The best student accommodation in Edinburgh is purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or university halls close to your campus and the city centre, because Edinburgh is compact and being central puts you near lectures, nightlife and transport. There is no single best building, the right one depends on your university, budget and whether you want a studio or a shared flat, but the strongest options cluster around the Old Town, Newington and the areas near the University of Edinburgh. My tip: shortlist two or three buildings near your campus, then compare them on total cost and reviews rather than chasing one name.
What are the best areas to live as a student in Edinburgh?
The best student areas in Edinburgh are Newington, Marchmont, the Old Town, Tollcross, and Leith, each balancing proximity to campus with student life. Newington and Marchmont are classic student neighbourhoods near the University of Edinburgh, the Old Town and Tollcross put you in the heart of the city, and Leith offers a trendier, slightly cheaper base by the water. Edinburgh is home to over 50,000 students across the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier, Heriot-Watt and Queen Margaret University. My tip: choose your area around your specific university first, Newington or Marchmont for the University of Edinburgh, then weigh budget and vibe.
How much is student accommodation in Edinburgh?
Student accommodation in Edinburgh typically costs between £120 and £400 per week, with the average sitting around 31% above the UK national average, making it one of the pricier student cities outside London. Here is a rough guide by room type:
| Room type | Typical weekly cost |
| Shared room | £70 - £140 |
| En-suite room | £200 - £300 |
| Studio | £200 - £350 (up to £568 premium) |
| On-campus halls | £200 - £250 |
My tip: shared flats and shared rooms are the budget route, while studios and private halls cost most, compare the all-in cost including bills, and read my guide on how much student accommodation costs in the UK for context.
Is student accommodation in Edinburgh expensive?
Yes, Edinburgh is one of the more expensive UK student cities, with costs around 31% above the national average, though still cheaper than London. The high demand from over 50,000 students, combined with Edinburgh's popularity and limited central supply, pushes prices up, especially for studios and central rooms. My tip: if budget is your priority, look at shared flats in Newington, Marchmont or Leith rather than central studios, and book early because the best-value rooms go first.
What types of student accommodation are available in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers university halls, private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), studios, en-suite rooms in shared flats, and private shared houses. Halls suit first-years, PBSA offers modern amenities and all-inclusive bills, studios give full privacy, and shared houses are the budget-friendly route for later years. My tip: for a sociable, hassle-free first year choose halls or PBSA, then move to a shared flat with friends once you know the city.
When should I book student accommodation in Edinburgh?
Book as early as you can, ideally from late autumn to early spring for the next academic year, because Edinburgh's competitive market means the best central rooms sell out quickly. Demand from four universities and a limited central supply makes early booking essential, especially for studios and popular PBSAs. My tip: start looking in November to February for September, have your guarantor or payment plan ready, and do not leave it to summer when choice is limited.
How does Acolyte Living help me find accommodation in Edinburgh?
Acolyte Living lists verified student accommodation across Edinburgh, so you can compare buildings near your university with honest detail on cost, area and what is included. My tip: decide between Newington, Marchmont, the Old Town and Leith based on your campus, and browse the full UK accommodation range to compare verified Edinburgh options.
FAQs
Which is the best student accommodation in Edinburgh?
The best is purpose-built student accommodation or university halls close to your campus and the city centre, since Edinburgh is compact. The right building depends on your university, budget and room type, with strong options around the Old Town, Newington and near the University of Edinburgh.
What are the best areas for students in Edinburgh?
Newington and Marchmont (near the University of Edinburgh), the Old Town and Tollcross (central), and Leith (trendier and slightly cheaper). Choose your area around your specific university.
How much is student accommodation in Edinburgh?
Typically £120 to £400 per week. Shared rooms run £70 to £140, en-suites £200 to £300, studios £200 to £350 (up to £568 premium), and on-campus halls £200 to £250. Edinburgh is around 31% above the UK average.
Is Edinburgh expensive for students?
Yes, Edinburgh is one of the pricier UK student cities, around 31% above the national average, though cheaper than London. High demand from over 50,000 students and limited central supply push prices up.
When should I book student accommodation in Edinburgh?
From late autumn to early spring for the next September, since the best central rooms sell out quickly. Start looking November to February and have your guarantor or payment plan ready.
