lifestyle

Living in Edinburgh means studying in a city filled with castles, museums, festivals and green spaces. At the same time, students can find independent cafés, shopping streets, music venues and restaurants that make student life enjoyable throughout the year.

 

Accommodation Types Available in Edinburgh

• Ensuite Room

A private bedroom and bathroom with a shared kitchen and living room. A student favourite that balances privacy and community. These ensuite student accommodation Edinburgh rents on UniAcco start from around £160–£230/week.

• Non-Ensuite Room

A private bedroom with a shared bathroom, kitchen and living space. The most budget-friendly option is still fully furnished with modern amenities. From around £150–£250/week.

• Studio Room: 

A fully private space with its own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, no shared living areas. Student studios Edinburgh start from around £225–£400/week.

• One-Bed Apartment: 

A private bedroom, kitchen and living area for personal use, similar to a studio but more spacious. Popular with postgraduate students. From around £220–£350/week.

• Two-Bed Apartment: 

A private bedroom with a shared kitchen, bathroom and living area, good for two friends or siblings sharing. From around £150-£250 per person per week.

• Three-Bed Apartment: 

Everyone gets their own room while splitting rent and utilities among three. One of the more affordable per-person options, at around £190–£230/week.

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Edinburgh

• Bruntsfield

Known for its charming Victorian buildings and independent cafés, Bruntsfield is one of Edinburgh's most popular student neighbourhoods. It's peaceful enough for studying but lively enough to keep students entertained throughout the week. The average rent for student accommodation here ranges between £190 and £280 per week. The University of Edinburgh is around a 19-minute walk, while Edinburgh Napier University's Merchiston Campus is 10 minutes away. Students often spend weekends at Bruntsfield Links, one of Edinburgh's oldest public parks, or grab coffee from one of the many cafés along Bruntsfield Place. The area is safe, highly walkable and filled with local supermarkets, restaurants and bookstores. Since accommodation demand is high here, Brewers Court, Edinburgh Gorgie Edinburgh, Edinburgh Westfield Edinburgh, rooms on UniAcco usually sell out well before summer.

• Tollcross

Tollcross is one of the closest student neighbourhoods to Edinburgh's city centre. It offers excellent transport links and plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and entertainment venues within walking distance. Student accommodation in Tollcross generally costs between £200 and £300 per week. The University of Edinburgh's Central Campus is around 14 minutes on foot, while Edinburgh College of Art is only 7 minutes away. The neighbourhood is popular for its independent cinemas, cafes and late-night food options. Students particularly enjoy spending time around The Meadows, which sits just a short walk away. Since it's a central location, rents are slightly higher for these McDonald Road and The Pepper Mill UniAcco furnished student accommodation Edinburgh. 

• Marchmont

This is one of Edinburgh's classic student neighbourhoods. With tree-lined streets, traditional tenement buildings and plenty of local cafes, Marchmont has a quieter atmosphere while being close to university campuses. Student accommodation near university Edinburgh rents range between £190 and £270 per week. The University of Edinburgh can be reached in around 10 minutes on foot, making it a favourite among undergraduate students.The area is residential and peaceful, although accommodation availability becomes limited quickly before the September intake. Some student favourite on UniAcco are Arran House and Straits Meadows. 

• Edinburgh City Centre

Edinburgh City Centre places students right in the middle of everything the city has to offer. From historic landmarks and shopping streets to restaurants, libraries and transport links, everything is within walking distance. The average rent here ranges between £220 and £340 per week with bills included in student accommodation Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh's Central Campus is around a 14-minute walk, while Edinburgh College of Art can be reached in about 8 minutes. Some popular UniAcco student accommodation edinburgh city centre include iQ Elliott House and Vita Student Fountainbridge.

• Edinburgh Waverley

Centred around the city's main railway station, the Waverley area is ideal for students who travel frequently or want quick access to different parts of Edinburgh. The neighbourhood blends historic architecture with modern apartments, cafés and shopping destinations. Student accommodation around Waverley generally starts from £210 to £320 per week. The University of Edinburgh is 12  minutes on foot and the Edinburgh College of Art is around 19 minutes away. The location is extremely convenient, but because it's in the heart of the city, it can be busier during the tourist season. Potterow and Portsburgh Court are famous student accommodation edinburgh.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities

• University of Edinburgh

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of Scotland's ancient universities and is ranked among the world's leading institutions. Its main teaching locations include Central Campus, King's Buildings and several specialist campuses spread across the city. The most popular student neighbourhoods include Marchmont, Bruntsfield, Tollcross and Newington, all of which are within walking distance of the main campus. Students looking for student accommodation in Edinburgh can expect average rents between £185 and £300 per week, depending on the room type and location. From Marchmont and Tollcross, the commute is usually 10–15 minutes on foot, making these areas particularly popular with first-year and international students.

• Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is well known for its programmes in engineering, business, computing and the built environment. Its main campus is located in Riccarton, around six miles west of Edinburgh city centre. Students studying here often choose accommodation in Fountainbridge, Gorgie, Slateford and Haymarket, as these areas offer regular bus connections to campus. Weekly rents generally range from £180 to £270, and the journey to university usually takes 20–30 minutes by bus.

• University Edinburgh Kings Buildings

King's Buildings is the University's dedicated campus for engineering, science, mathematics and technology programmes. Located in the south of the city, it attracts thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students every year. Neighbourhoods such as Newington, Marchmont and Blackford are among the most convenient places to live. Student accommodation here typically ranges from £185 to £280 per week, with commute times of 10–20 minutes by bus or bicycle.

• Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University has three campuses across the city, with Merchiston being the largest for many undergraduate programmes. The university is known for its strengths in business, computing, engineering and creative industries. Students often choose accommodation in Bruntsfield where average weekly rents range between £180 and £290. From Bruntsfield many students can simply walk to campus in under 10 minutes. 

• Edinburgh College of Art

The Edinburgh College of Art forms part of the University of Edinburgh and is one of the UK's leading institutions for art, architecture and design. Students generally choose to live in Tollcross, Bruntsfield, City Centre and Marchmont, where weekly rents usually fall between £190 and £310. Walking to campus takes anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the neighbourhood.

 

Cost of Living in Edinburgh

Compared to many UK student cities, Edinburgh is one of the costlier student cities. Rent is usually the biggest expense, while transport remains affordable with student discounts. Students must also always carry along their student ID and register for cards like UNiDAYS or TOTUM for deals on food and entertainment. The average monthly living expenses to range between £1,200 and £1,800. 

 

Getting Around Edinburgh - Student Travel Guide

Edinburgh is one of the UK's most walkable student cities. Many students living in Bruntsfield, Marchmont and Tollcross walk to lectures every day. For longer journeys, the city's buses and trams provide reliable transport across Edinburgh.

 

Student Life in Edinburgh

• Cafés and Study Spaces

Edinburgh has ample of cafes where students can study between lectures. Neighbourhoods like Bruntsfield, Marchmont and Newington are filled with independent coffee shops offering free WiFi and comfortable seating. Many students also spend time studying at the University of Edinburgh's Main Library, which stays open for long hours during those stressful exam periods.

• Societies and Student Life

Joining a society is one of the easiest ways to meet people after moving to Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh Students' Association offers more than 300 student societies, that covers everything from sports and volunteering to music, debating and entrepreneurship. Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University also have active student unions with clubs, events and wellbeing support throughout the year.

• Shopping

Whether students are looking for high-street brands or independent boutiques, Edinburgh has plenty of shopping options. Princes Street is home to major retailers, while St James Quarter offers a mix of fashion, restaurants and entertainment. Students looking for vintage clothing often visit Grassmarket and nearby independent stores. Supermarkets including Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Sainsbury's are conveniently located across most student neighbourhoods.

• Sports and Fitness

Edinburgh offers plenty of opportunities for students to stay active and students must take advantage of this. Universities have modern gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs while green spaces like The Meadows, Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat are popular for running, walking and outdoor workouts. Many accommodation buildings also include on-site gyms, making it easier for students to fit exercise into their daily routine.

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Edinburgh has something for everyone after lectures are over. Students can enjoy live music venues, comedy clubs, traditional pubs and rooftop bars across the city. Popular nightlife areas include Cowgate, Grassmarket and George Street, where students often find weekly discounts and themed events. During August, the city comes alive with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, giving students access to hundreds of performances, comedy shows and cultural events from around the world.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Edinburgh?

The best student accommodation Edinburgh comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Burnstfield, Tollcross and Edinburgh City Centre tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

UniAcco Insights 

• Average weekly rent: £226/week
• 68% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging £210/week
• 22% choose studios, averaging £279/week
• 8% choose non-ensuite rooms, averaging £201/week

Source: UniAcco Data

 

Why Book Student Accommodation in Edinburgh with UniAcco?

To simply answer this question, UniAcco lists 59 verified student properties Edinburgh, all of which are fully furnished and all-inclusive bills with modern amenities. But what UniAcco does more than just book style accommodation is to be with students throughout their student accommodation journey. Our support team is just a call away 24/7. We help students not only compare options, but also handle documentation, discuss the suitable tenancy lengths, explain how much goes into deposits and other rental agreement details. We also offer payment options, and seasonal cashback offers are available on selected properties. With No Visa No Pay and No University No Pay features. So students can book with us with utmost confidence.