Buccleuch Place is a Georgian street in Edinburgh's Southside, in the heart of the University Quarter, and it is the location of University of Edinburgh student accommodation just two minutes from George Square. The name throws a lot of people, so let us clear that up first: Buccleuch is pronounced "buh-KLOO," with the "ch" essentially silent.

If you are looking at living here, two things share the name. There is the University's Buccleuch Place residence, set in refurbished Georgian flats, and right next to it Buccleuch Place Lane, a newer purpose-built block. This guide covers both, plus the area, the rooms, costs, how to apply, and the common mix-up over what is actually at 24 Buccleuch Place.

Buccleuch Place at a glance

Where is Buccleuch Place?

Buccleuch Place runs just off George Square in Edinburgh's Southside, which is about as central to the University of Edinburgh as it is possible to live. The main campus and the University's Main Library are a two-minute walk away, so rolling out of bed for a nine o'clock lecture is genuinely realistic here.

The setting is one of the area's strengths. The Meadows, a large and much-loved park, sits right beside the street and becomes the city's unofficial back garden in summer. The Old Town, with the Royal Mile, restaurants, pubs and the festival venues, is a short walk north. For getting further afield, frequent buses run nearby and Edinburgh Waverley station is around 15 minutes away on foot or a quick bus ride.

The accommodation: Buccleuch Place and Buccleuch Place Lane

The University of Edinburgh runs two linked options on the street, and it helps to know the difference.

Buccleuch Place is set in refurbished Georgian apartments, so it has the classic Edinburgh look: high ceilings, big windows and period character. You share a kitchen and living space with your flatmates, and most flats come with two bathrooms, which takes the pressure off a busy morning. It offers a mix of en-suite and standard rooms.

Buccleuch Place Lane, right next door, is the newer, purpose-built choice, with 136 single en-suite rooms arranged in flats with shared kitchens and living areas. If you want a modern room with your own bathroom, this is the one to look at.

Both buildings are self-catered and share a common room and gardens, so you get outdoor space and somewhere communal to relax, which is rare this close to a city-centre campus.

Rooms, bills and what's included

Rooms are furnished and ready to move into, with internet access throughout. The rent is all-inclusive of utility bills, with one sensible caveat worth noting: there is an average electricity allowance, and heavy overuse can lead to additional charges, so it pays to be reasonable with the heating.

Costs are set by the University and sit in the mid-range for central Edinburgh, which is fair given how close you are to campus. Because rates change each year and vary between the two buildings and room types, check the current prices on the University of Edinburgh accommodation pages before you apply.

Who can live there and how to apply

Buccleuch Place is University of Edinburgh accommodation, so it is allocated through the University's own application process rather than a private booking site. New students apply for University accommodation after accepting their offer, and demand for a spot this close to campus is high. Apply early and read the University's allocation guidance, since central residences like this fill quickly.

What is at 24 Buccleuch Place?

Here is the mix-up worth clearing up. Searches for "24 Buccleuch Place" often assume it is the residence, but number 24 is actually a University of Edinburgh office building, home to the University's Graduates Association, in a four-storey Georgian terrace. The street is a blend of University departments and offices alongside the student residence, so individual house numbers are not all part of the accommodation.

There is a nice historical footnote too: 24 Buccleuch Place was the home of the Scottish architect John Paterson, who assisted Robert Adam on Edinburgh University's Old College, until his death in 1832. So if you are house-hunting, search for the University's "Buccleuch Place" residence rather than a specific number like 24.

Student life around Buccleuch Place

Living here puts you in the middle of student Edinburgh. The Meadows is the social heart of the area, used for everything from study breaks in the sun to five-a-side and slacklining. The Southside and Old Town are packed with cafes, cheap eats, pubs and independent shops, and during August the whole area becomes the centre of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is an experience in itself if you do not mind the crowds.

You are also walkable to most of the University's central facilities, the city libraries and the main shopping streets, so day-to-day life rarely needs a bus.

Pros and cons

Pros

• About two minutes from George Square and the Main Library
• Genuine Georgian character in the original Buccleuch Place flats
• Modern en-suite rooms next door at Buccleuch Place Lane
• Shared gardens and a common room, plus the Meadows on the doorstep
• All bills included

Cons

• Period flats can mean older fittings and stairs in the Georgian buildings
• A central, in-demand location, so it is not the cheapest and books up fast
• Self-catered rather than catered
• An electricity allowance applies, so very heavy use can cost extra
• Festival season brings noise and crowds to the area in August

Buccleuch Place versus nearby alternatives

It is easy to confuse Buccleuch Place with Buccleuch Street, which is a different street nearby. Buccleuch Street has separate, privately run purpose-built accommodation with extras like a gym and cinema room, a few minutes' walk away. If you want hotel-style facilities, that is worth a look. If you want to live as close to George Square as possible with University management and real Edinburgh character, Buccleuch Place is the stronger pick.

What if you cannot get a room?

University residences like Buccleuch Place are popular and limited, so plenty of Edinburgh students live in private or purpose-built accommodation nearby. If you miss out, focus your search on the Southside, Newington, Marchmont and the wider central area, all of which keep you within easy reach of the University of Edinburgh's central campus.

In short

Buccleuch Place is about as central as student living gets in Edinburgh, combining a two-minute walk to campus with Georgian character, shared gardens and the Meadows next door. Just remember it is University accommodation applied for through the University, that 24 Buccleuch Place is an office rather than halls, and that you should apply early to secure a room this close to George Square.

Read Also: University of Edinburgh Acceptance Rate

FAQs

What is Buccleuch Place in Edinburgh?

It is a Georgian street in Edinburgh's Southside and the location of University of Edinburgh student accommodation, about two minutes from George Square.

How do you pronounce Buccleuch?

It is pronounced "buh-KLOO," with the "ch" essentially silent.

Is Buccleuch Place the University of Edinburgh accommodation?

Yes. The Buccleuch Place residence and the neighbouring Buccleuch Place Lane are run by the University of Edinburgh and allocated through its accommodation process.

What is the difference between Buccleuch Place and Buccleuch Place Lane? Buccleuch Place is set in refurbished Georgian flats with shared kitchens and mostly two bathrooms per flat. Buccleuch Place Lane is a newer, purpose-built block with 136 single en-suite rooms. Both share a common room and gardens.

What is at 24 Buccleuch Place?

Number 24 is a University of Edinburgh office building, home to the Graduates Association, not the student residence. The street mixes University offices with the accommodation.

Are bills included at Buccleuch Place?

Yes, rent is all-inclusive of utilities, though there is an average electricity allowance and heavy overuse can incur extra charges.

How far is Buccleuch Place from the University of Edinburgh?

About a two-minute walk to George Square and the Main Library, making it one of the closest places to live to the central campus.

How do I apply for Buccleuch Place?

Apply through the University of Edinburgh's accommodation process after accepting your offer. Apply early, as central residences fill quickly.