Finding the perfect Edinburgh accommodation is the first step to enjoying your time in Scotland’s historic capital. You’ll find every type of Edinburgh accommodation- from luxurious studios to en-suite rooms and affordable shared rooms- all just minutes away from major universities. Most student accommodation in Edinburgh includes all-inclusive bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, and secure access, with many featuring premium amenities like cinema rooms, gyms, and study lounges. Whether you prefer the buzz of the Old Town or the quieter vibe of Marchmont, there’s a perfect Edinburgh student accommodation waiting for you.
Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town. This beautiful city is home to the historic Edinburgh Castle while also being the hub of cutting-edge developments in tech, finance, and academia.
Edinburgh is home to some of the most prestigious universities in not just the UK, but the world. These include the University of Edinburgh (ranked 15th globally- QS 2024), Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University and Queen Margaret University. Being home to so many universities, it attracts thousands of students from around the world and thus has a very diverse and welcoming vibe. Other than being an academic hub, it is also a cultural powerhouse. The city hosts the world’s largest arts festival (Edinburgh Fringe) and famous Hogmanay New Year celebrations. It is compact, walkable, and safe for students and also has tons of green spaces perfect for their study breaks.
Another thing that makes it so great for students is that it is the UK’s 2nd largest financial hub. The city’s “Silicon Glen” tech sector employs over 100,000 people at companies like Amazon, Skyscanner, and Rockstar North (creator of Grand Theft Auto).
Edinburgh is home to some of the top-ranking universities like University of Edinburgh (Top 20- QS), Heriot-Watt University (Top 300), Edinburgh Napier (Top 500) and Queen Margaret. Being home to these universities, the city attracts 50,000+ international students from 180+ countries. This makes the student community in Edinburgh very diverse, welcoming and friendly.
Universities in Edinburgh give students excellent opportunities in innovation and research. Each university has its world-class research hub to not just help students excel academically but also be prepared for real-world usage and success. The city offers excellent career opportunities in finance, tech, and academia. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the city has a 96% graduate employment rate. Further, the city is also great to be in as a student. From green outdoor spaces, convenient travel around the world, cultural and art events, amazing restaurants, and safe neighbourhoods all over the city, Edinburgh has everything a student needs to thrive.
You’ll find premium, affordable, and safe Edinburgh accommodation for students. Whatever your need be it a luxurious studio, en-suite room, or a shared student accommodation in Edinburgh, you’ll find the perfect Edinburgh accommodation that fits all your boxes.
These are student accommodations managed by universities. They’re usually present on-campus and may have limited room options for you. All bills are included in the rent.
These are managed by private accommodation providers. They offer a wide variety of room types like studio, en-suite and shared. All bills are included in the rent.
These are rental student flats in Edinburgh. They may be one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments and may or may not have shared bathrooms. Rent is not all-inclusive, and bills and maintenance have to be paid by the student separately.
University halls or on-campus accommodation is managed by universities and is on the campus. This Edinburgh student accommodation will be just minutes away from your lecture hall, library, and other university facilities. University halls offer students full-furnished rooms with all the amenities they need. It also enables students to socialize more and meet new people. Which is why it is ideal for first-year students. However, university halls may have stricter rules as compared to private student accommodations and may be costlier and have limited availability.
This includes private student accommodations and rental accommodation in Edinburg, Scotland. These rooms for rent in Edinburgh may or may not be located near a university campus. Private student accommodations are full-furnished and have luxurious amenities for students. These include study rooms, coffee lounges, a gym, a game room, and a lot more. All bills are included in rent and these student flats in Edinburgh will have fewer rules than on-campus accommodation. Private student accommodations are usually easily available and are more affordable as compared to on-campus accommodation.
Here’s a quick guide to Edinburgh’s top student neighbourhoods, each with its perks:
You’ll find various types of Edinburgh student accommodations- from studios, en-suite rooms, university halls, and shared rooms. Here are all the types of accommodation in Edinburgh, Scotland:
This accommodation is managed by universities (like the University of Edinburgh) and is present on-campus or very close to lecture halls. The rent includes all bills (electricity, water, and Wi-Fi). These Edinburgh uni accommodations are ideal for first-year students as the environment here is perfect for socializing and meeting new people. Although, they often have shared bathrooms and kitchens and have strict rules for guests and noise. Edinburgh University accommodation can also be difficult to secure as they get filled up pretty quickly.
