A Guide to Living in Edinburgh as a Student
Edinburgh is the city that inspired the story of Harry Potter and it is nothing short of a dream living here. The small alleyways, the blossoming trees in spring, a rich history and some of the world’s top universities- you’ll find it all here. Some of the most popular universities in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University, and the University of Edinburgh. Every year, this city sees thousands of students from all over the world settling here to study at these universities.
Are you one of these students and are soon going to study in Edinburgh? Do you have a million questions about housing, cost of living and life in the city? Worry not! We’re here with a guide to living in Edinburgh as a student that will answer all your questions!
What is Student Life in Edinburgh Like?
Be it the stunning views of the Royal Mile, the small alleyways that feel like you’re in Hogwarts or the Fringe festival, Edinburgh never disappoints. The city also has amazing nightlife, all thanks to the age-old pubs you’ll find on almost every corner. But before you move into Edinburgh, here’s everything you need to know about it:
- Cost of Living: According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living in Edinburgh is £676 minus the rent. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Edinburgh would cost you about £15. And if you’re looking for a 1 bed flat to rent in the city centre, it would cost you about £231 per week.
- Transport: Getting around Edinburgh is super easy and convenient. The city has a wide network of Lothian buses. You can pay for your ticket by providing the exact amount of cash, with a contactless card, or through M tickets which allows you to buy a ticket on your smartphone through an app. You can also get a student Ridavard and save some money while you travel on buses. General fares vary from £1.8 to £5.8. If you’re frequently travelling in Edinburgh it is best to use a bus because your fare is capped after the third journey. Another great way to travel to Edinburgh is through the trams. They are super fast and the best way to travel to the main railway station or the airport. You can also get around the city on cycle as it has great cycling lanes throughout.
- Healthcare: NHS provides great services to all students in the UK. If you’re an international student, the NHS provides you with free healthcare services like checkups and treatment. This is covered under the NHS health insurance you pay for during the visa process.
Finding the Right Student Accommodation in Edinburgh
One of the great ways to find accommodation in Edinburgh is by searching on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla. But if you’re specifically looking for student accommodation in Edinburgh, you should check out Unilodgers. Unilodgers is the world’s largest online student accommodation provider where you will find student flats in Edinburgh that fit all your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for student apartments in Edinburgh that fit a specific budget or a specific tenancy, Unilodgers has it all.
- Budget-friendly: You will find tons of great student rooms in Edinburgh under £250 pw. Among these rooms, you’ll find private ensuites and shared rooms across the city
- Private Apartments: If you’re looking for 1-bed flats in Edinburgh or student studios that allow you privacy, you’re in luck. The city has tons of great private apartment options where you will have the whole fully furnished place to yourself including the dining area and kitchen.
- Accommodation for Senior Year Students: There are no special student rooms in Edinburgh for senior year students. Students from every year of university stay in the same accommodations and the process of booking student rooms are also the same for every student.
Popular Neighborhoods of Edinburgh for Students
Edinburgh homes students from various cultures, religions and parts of the world. The city is very safe for students and has several neighbourhoods that have all the essential facilities nearby. Some of the best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh for students are:
- City Centre: Edinburgh city centre has the city’s finest restaurants, cafes and pubs. Walking in the Edinburgh city centre will feel like you’re living in a Harry Potter movie. Moreover, you can also find some great accommodations that will fit right in your budget here. Some of the most affordable student accommodations in Edinburgh city centre are Wellgate House, Beaverbank Place and Edinburgh College Residences.
- University of Edinburgh: The UOE campus is considered one of the best places to live in Edinburgh. Not only is it safe and enables students to utilize all the university facilities to the fullest, but it is also near the city centre. The campus has tons of libraries, cafes and some great study and hangout spots for students. It also has various grocery shops nearby. Some of the best on-campus accommodations here are Haddington Place, Salisbury Court and Murano House.
- Haymarket: One of the popular areas for students in Edinburgh is Haymarket. This neighbourhood has all the essential facilities students need, has great markets, restaurants and transport links to the rest of the city. Some of the most popular student houses here are Vita Student and 27 King’s Stable Rd.
Looking for Last-Minute Student Accommodation in Edinburgh?
If you’ve procrastinated for a long time and can’t find student houses in Edinburgh now, we’ve got your back. With Unilodgers you can still find last-minute student accommodation and book the one that fits all your needs.
We hope this guide was able to help you figure out your expenses, housing and the best areas to live in Edinburgh. Now all that’s left to do is to book that ticket and start a new life in this dreamy city!
