Key Summary
FAQs
What are the best student halls in Edinburgh?
The best student halls in Edinburgh include The Bridge House, Student Castle, Canal Point, Haddington Place, Bainfield, Orwell Terrace, Slateford Road, Ascham Court, Brae House and Chancellors Court. The best fit depends on whether you study at Edinburgh Napier, Queen Margaret, the University of Edinburgh or another city campus.
How much do student halls in Edinburgh cost?
Edinburgh student halls are usually more expensive than many UK cities, so check current university and provider prices before applying. For 2026/27, Edinburgh Napier gives Bainfield rent examples from £7,819.96 for a 39-week standard en-suite tenancy, while the University of Edinburgh lists annual accommodation costs by residence. Private halls vary by room, availability and contract length.
Which Edinburgh halls are best for Edinburgh Napier students?
Bainfield is the main Edinburgh Napier option for students who want a university-managed hall with good access to the city. Orwell Terrace and Slateford Road also work well depending on your campus and room preference. Always check your course location first, because Napier students can study across different parts of Edinburgh.
Which Edinburgh halls are best for University of Edinburgh students?
Ascham Court, Brae House, Chancellors Court and other University of Edinburgh residences are strong choices because they are tied to the university accommodation system. Chancellors Court is catered and based at Pollock Halls, while Brae House is self-catered and near Holyrood. Private halls can suit students wanting studios or a different part of the city.
Should I choose catered or self-catered halls in Edinburgh?
Choose catered halls in Edinburgh if you want meals handled for you and a more structured first-year routine. Choose self-catered halls if you want more flexibility, lower food costs and control over your schedule. In Edinburgh, location and commute can matter as much as catering, so weigh both before deciding.
Are bills included in Edinburgh student accommodation?
Bills are often included in Edinburgh student halls, but the exact package depends on the accommodation. University-managed halls and private providers commonly include utilities and Wi-Fi, with some also including contents insurance, social spaces or 24/7 staff. Always check laundry, deposits, bedding packs and cancellation policies separately.
Is private student accommodation worth it in Edinburgh?
Private student accommodation in Edinburgh can be worth it if you want modern facilities, studios, gyms, study spaces or a specific city-centre location. It can cost more than some university halls, especially for studios, so compare the total tenancy price and travel costs. It is also worth checking whether first-year guarantees apply before booking privately.
When should I apply for student accommodation in Edinburgh?
Apply for Edinburgh accommodation early because the city is popular and private rentals can be competitive. University accommodation applications usually depend on accepting your offer and meeting eligibility rules. Private halls often open much earlier, so students who want an en-suite or studio should compare options before the summer rush.
How do I choose the right hall in Edinburgh?
Choose your Edinburgh hall by checking your campus location, commute time, total rent, contract length and whether you want a social or quieter building. Edinburgh is spread out, so a hall that looks central may not be closest to your lectures. Use provider maps and university residence pages before committing.
Moving to university can be daunting. Especially when you know that your student accommodation can make or break your first year at university. However, don’t worry- we’re here to help. Here’s our ranking of the best student halls at Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and the University of Edinburgh for freshers.
Private Student Halls in Edinburgh
The Bridge House
Home to 319 students, The Bridge House has lots of well-equipped, modern rooms in shared facility flats. Each room has a sink, and the bathrooms, kitchens and lounges are shared in each flat. The building is 15 minutes away from many of Edinburgh’s treats and tourist favourites, including both Napier and the University of Edinburgh campuses. With prices starting at £120 per week, it’s easily one of the best student halls in Edinburgh.
Student Castle
Student Castle accommodation in Edinburgh has ultra-fast WiFi, bike storage and 24/7 security. Additionally, it has a common area, a study area, a gym and an outdoor courtyard. You can schedule a virtual viewing here.
Canal Point
Less than 15 minutes away from The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and The National Museum of Scotland, Canal Point has all of your bills included, including internet and WiFi. This student accommodation in Edinburgh has 24-hour staff available, a post and parcels service and en-suite bathrooms, as well as on-site maintenance, laundry, contents insurance, bike storage and security. Prices start at £166 per week.
Haddington Place
Located in the city centre, Haddington Place has private en-suites, a variety of communal spaces, a free on-site gym and 24-hour security. You can choose from studios, rooms with views, couple studios, or lower floors with accessibility.
Edinburgh Napier University Accommodation
Bainfield
Fancy living 15 minutes away from downtown, somewhere close to cinemas, bars, and restaurants? Then Bainfield student halls might well be for you. You can choose between standard en-suite rooms for £158 per week, sharing a kitchen/living room with 5-9 students, or a studio flat for £158 per week. It’s easily one of the best halls in Edinburgh.
Orwell Terrace
Opened in 2016, Orwell Terrace is Edinburgh Napier University’s newest student accommodation. It is near the city centre, and you can choose from twin/shared en-suite bedrooms from £102 per week or standard en-suite rooms for £158 per week. There are communal lounges and mixed or single-gender flats available.
Slateford Road
Slateford Road is only a short walk from the Napier Merchiston campus, making it one of the top accommodation options for Edinburgh Napier University students. Here you can choose from standard rooms with or without en-suite, or premium rooms wherein you only share your living area with one other student, and then have your own private bedroom.
University of Edinburgh Student Accommodation
Ascham Court
These student halls in Edinburgh are award-winning, making Ascham Court one of the best accommodation choices for University of Edinburgh students. They’re a modern development of two-storey houses in the heart of Edinburgh, next to Meadows park. The rooms come with a three-quarter bed and complete furnishings, likewise, the kitchens are equipped with white goods, an ironing board, mop, broom and hoover. The rooms have shared bathrooms between 3 – 6 people. Prices start at £8,954 per year.
Brae House
Recently built, Vrae House is a short work from Arthur’s Seat, The Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace. Brae House student halls are a half-hour walk from the University of Edinburgh campus or a short bus journey. This Edinburgh Uni accommodation features a common room, en-suite bedrooms, cycle storage, and is self-catered. Prices start at £6,262 per year.
Chancellors Court
The final student halls on our list of the best university accommodation in Edinburgh is Chancellors Court. Chancellors Court is at the base of Arthur’s Seat and offers easy access to Edinburgh’s central area. All of the rooms are en-suite and have access to shared pantries, a common room and a computer lab. Prices begin at £5,374 per year.
When it comes to making a decision on your student accommodation, it can be very difficult and stressful. Hopefully, this list of the best student halls in Edinburgh helps.