What should I know about renting student accommodation in Edinburgh?

renting student accommodation

Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, this compact yet hilly UNESCO world heritage site boasts breathtaking architecture and gorgeous outdoor spaces from the Royal Botanic Gardens to Edinburgh Castle. A thriving culture scene and a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bars provide a wealth of options for students to enjoy whilst studying in this stunning Scottish city.

With a student population of almost 20,000, the University of Edinburgh is Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious institution. The School (or Faculty) of Law has nurtured many renowned legal scholars, including James Muirhead’s work on Roman Law, Professor Erskine’s Principles of Scots Law (1754), and George Joseph Bell’s seminal texts on legal philosophy as Regius Professor of the Law of the Constitution (1828).

There are plenty of student apartments edinburgh options available in Edinburgh, from purpose built flats to shared student houses. The key factor in choosing your student apartment is location. Ensure you are close to your university, with easy access to public transport links, and a range of bars, clubs, cafés and restaurants. Getting a good night’s sleep is also important, so opt for a student flat with no noise from nearby bars or traffic.

What should I know about renting student accommodation in Edinburgh?

Dual occupancy Edinburgh student accommodation is popular for students in Edinburgh who want to share a room with another student, allowing them to share living costs and make the most of this vibrant Scottish city. You can find dual occupancy student apartments in a number of Edinburgh neighbourhoods, from the bustling west end to the quieter east side. A shared apartment here can start at around PS 156 per week.

The newer part of town, known as New Town is popular with students due to its proximity to the University and public transport links into the historic centre. You can find student apartments in this area starting at PS 470 a month, with a shared flat in New Town typically costing around PS 740.

One of the most important considerations is the location of the student accommodation. It should be in close proximity to the university campus, libraries, public transportation, and essential amenities like grocery stores and medical facilities. Determine a realistic budget for accommodation, considering factors such as rent, utilities, and other expenses. It’s vital to strike a balance between affordability and comfort.

Renting a student flat in Edinburgh is a relatively simple process, but it is important to understand the law before making any large purchases. Generally, landlords will require students to sign a standard tenancy agreement, agree on a monthly rental price, pay a deposit and furnish the property with a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. Students will often be responsible for paying council tax and utilities. Some landlords may ask for a guarantor to cover the rent in the event of non-payment, although this is less common for purpose built student accommodation.

Accommodation facilities often offer gender-inclusive housing options to accommodate the needs of all students, including those who identify outside the traditional gender binary. Additionally, accessibility features are incorporated to ensure that students with physical disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of campus life.

A tenancy agreement in Edinburgh lasts for either 43 or 51 weeks, depending on the type of accommodation. Some landlords offer flexible tenancies, which allow students to choose individual semesters or terms when they wish to stay in their student flat. Alternatively, some private landlords will accept short-term student rentals, which are becoming more and more popular. If you do opt for a short-term contract, make sure it is written into your contract, and that you understand what the penalties will be for breaking your tenancy agreement early.