These are student accommodations managed by private companies. They are fully furnished, have all-inclusive rent, and are well equipped with all modern and premium amenities for students to thrive. This includes study lounges, a cinema room, a game room, a gym, etc., and has secure access and 24/7 support for students. These accommodations offer different types of rooms like studios, en-suites, and shared rooms. However, they can be expensive compared to university halls and shared housing. Some of them might also be less flexible in their contracts.
These are managed by private landlords or letting agencies. Shared student flats in Edinburgh are ideal for students who want more independence and lower costs. These accommodations are much cheaper than private student accommodations and offer more freedom- students can choose their flatmates, decorate the flat as they like, and hold gatherings. Although, the rent is not all-inclusive. Students have to take care of bills and security deposits separately.
Edinburgh is a compact, safe and affordable city for students- if budgeted smartly. Students can make the most of student discounts, public transport and a lot more to make the most of their student life in Edinburgh without breaking the bank.
You can find part-time jobs as a student in various sectors in Edinburgh. Here are the most common ones:
It is super easy and affordable to get around Edinburgh. The city is connected with convenient public transport options like:
The Lothian buses cover 95% of the city. Their routes include the city centre, all major university campuses, and student neighbourhoods. Buses are super frequent- they run almost every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and are also available during the night (till 3 am on the weekends). Here are the bus fares (updated in 2024):
Pro Tip: Download the Lothian Buses app for live tracking and mobile tickets.
The Edinburgh tram runs from the Airport to York Place (city centre). Its key stops include Haymarket (for Heriot-Watt/Napier students) and Princes Street (shopping/university connections). Here are the fares:
Best For: Quick airport trips or avoiding bus traffic.
Edinburgh is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and scenic routes:
You can reach the airport in 30 mins by the Tram or take the Airlink Bus that takes 25 mins, runs 24/7 and costs £4.50. An Uber or taxi will cost you £20–£25 for the same time.
The Edinburgh Airport connects Edinburgh to all UK cities and major cities in Europe.
Trains connect Edinburgh to all major UK cities. You can get to London in 4.5 hours for £30–£60 (with Railcard), to Glasgow in 50 minutes and to Manchester in 3 hours from Edinburgh. You can book your tickets early from Trainline or ScotRail.
There’s no city better than Edinburgh for students. It offers the perfect blend of academics, culture, legendary festivals, modern facilities, and everything else a student needs to thrive in a city.
Ranked 15th in the world (QS 2024), the University of Edinburgh is Scotland’s most prestigious university and a leader in medicine, artificial intelligence, and humanities. The university was founded in 1583 and boasts historic campuses like Old College (Law School) and modern facilities such as the Edinburgh Futures Institute. It is home to 35,000+ students (45% international) and offers unparalleled research opportunities—partnering with Google DeepMind on AI and hosting the UK’s largest medical school at Ninewells Hospital. The student experience is enriched by 300+ societies, including the famous Edinburgh University Theatre Company, and prime access to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Renowned for engineering, business, and computer science, Heriot-Watt University blends academic rigor with real-world applications. Its £30m GRID research facility supports robotics and renewable energy projects, while the Edinburgh Business School offers triple-accredited MBA programs. The university has mandatory placements (73% of students secure jobs at their placement companies) and global campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. Also, the university’s student union hosts Scotland’s largest career fairs, attracting employers like BP and Rolls-Royce.
A top choice for film, journalism, and cybersecurity, Edinburgh Napier emphasizes hands-on learning. Its Merchiston Campus houses cutting-edge studios, including a Hollywood-standard soundstage, while the Business School partners with Scottish Enterprise for startup incubators. Notable alumni include Bafta-winning filmmakers and FTSE 100 executives. With small class sizes and 94% graduate employability, Napier excels in bridging academia and industry—especially in tech (cybersecurity labs) and nursing (simulation wards).
Specializing in nursing, speech therapy, and drama, QMU is famed for its clinical training and social justice research. The Musselburgh Campus features simulated hospital wards and a BBC-partnered media studio. QMU’s Dietetics program is ranked #1 in the UK, while its Drama School produces West End performers. With a 10:1 student-to-staff ratio, it offers personalized support—ideal for those pursuing NHS careers or creative arts.
Edinburgh is one of the best cities not just in the UK, but the world for students. It is safe, compact, and affordable (if budgeted correctly). It is not just home to some of the best universities in the world but is also a cultural hub and a vibrant city for student to make the most of their university days. If you’re moving to Edinburgh to study soon and are looking for student Edinburgh accommodations, start your search here and now!