One of the most important considerations for new students moving to Edinburgh is accommodation. That’s why we’ve provided a handy guide for where to live in Edinburgh as a student.
Student areas in Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
Southside
For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, Southside is perfect. Close to Princes Street and the university’s central campus, Southside has a great selection of restaurants and takeaways, and it’s easy to get a bus pretty much wherever you want.
Newington
Ironically South of Southside, Newington has many of the same benefits (good public transport, good food and lively) but is, for the most part, much cheaper. Although it may be further from Princes Street and the university’s main campus, its lower prices more than make up for it.
Marchmont
Particularly popular amongst second-year students moving out of halls for the first time, Marchmont may be quieter than Southside, but its proximity to the Meadows makes it a great place for new residents.
Morningside
With a huge Waitrose on your doorstep, a Tesco just up the road in Bruntsfield and all the coffee shops and boutiques you could ever want, Morningside is perfect for those who enjoy their creature comforts. Plus the Links are a great place to relax, or even have a round of golf!
Edinburgh Napier University
Craiglockhart Campus
Home to Edinburgh Napier’s Business School, Craiglockhart campus combines old-fashioned architecture and grounds with brand new equipment and facilities
Merchiston Campus
Housing the Schools of Arts & Creative Industries, Computing and Engineering & the Built Environment, Napier’s Merchiston campus is close to Bruntsfield and offers access to a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Sighthill Campus
A base for healthcare and applied sciences students, Sighthill boasts (En)Gage, a state of the art sports centre.
Heriot Watt University
Edinburgh Campus
Found in 380 acres of gorgeous parkland scenery, Heriot Watt’s Edinburgh campus is a great place to study, giving you plenty of space to relax and work. You also get access to the £33 million national Sports Performance Centre, Oriam.
Cost of living as a student in Edinburgh
Average accommodation: £425 per month (lower range)
Living costs: £270 per month
Average pint: £4.35
Travel costs: £1.40 (based the student Ridacard membership)
If you’re looking at where to live in Edinburgh, you’re going to want to know what it costs. Unfortunately, Edinburgh is relatively expensive to live in, due to the large numbers of students and tourists who travel there every year. Paying £425 rent every month might not sound too bad, but if you’re unlucky rent can easily end up as high as £600 or £700 every month.
According to iNews, Edinburgh is one of the most expensive places to buy a pint in the UK, falling only behind London and Oxford. On the other hand, it’s easy to see why Edinburgh is so expensive; it’s status as both a cultural hub of the United Kingdom, gorgeous architecture and fantastic outdoor spaces.
Halls
For those not sure where to live in Edinburgh, halls offer a wonderful opportunity to meet other students and live in a centre of learning
University of Edinburgh
Pollock
Prices from: £4,773 per year (self-catered) or £6,052 per year (catered)
The only catered halls at the University of Edinburgh, Pollock is perfect for those who are worried about cooking for themselves. Apart from Fraser Court, which is self-catered, all the halls offer 14 meals a week and 24-hour security. Although they may not be particularly close to the Central campus, they are situated right next to the iconic Arthur’s Seat, with its stunning views and opportunities for hiking.
Warrender Park Crescent
Prices from: £4,773 per year
Converted from an old school, Warrender Park Crescent is placed just off the idyllic Meadows. Just a stone’s throw away from the coffee shops of Bruntsfield, less than ten minutes from the university’s central campus and looking towards the Castle, Warrender Park is greatly enjoyed by those who live there.
Salisbury
Prices from: £6,257 per year
The fanciest of the fancy, Salisbury is one of the most expensive self-catered halls available, but if you’re willing to splash out, then you get a lot for your money. With spacious kitchens and a luxurious common room, complete with widescreen TV and pool tables, Salisbury just about makes up for its hefty price tag.
Edinburgh Napier University
Bainfield
Prices from: £6,008.82 per year
With 778 students, calling Bainfield their home, you won’t get lonely. A 15 minute walk away from the city centre, it also has a wide range of communal spaces, all equipped with a widescreen TV.
Orwell Terrace
Prices from: £3,915.46 per year
A brand new halls, Orwell Terrace, has only 245 occupants and so is ideal for those looking for a quieter life. Also featuring a wide range of communal spaces, its relatively low price is a massive draw
Slateford Road
Prices from: £6,008.82 per year
Situated close to the Merchiston Campus, Slateford Road provides great access to public transport links and offers a wide variety of rooms, allowing you to find the place that’s just right for you.
Heriot Watt University
Edinburgh Campus
Prices from: £5760 per year
With 2000 residential places available, the on-site accommodation at Heriot Watt offers different types of room, allowing you to choose how you want to live. With so many other new students around, it’s a great place to get to know people!
Last Updated on January 11, 2025
Published on October 29, 2020
