Accommodation for International Students

Homestay Accommodation 

Live with a local host or host family on a half-board or self-catering basis. Homestay is an excellent way to learn more about life and culture in Edinburgh and to practise everyday English language skills. The cost of Homestay accommodation can vary depending on whether you choose self-catering or half-board (which includes breakfast and dinner). All utility bills are included in the weekly cost. If you are looking for a “home away from home”, this could be the perfect choice for you. 

We have our own Homestay host family network, including hosts conveniently located near our Sighthill, Granton, and Milton Road campuses. 

To book homestay accommodation, please get in touch with the international team – international@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

Please note we do not accept external bookings for our homestay hosts. We can only place students of Edinburgh College with our homestay host family network. 

A comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home experience. 

• Welcoming – Stay with a local host, learn about life in Edinburgh, and have extra opportunities to practice your English. 
• Affordable – Clear pricing with no hidden costs. 
• Convenient Location – All homestays are within walking distance of public transport routes to our Sighthill campus and the city centre. 
• Flexible – Choose from half-board (meals included) or self-catering, with single or shared rooms available. 
• Safe and Inspected – All homestays are inspected every two years by our Accommodation Officer to ensure they meet Accreditation UK (British Council) standards. 

Homestay Prices

(Per Week, Including £25 Summer Supplement) 

• £225 – Single room, half board 
• £195 – Single room, self-catering 
• £195 – Shared room, half board* 

Homestays are usually booked from Sunday to Sunday. Extra nights may incur additional costs, and we cannot guarantee the same host for these extended stays. Students under 18 must return to their homestay by 11.00 PM each night. 

* Shared rooms are only available for two students of the same gender and similar age who apply together. 

Student Residencies 

For students who want more independence. 

• Location – There are student residences next to our Granton and Milton Road campuses. We do not have residences at our Sighthill campus, where the Summer School programme runs; however, private residences are available throughout the city.
• Independence – More expensive than a homestay but offers more freedom. 
• Facilities – Most offer private bedrooms, some with en-suite bathrooms. You will have a shared kitchen, where you are responsible for preparing your own meals. This is a fantastic way to meet students outside your group.

Milton Road campus 

We have one on-campus student residence at our Milton Road Campus. Our accommodation offers a suitable base for studying at Edinburgh College if your course is based at the Milton Road campus, and it has excellent transport links throughout the city. 

Granton, Sighthill and Midlothian campuses 

At the Sighthill and Midlothian campuses, we do not have our own student residences available. If you will be studying at the Granton, Sighthill, or Midlothian campus and wish to stay in student residences, we recommend searching online for options. 

Private student residences

There are many privately-run student halls of residence in Edinburgh that are not owned by the College but are aimed at students studying at the city’s universities, as well as the College. The weekly cost is usually higher than that of homestay accommodation. Most have a good central location with bus or tram connections to the College.

Private student residences:

• Allied Students
• My Student Halls
• Home For Students
• Prestige Student Living
• Unite Students
• iQ Student Accommodation

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 payment 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: 

• Student Pad
• Edinburgh Gumtree
• Accommodation for Students
• City Lets
• ESPC

Hostels – A Budget Option for Short Stays 

• Location – Available throughout the city (please note travel time to Sighthill Campus before booking). 
• Facilities – Shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen areas. 

Hostels

• Edinburgh Hostels and Apartments
• Hostelling Scotland
• HostelWorld.com