How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Edinburgh?

18 August 2026

Student accommodation in Edinburgh typically costs between £120 and £409 per week, depending on room type, location, and whether bills are included. Edinburgh is home to four major universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, and Queen Margaret University. The city attracts a large population of domestic and international students each year, which sustains strong demand for housing in central areas such as Marchmont, Newington, Old Town, Bruntsfield, Fountainbridge, and Leith. In this guide, we break down the average cost of Edinburgh accommodation for students, including university halls, purpose-built student accommodation, and shared private flats, along with the main factors that affect prices and practical ways to reduce housing costs.

Student Accommodation in Edinburgh Prices by Accommodation Type

Student accommodation in Edinburgh offers a variety of housing options, each with different price ranges, facilities, and living experiences. These can generally be divided into three main categories: university halls of residence, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and shared houses or private rentals. The best option depends on factors such as budget, preferred location, room type, and the level of independence a student wants.

University Halls of Residence: £120–£321/week

The average cost of university halls in Edinburgh ranges from £120 to £321 per week, depending on the university, room type, and facilities. Universities manage university halls in Edinburgh and are a popular choice for first-year students due to their convenient locations, fixed rental prices, and simple application process.

On-campus accommodation in Edinburgh offers furnished rooms, shared kitchens, study areas, and bills-inclusive rent covering essentials such as heating, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

Average weekly costs at major Edinburgh universities include:

University of Edinburgh accommodation: £155 to £321 per week
Heriot-Watt University halls: £120 to £185 per week
Edinburgh Napier University halls: £130 to £200 per week

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation: £155–£409/week

The average cost of private student accommodation in Edinburgh ranges from £155 to £409 per week, depending on location, room type, facilities, and accommodation provider. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is one of the most popular choices for international students, postgraduate students, and those looking for a more independent and convenient living experience.

Private student accommodation in Edinburgh is particularly suitable for students who prefer modern facilities, flexible booking options, and an all-inclusive rental experience. Most PBSA properties provide fully furnished rooms, private bathrooms, shared social spaces, study areas, laundry facilities, and on-site management services. Rent often includes bills such as electricity, heating, water, and Wi-Fi, making it easier for students to manage their monthly budget.

Popular areas for private student accommodation in Edinburgh include the city centre, Newington, Marchmont, Haymarket, and Leith. Properties located closer to universities, transport links, and central attractions usually command higher rents, while areas further from the city centre may offer more affordable options.

Based on current listings on uhomes.com, here’s what you can expect to pay for Edinburgh student accommodation per week:

Studio: £334/week
Ensuite room: £270/week
Non En suite: £202/week
shared flats Edinburgh: £192/week
1-bedroom apartments: £856/week

Shared Houses (HMOs): £120–£220/week

The average cost of shared houses and private rentals in Edinburgh is around £120 to £220 per week per person, depending on the location, property type, and number of tenants. This option is popular among students who want more independence and lower rental costs by sharing with roommates.

Compared with private student accommodation, shared housing usually requires students to manage additional expenses such as utility bills, internet, deposits, and furniture costs. It is a suitable choice for students planning to stay in Edinburgh for several years or those looking for a more affordable option. However, international students may prefer PBSA due to simpler contracts, furnished rooms, and bills-inclusive pricing.

Edinburgh Student Accommodation Costs by Area

The cost of student accommodation in Edinburgh varies significantly between different neighbourhoods. Factors such as distance from universities, transport links, local amenities, and lifestyle preferences all influence rental prices. Choosing the right area can help students find a balance between affordability, convenience, and quality of life.

Marchmont

Marchmont is widely considered one of the most popular areas for University of Edinburgh students to live, with average rents ranging from £260 to £300 per week. It sits close to The Meadows park and is a 10-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh’s George Square campus, which makes it a strong fit for undergraduates who want to be near the main teaching buildings without living directly in the city centre. Marchmont has a young, sociable feel, plenty of cafés, and a steady supply of shared flats aimed at students.

Bruntsfield

Bruntsfield typically costs around £190 to £260 per week, making it one of the more affordable options within easy reach of the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. The area is known for Bruntsfield Links, a large grass park, along with boutique cafés and independent bookshops. It suits students who want a quieter, greener setting while still staying close enough to campus and the city centre for a manageable commute.

