Accommodation for International Students
Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options. We have highlighted choices that provide good value for money and suit the needs of Edinburgh College students.
Term-time Accommodation
Edinburgh College has four campuses: Granton, Milton Road, Sighthill, and Midlothian.
Check which campus you will be studying at before booking your accommodation. Summer School programmes are based at Sighthill campus.
Summer School Accommodation
If you are joining the Edinburgh College Summer School, we recommend booking homestay accommodation to improve your English-language skills in a fully immersive environment. Homestay Accommodation is often the most affordable option, particularly during peak tourist season in summer. If you do not wish to stay in a homestay, please see other options below.
Edinburgh is a very popular destination, especially in summer. August is the busiest month, and accommodation fills up quickly. We recommend booking as early as possible.
Accommodation options – which is right for you?
Student Residences
For students who want more independence.This option is most suited to term-time students starting their courses in August; it is also available for groups and short-term bookings during the summer.
- Location – Edinburgh College has student residences at the Milton Road campus only. There is a private student residence run by Allied Students at our Granton campus. There are no residences at our Midlothian or Sighthill campus, where the Summer School programme is based. However, there are many private student residences throughout the city.
- Facilities – Student residences typically offer private, single-occupancy rooms, self-catering and shared facilities (shower room, toilets, kitchen, social areas, laundry facilities). Some rooms offer en-suite bathrooms.
- Why choose student residences? – Student residences are typically more expensive than homestay, but offer more independence and freedom. You will have a shared kitchen and social spaces. This can be a fantastic way to meet students outside your group.
- Availability – Student residences are generally booked by students studying on year-round courses and often fill up early for the start of the new academic year in August. Many private student residences in the city also offer short-stays during the summer. We recommend booking your accommodation early to avoid disappointment. There is usually limited availability for students arriving for courses starting in January and for short stays at other times during the year.
Websites that can help you find student residences;
Homestay Accommodation
We have our own Homestay host family network, including hosts conveniently located near our Sighthill, Granton, and Milton Road campuses. The families we work with are very experienced and enjoy welcoming international students into their homes for a safe, comfortable and supported stay.
- Location – Most of our host families live close to our Sighthill campus, where our Summer School is held every year. We also have some host families available near the Milton Road and Granton campuses, if suitable for your course.
- Facilities – Most of our homestays offer single-occupancy, private rooms, shared facilities, and half-board (breakfast and dinner provided). Some en-suite bathrooms, self-catering, and twin rooms are available on request.
- Why choose homestay accommodation? – Live with a local host or host family for a comfortable and affordable home-from-home experience. Homestay accommodation is an excellent way to learn more about life and culture in Edinburgh and have opportunities to practise your English. It is very affordable, particularly during the peak summer season, when accommodation in Edinburgh becomes very expensive. We strongly recommend homestay accommodation for students under 18. All homestays are inspected every two years by our Accommodation Officer to ensure they meet Accreditation UK (British Council) standards.
- Availability – Homestay accommodation is available to book throughout the year for students of Edinburgh College. We have a strong network of experienced hosts, many of whom have been hosting international students with us for years.
To book homestay accommodation, please contact the international team at international@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
Please note we do not accept external bookings for our homestay hosts. We can only place students from Edinburgh College with our homestay host family network.
Homestay Prices (per week)
- £200 – Single room, half board
- £175 – Single room, self-catering
- £175 – Shared room, half board*
- £25 – Summer School and Christmas holidays supplement (8 weeks in July – August, 2 weeks in December - January)
* Shared rooms are only available for two students of the same gender and similar age who apply together.
Homestays are usually booked from Sunday to Sunday. Extra nights may incur additional costs, and we cannot guarantee the same host for extended stays. Students under 18 must return to their homestay by 11.00 PM each night.
Private rented accommodation
If you plan to rent a flat or apartment yourself, it is essential to consider additional costs, such as electricity/gas bills, as well as Council Tax (a local council tax that some students may need to pay). It is also essential to understand any contract you are asked to sign for private rented accommodation.
These websites help find a flat-share or a private rented flat:
Hostels
A budget option for short stays. Hostels offer shared and private rooms, usually with shared bathrooms, kitchens and social spaces. Hostels can be a great way to meet other travellers and find out about social and cultural activities in the city. Edinburgh has many hostels available throughout the city. Please note the travel time to the campus you will be studying at before booking.
These websites help find hostels:
I think my favourite thing about Summer School is my host, Kath. She is beautiful! I feel in her home like in my own home. And, of course, the teachers. Very friendly and smart.Danila, Summer School 2019
Options for our Campuses
Granton Campus
Private student residencies
At our Granton campus, we do not have our own student residences. However, there is a private student residence next door to our Granton campus, run by Allied Students. Private student residences must be booked independently. We accept no responsibility or liability for bookings made with external providers.
For example, the following private student residences are less than 30 mins by public transport to Edinburgh College Granton campus:
- Allied Students – Edinburgh College residences
- Prestige Student Living – The Pepper Mill
- Homes For Students – Beaverbank Place
Homestay Accommodation
We can book homestay accommodation for you near the Milton Road campus. Please see below for more information about homestay accommodation.
Midlothian Campus
The Midlothian campus is located just outside Edinburgh. This campus is only a few minutes’ walk from Eskbank train station. If your course is at the Midlothian campus, you may wish to look for accommodation in nearby towns, such as Eskbank, Dalkeith, or Bonnyrigg. You may also consider living in the city centre and travelling to and from the Midlothian campus by train (about 35 minutes).
Milton Road
Edinburgh College student residences
We have on-site student residences at the Milton Road Campus. This accommodation offers a suitable base for studying at Edinburgh College if your course is based at the Milton Road campus. Milton Road campus is located close to Portobello beach and is around 20 minutes from the city centre by bus. There are excellent public transport links throughout the city.
You can find more information and book on our Student Accommodation page.
Private student residences
There are many private student residences in Edinburgh, including some that are conveniently located for travel to the Milton Road campus. These must be booked independently. We accept no responsibility or liability for bookings made with external providers.
For example, the following private student residences are less than 30 mins by public transport to the Edinburgh College Milton Road campus:
- Prestige Student Living – Huxley Studios, Straits Meadow
- CRM Students – Norton’s Student Living,
- Downing Students – New Park
- Unite Students – Burnet Point
- iQ Student Accommodation – Elliott House
Homestay Accommodation
We can book homestay accommodation for you near the Milton Road campus.
Sighthill Campus
Private student residences
At Sighthill, we do not have our own student residences. However, private student residences are available nearby. These must be booked independently. We accept no responsibility or liability for bookings made with external providers.
For example, the following private student residences are less than 30 mins by public transport to Edinburgh College Sighthill campus:
- Abodus Student Living - Haymarket
- Capitol Students – Gorgie, Westfield
- Edinburgh Napier University – Bainfield, Orwell Terrace, Slateford Road
- Prestige Student Living – Haymarket Yards, Silk Mill
- CRM Students – Murieston Crescent
- Homes For Students – The Mill House
- iQ Student Accommodation – Grove
Homestay Accommodation
We can book homestay accommodation for you near the Milton Road campus. Please see below for more information about homestay accommodation.
My hosts, and Scottish people in general, are so kind and friendly. Homestay is a very good way to improve students' English levels and make them feel at home in Edinburgh.Nathalia, Colombia
Become a Homestay Host
If you have a private and comfortable spare bedroom in your home and enjoy meeting new people, why not join the Edinburgh College Homestay Host Network?
Find out moreI was scared about going to a homestay, but I really love staying with my host. She made me feel I could be myself, and I felt comfortable in her house.Matilde, Italy
