Things to consider when renting a shared student house in Edinburgh

shared student house in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a fantastic city to live in for students. It’s packed with historical charm, from the cobbled streets of Old Town to the imposing fortress of Holyrood Palace. There’s also plenty of opportunity to be outdoors – you can get lost in the rugged wilderness of Holyrood Park or scale Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano right next to the centre of town. But it’s not all history, Edinburgh is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and has a thriving economy.

In fact, it’s the second largest financial hub in Scotland, which is why many students choose to study here. There are lots of jobs available in the city and you can easily make money while studying by doing some part-time work or volunteering.

If you’re planning to rent a shared edinburgh student flats, it’s important to think about your priorities first. The type of property you need, the size of your budget, and how close to the university campus you want to live are all important things to consider.

Things to consider when renting a shared student house in Edinburgh

There are different types of shared edinburgh college accommodation to choose from in Edinburgh, including purpose built student accommodation and private halls. Each has its own pros and cons. If you’re not a fan of communal living, private halls may be the best option for you. These are usually managed by a third party and offer ensuite rooms with shared facilities such as kitchens, dining areas, and lounges. They can be a great alternative to halls of residence and are typically cheaper than renting your own flat.

Another benefit of private halls is that they usually include bills, which is a big plus for most students! This is because renting a flat in Edinburgh can be expensive and you’ll need to factor in your bills when budgeting. In shared student houses, you’ll need to pay your own electricity and gas (approximately PS45-60 a month) but water and internet is normally included in the rental price of private halls or purpose-built student accommodation.

Before diving into the search, it is crucial to determine your specific requirements and preferences for a student house in Edinburgh. Consider factors such as location, distance from your university, number of bedrooms, amenities, and budget. Are you looking for a bustling city center location or a quieter neighborhood? Do you require proximity to public transportation? Will you be living alone or with roommates? By outlining your needs, you can narrow down your search and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Edinburgh is a city with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and amenities. Researching various areas will help you identify the most suitable locations for your student house search. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to amenities, local transport links, and the presence of other students. Popular student areas in Edinburgh include Marchmont, Bruntsfield, Newington, and Morningside. Explore online resources, local forums, and university notice boards to gather insights from current or former students. Visiting the neighborhoods and speaking with local residents can also provide valuable firsthand information about the area’s suitability for students.

If you’re renting a flat with other students, it’s a good idea to sit down and discuss the expectations that you have of each other before making any decisions. This will help you avoid any disputes down the line. It’s also a good idea to agree on a moving-in date early on so that everyone has time to find a place and move in together.

Lastly, if you’re renting a flat with other people, it’s worth checking the contract carefully to see what happens if you decide to break the lease. You’ll probably need to pay a fee called a forfeiture deposit, which is equivalent to a month’s rent. You might also need to provide a guarantor, which is a person who’s willing to be legally responsible for your rental payments if you’re unable to meet your obligations. This could be your parent or guardian, so it’s important to ask about this before you sign the contract.