Old Town and Edinburgh City Centre

Student accommodation in Edinburgh’s Old Town and city centre is the most expensive, ranging from roughly £360 to £400 per week. This area is ideal for students who prioritise convenience, since it sits within walking distance of major university buildings, the Royal Mile, and the city’s main transport links. Purpose-built student accommodation here tends to offer premium facilities such as gyms, study rooms, and 24-hour security, which is reflected in the higher weekly rent.

Haymarket

Haymarket offers a more affordable alternative, with private student housing typically priced between £210 and £230 per week. It sits roughly halfway between the city centre and Heriot-Watt University, with direct bus and tram links to the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Queen Margaret University. Students choose Haymarket for its clean streets, proximity to Haymarket railway station, and easy access to both the West End and the wider city without paying city-centre rent.

What Factors Affect Student Accommodation Prices in Edinburgh?

Several factors influence the cost of student accommodation in Edinburgh, including location, room type, facilities, and contract length. Understanding these factors can help students compare different options and choose housing that fits both their budget and lifestyle.

Location

Location is one of the biggest factors affecting student rent in Edinburgh. Properties located closer to universities, the city centre, and major transport links usually command higher rents due to their convenience. Areas such as Edinburgh city centre, Marchmont, and Newington are popular among students because they offer easy access to campuses, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In comparison, neighbourhoods further from the city centre may provide more affordable accommodation while still offering good transport connections.

Room Type

The type of room also has a significant impact on accommodation costs. Standard rooms with shared bathrooms are usually the most affordable option, making them suitable for students looking to reduce living expenses. En-suite rooms are more expensive because they provide private bathroom facilities, while studios usually have the highest prices as they include private kitchens, bathrooms, and more living space.

Included Facilities

Student accommodation with additional facilities generally comes at a higher price. Modern PBSA properties often offer features such as gyms, cinemas, study rooms, social spaces, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security. Although these options may have higher weekly rents, they can provide greater convenience and improve the overall student living experience.

Contract Length

The length of the rental contract can also affect the overall cost. Most student accommodation contracts in Edinburgh last between 39 and 51 weeks. Longer contracts may offer better weekly rates, while short-term accommodation is often more expensive due to limited availability and greater flexibility.

How uhomes.com Helps Students Find Affordable Accommodation in Edinburgh?

uhomes.com helps students find affordable accommodation in Edinburgh by comparing verified properties across different locations, room types, and price ranges. The platform covers student housing near major universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University, allowing students to compare multiple options in one place instead of checking individual landlord websites. Prices on uhomes.com start from around £155 per week.

All student properties listed on uhomes.com include all-inclusive rent, covering essential bills such as electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi. Compared with private rentals, where students often need to pay utilities separately, this helps reduce unexpected costs and makes weekly budgeting easier, especially during periods when energy prices fluctuate.

uhomes.com also offers a Best Price Guarantee. If students find the same room type at the same property for the same rental period at a lower price elsewhere, uhomes.com will verify the difference and match the eligible price, helping students avoid overpaying. Selected Edinburgh properties also provide exclusive early bird discounts and cashback offers of up to £925, giving students additional ways to reduce their overall accommodation costs.

Beyond comparing prices, choosing the right location can also help students save money. uhomes.com offers accommodation options in both central areas and more affordable neighbourhoods, such as Haymarket and Stockbridge. Booking early allows students to access more competitive prices, early bird offers, and a wider choice of rooms before demand increases during the peak rental period.

Conclusion

Student accommodation in Edinburgh typically costs between £120 and £409 per week, depending on the accommodation type, location, room style, and included facilities. University halls provide a convenient and affordable option for first-year students, while PBSA offers modern facilities and an all-inclusive living experience for students who value comfort and convenience. Shared houses can also be a cost-effective choice for those looking for more independence and lower rental costs.

Choosing the right accommodation depends on balancing budget, location, and lifestyle preferences. By comparing different areas, room types, and rental options in advance, students can find accommodation that meets their needs without overspending. Platforms like uhomes.com make this process easier by providing verified listings, price comparison tools, and exclusive offers, helping students secure affordable accommodation in Edinburgh with greater confidence.