Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is one of the ideal places for international students to pursue higher education and many other aspects. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most popular cities in the United Kingdom for higher education. Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh are the two universities here that host both international and domestic students. The University of Edinburgh is one of the globally high-ranked universities and has been ranked 27th by the QS World University Rankings 2025.
When international students get enrolled in any of the universities in Edinburgh, their major need is undoubtedly accommodation. Here, we will provide 10 smart tips through which you can rent student accommodation in Edinburgh easily.
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Start Your Search Early to Get Ahead of the Crowd
The first thing you will have to do is to start your search early to get ahead of the crowd. In the present scenario, accommodations are booked a few months ago from the university sessions. So, the delay may cause the unavailability of your preferred accommodation within your budget. Besides, when you search late, you may find accommodation at a higher price since many accommodation owners increase their prices at the time of the beginning of university sessions.
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Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Before searching for accommodation, you need to set a realistic budget. It will help you filter your searches and save money on rent which you can spend on other necessary expenses. Stick to your budget and don’t compromise with it in any case. The budget should be realistic that you can manage easily.
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Know the Best Neighborhoods for Student Living in Edinburgh
One of the major things you need to know is the best neighborhoods for students living in Edinburgh. There, you will find a wonderful atmosphere and the company of many other students like you. Below are some of the best neighborhoods for students living in Edinburgh.
- Newington
- Marchmont
- Bruntsfield
- Old Town
- Leith
- Haymarket & West End
- Polwarth & Fountainbridge
- Morningside
- Stockbridge
- Tollcross
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Use Trusted Platforms for Secure Bookings
Today, there are some platforms online, which provide you the lists and details of authentic accommodations. Universityliving.com is one of the perfect examples of such platforms. Here, you can see the lists of different accommodations in Edinburgh and read about their amenities, prices, etc. You can also find features like “filter” and “comparison” to find the ideal place to stay in Edinburgh.
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Consider Off-Campus Accommodation for More Options
If you are limiting yourself to on-campus accommodation, you will get limited options. Therefore, it is advised to you to consider off-campus accommodation for more options. Developers of these types of accommodations offer more options to attract students. So, you can unquestionably get a plethora of options in off-campus accommodation.
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Get Familiar with Lease Terms and Agreements
Read the lease terms and agreements carefully and get familiar with them in order to understand the rules of accommodation and whether you are comfortable with the terms and agreements or not. You should ask your queries from the accommodation owners if required.
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Look for All-Inclusive Rent Options to Save on Bills
Many accommodations designed for students have utility bills included in the rent, which means you have no need to pay the bills separately. It is unquestionably one of the ideal ways to save money on bills. Therefore, you should look for all-inclusive rent options to save on bills.
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Be Ready to Book Quickly to Avoid Missing Out
Online student accommodation service platforms allow you to book accommodation directly through the platform. So, you should be read to book quickly to avoid missing out. Remember, most of the students start looking for accommodation in advance so they are booked quickly. Therefore, if you delay, there are the chances of missing your preferred accommodation.
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Check for Nearby Transport Links and Amenities
When searching for and booking accommodation, you must check a few important things. A major aspect that you should check is the transport links. You would like to visit the places for sightseeing from time to time plus if your institute is far from your accommodation you will need transport regularly. Therefore, it is a major factor to check without a second thought.
Besides, various amenities are provided to students with present-day accommodations such as gyms, games rooms, cinemas, study desks and chairs, study rooms, Wi-Fi, internet, dining features, and more. You should set your preferences about amenities and check which accommodations have your preferred amenities.
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Ask for Student Discounts or Deals
Many landlords provide special discounts and deals for students so feel free to ask about them. On many online platforms, you can find the mention of such discounts and deals. On platforms like Universityliving.com, you can sort the student housing properties according to the best offers.
