Heriot-Watt Union Student Housing and Accommodation guide
Finding the perfect home while studying in Edinburgh can be stressful and overwhelming. This guide is here to help you through the whole process, it'll take you step by step on what you need to do, what you can expect, and what you should expect from your landlords. So follow along or just drop in to the sections you think will work for you.
Before you start
You can expect to pay £500 - £650+ per room per month depending on size and location or £700 - £900 for a one bedroom flat. These prices do not include bills, so make sure you budget for these in addition to your rent. For example, gas, electricity and Wi-fi access. The cost of your bills will depend on the kind of property, type of heating and the type of windows.
If you'd prefer to pay for your accommodation and bills all together, you should consider private student-only accommodation, which usually includes all living costs in the same way as halls of residence.
It's not easy to find affordable accommodation to rent in Edinburgh which is one of the most expensive cities in the UK, so make sure to read our guide and be patient and persistent in your search!
Due to low availability and high costs, some students extend their accommodation search to outlying towns and villages such as Broxburn, Livingston, and Penicuik, or even further away. Accommodation may be slightly cheaper but you must take into account the cost of travelling to campus in both money and time.
Ready to find a place to live?
LET’S GO!
Feel free to go through the toolkit in order or just dip in wherever's best!
Useful Links
- Find a Flatmate, our Facebook group for Heriot-Watt students seeking Edinburgh accommodation.
- Shelter Scotland, providing housing advice for both tenants and homeowners, as well as people facing homelessness or struggling to find a place to live.
- Rightmove website which advertises student accommodation.
Struggling to pay your rent?
If you're struggling to pay your rent or are in arrears, make sure to read our guide on finances, and there's more information on rent arrears from citizens advice here.
Still need help?
If you've read our toolkit and you still need a hand, please get in touch with the advice hub. Please be aware however, that unfortunately we cannot find accommodation for you.