Top Questions to Ask Before You Book Student Accommodation in Edinburgh?
By Henry Thomas 01-09-2025 105
When I was getting ready to move to Edinburgh for uni, I thought finding a room would be simple. Scroll, pick something close, book it. Easy, right? Nope. What looked like a spacious “modern studio” online turned out to be a glorified cupboard with a bed jammed in the corner. The Wi-Fi was slower than dial-up, and to make things worse, I discovered my “10-minute walk to campus” was actually a 25-minute uphill slog in the rain.
That’s when I realised: the secret isn’t just finding housing, it’s knowing which questions to ask before you commit. So, here’s my list of what to ask if you want to avoid the rookie mistakes I made and actually enjoy your student accommodation in Edinburgh.
1. How close is it? Really?
Google Maps lies sometimes. Ten minutes on the app might mean twenty uphill minutes when it’s dark, windy, and you’re carrying shopping bags.
Ask about walking routes, buses, and even cycling options. A lot of students don’t realise until week three that their flat is nowhere near a reliable late-night bus.
Pro tip: if you can walk to The Meadows or George Square within 15 minutes, you’re golden.
2. What’s included in the rent?
“Bills included” is vague. Ask: does that mean Wi-Fi, heating, water, electricity, and contents insurance?
Don’t forget laundry. Those coin-operated machines swallow money faster than you’d expect.
If heating has a “fair usage” limit, be cautious. Edinburgh winters aren’t kind, and no one wants passive-aggressive notes about energy overuse.
3. Any hidden costs?
Some places sneak in admin fees or charge extra for storage over the summer.
Always ask: how much is the deposit and when will it be returned?
Cancellation policies matter too. What if you switch courses or plans change? You don’t want to lose hundreds.
4. What’s the room actually like?
Wide-angle photos are a scam. That “spacious studio” might barely fit your suitcase.
Ask for square footage, or better, request a video tour.
If you’re sharing a flat, ask: how many people share the kitchen? Three is fine. Eight is chaos (trust me, I’ve lived it).
5. What’s the vibe of the place?
Some accommodations organise weekly socials, quiz nights, even pizza parties. Others? Silent corridors where nobody talks.
Ask: are there lounges, study areas, or common rooms? Do they run events?
It’s worth figuring out early if you want the “constant buzz” atmosphere or something quieter.
6. How safe is it?
Edinburgh is generally safe, but you’ll still want peace of mind.
Ask: is there CCTV, 24/7 staff, secure key-card entry?
Walk by at night. Are the streets well lit? Is the bus stop close? I once lived in a place where the street felt deserted after 9 p.m., and honestly, it put me off going out.
7. What’s the Wi-Fi like?
Sounds silly, but bad Wi-Fi can ruin everything. From Zoom seminars to Netflix nights.
Ask about speed, device limits, and whether it slows down during peak hours.
My first flat had Wi-Fi that cut out every time it rained (which, in Edinburgh, is most days). Don’t make my mistake.
8. Can you decorate?
Some places are strict. No posters, no fairy lights, nothing.
Ask what’s allowed. It makes a big difference when you’re trying to make a blank white room feel like home.
Even small touches like pictures or a plant can change the vibe completely.
9. How flexible is the contract?
Some contracts run 40 weeks, others 52.
Ask about early exits. If you want to move out or switch, are you still paying for the whole year?
International students: check if semester-only stays are possible. It’s better to know upfront than panic later.
10. What’s nearby?
Accommodation isn’t just four walls. It’s about the neighbourhood too.
Ask about supermarkets, coffee spots, and gyms nearby. Having a Tesco Express or Lidl within walking distance is a lifesaver.
Extra win: being close to The Meadows or Arthur’s Seat. Those green spaces will save your sanity when exams hit.
Why these questions matter
When I first booked, I didn’t ask half of these. The result? Slow Wi-Fi, a crowded kitchen, and a 25-minute walk in the rain every morning. Not fun. The second time around, I grilled the landlord with these questions and the difference was night and day: fast internet, flatmates I clicked with, and a five-minute stroll to lectures.
It wasn’t luck. It was preparation. Ask questions now, save yourself months of regret later.
Conclusion
Finding housing in Edinburgh isn’t just about snagging the first shiny studio you see online. It’s about making sure the place actually fits your lifestyle. Location, costs, security, and even social vibe matter more than glossy pictures.
So before you sign that contract, take this list, ask every single question, and don’t settle until you’re sure. If you’re currently on the hunt for student accommodation in Edinburgh, keep these questions in your back pocket. You’ll thank yourself on move-in day when you actually feel at home.
