Student halls of residence in Edinburgh

For an exchange or the full year, many young people seek the comfort of a student residence in Edinburgh. In this article we gather interesting information about the residences, addressing everything from its advantages and disadvantages to details about private and university residences. We also tell you where to find affordable options and answer the most frequently asked questions related to this type of accommodation. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Edinburgh

Some of the most notable pros and cons are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a multicultural city, and living in a residence allows you to interact with students from all over the world.
It gives you the chance to meet other young people as soon as you arrive in the city, so you don't feel so alone.
Living in residences allows you to be within walking distance to major universities from Edinburgh. Furthermore, the majority of them are well connected with public transportation.
The residences generally include all bills in the rent (water, electricity, heating), ideal to not worry about extra expenses. This is very important, especially with the use of heating in winter. Remember that temperatures in Edinburgh are normally around 0ºC in winter!
Many residences are near parks like Holyrood or The Meadows, which is perfect for relaxing or exercising outdoors.
Some organise cultural or social activities, which is a great way to explore Edinburgh and its cultural offer.
The maintenance of the facilities is covered, a fact that’s very convenient in a historic city where buildings may require more care.

Cons of living in student dorms in Edinburgh

Unlike shared apartments, residences normally have strict rules about visits and hours, which limits freedom quite a bit, especially in a city with a lively nightlife and lots of cultural events.
Many residences are located downtown, which means being far from the most affordable areas to shop or go out to eat, which can affect your budget.
Living in a residence can limit your interactions with the local community, something that can cause you to miss out on the authentic cultural experience of Edinburgh.
With so many students living together, noise can be a problem, which can be frustrating if you need to focus on your studies, especially during exam periods.
Common areas and shared kitchens mean you'll have less personal space.
Residences, especially private ones, can be more expensive than renting a room in a shared apartment, which can be a challenge in a high cost of living city like Edinburgh.

Private student residences in Edinburgh

The private student residences in Edinburgh are strategically located in areas close to the main universities of the city, such as the University of Edinburgh, the Napier University and the Heriot-Watt University. Furthermore, some are found in historic neighbourhoods, which adds a touch of charm to the experience of living in a city as emblematic as Edinburgh. In general, these residences are normally well connected to public transport.

Regarding the types of accommodation, they offer everything from private, fully equipped studio apartments, to rooms in shared apartments. You can also find rooms with a private bathroom (en-suite) or shared bathrooms, according to the needs and budget of each person.

The facilities and services are a strong point of the residences in Edinburgh. Students can access services such as weekly cleaning, gyms, study rooms, play areas, and in some cases even movie theatres. Besides, most include utility bills such as heating, water, electricity, and Internet in the rental price, thus avoiding unexpected additional payments.

Another fact to highlight is that many residences offer both self-catered as well as catered options. Students who prefer to cook can enjoy shared kitchens in the self-catered residences, with large and modern spaces where they can interact with other residents. For those who prefer not to worry about food, some residences include a dining room service with regular meals, in the catered residences.

Many of these residences stand out for their style and design, combining the historical with the modern. They’re old buildings that are remodelled on the inside to offer comfortable and welcoming spaces that are common in the city.

University student halls of residence in Edinburgh

University halls of residence in Edinburgh, those that are owned by the institutions themselves, offer a variety of accommodation options, either in locations that are on campus or off campus. Those found on campus are closer to the faculties, which makes it easier to access university classes and services. The off campus residences are spread throughout the city, providing a more integrated experience with local life, although they’re still well connected by public transport.

Regarding the type of rooms, these residences offer both single rooms and shared rooms, allowing students to choose the option that best suits their lifestyle and budget. As for bathrooms, some residences have shared bathrooms, while others offer rooms with a private bathroom (en-suite), providing more comfort and privacy.

It should be noted that many of these residences are located in old buildings that have been completely renovated on the inside, combining the historic charm of Edinburgh with modern and welcoming facilities.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can choose self-catered residences, where they have access to large shared kitchens, perfect for preparing meals and meeting people from various cultures. On the other hand, the catered residences offer food service in dining rooms, ideal for those who prefer not to cook.

Some residences include common rooms. They have game rooms, study rooms, and even music rooms. However, not all residences have these spaces, so it’s important to verify what services each one offers.

Finally, note that the most common thing is that all include the heating, water, electricity, and Internet costs in the rent, ensuring that there are no unexpected payments throughout the course.

University Residences of the University of Edinburgh

This institution offers a wide variety of rooms in its student halls, which are typically divided by course and by student origin. However, keep in mind that you have a determined period to request a place, places are limited and students from previous years have priority.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Edinburgh, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Edinburgh

To find a student residence in Edinburgh that combines good price, location, and features, explore the options with Erasmus Play! Our search engine allows you to check out different private residences, all verified and available for your stay in the Scottish capital. Once you have made your booking online and completely securely, you can focus on your next mission: discovering the best places to enjoy a typical haggis or fish and chips in Edinburgh!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Edinburgh

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Edinburgh?
Generally you must be enrolled in an educational institution, whether it be a university or college. Residence halls typically prioritise first-year students. In private residences, you must provide confirmation of your student status and, in some cases, a deposit or financial guarantee. They may also require identification documents and, if you’re an international student, your student visa.
How much does a student residence in Edinburgh cost?
The cost of a student residence in Edinburgh varies depending on whether it’s private or university owned. Private residences typically cost between £150 and £250 per week, depending on location and amenities included. On the other hand, university residences are cheaper, with prices ranging from £100 to £180 per week, although they offer fewer amenities than private ones. Both types of residence normally include basic bills in their price.
Which is cheaper, a room in a flat or a student residence in Edinburgh?
In general, renting a room in a shared apartment in this city is generally cheaper than a private student residence, especially in areas further away from the centre. Residences offer more amenities and services included, but tend to have a higher price.
Are there male and female halls of residence in Edinburgh?
Most university and private residences are co-ed, although some offer female-only or male-only floor options for reasons of personal or cultural preference. However, exclusively female or male residences are less common.
What services do student residences in Edinburgh usually include?
They usually include services such as WiFi, 24-hour security, maintenance, and laundry in the building. They also offer access to common areas such as study rooms, gyms, movie or game rooms, and sometimes gardens or terraces. Some include cleaning services for shared areas and all bills (electricity, water, heating) are included in the rent.