Housing
You'll stay in student dormitories or in a private apartment. You'll apply for the dorms after you’re accepted and you can research the individual dorms online so you’re ready with your favorite. The advantage of choosing a dormitory is that your housing will be arranged prior to leaving California. If you choose to find an apartment in the private rental market, you may choose a flat or a single room in a private home. The university accommodations office has an online database of available housing, and you’ll be making all the arrangements. You’ll finalize your apartment after you arrive in Edinburgh so that you can see where you’ll live before signing a contract. You’ll need to arrange temporary lodging at a local bed and breakfast or hostel to give yourself time to see the apartments and interview owners.
Apartment
If you choose this option, you may want to share the flat with at least one other student. It’s typical to have a private bedroom and share a kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
Accommodations
- Private bedroom
- Shared bathroom
- Off campus
- No meal plan
Live with
- International students
- Local Scottish students
- Local residents
Commute
Commute depends on the location of your apartment, but is typically between 5 and 40 minutes if you’re walking, less if you’re riding a bike.
Dorm
All the dormitories are off campus and close to the university. Pollock Hall is the only one that offers a meal plan. College Wynd, Robertson’s Close, and Kincaid’s Court are close to the noise and bustling activities of the city center. Walk across a beautiful park to reach the older-style Warrender Park halls, which have high ceilings and views of Edinburgh Castle. Salisbury Court is the newest hall with large, modern flats with mini-kitchens, spacious and comfortable common room, and outdoor courtyard. Other dorms are available and all can be viewed and researched online. In most halls, you’ll share a well-equipped kitchen, dining area and bathroom with your flat mates. You’ll have access to study zones and common rooms. Bike storage is available at most of the halls.
Accommodations
- Private or shared bedroom
- Private or shared bathroom
- Off campus
- No meal plan (except Pollock Hall)
Live with
- International students
- Local Scottish students
- UC students
Commute
Your commute will depend on the location of your dorm. Some are a 10- to 15-minute walk to class and others may take up to 40 minutes by public transportation (bus).