Everything you need to know about our student accommodation at the University of Edinburgh
Living in our University-managed accommodation is a great stepping stone to independence, offering students a new home where they will still feel supported and make new friends. As a parent or supporter, you can be reassured that your student will be living in a safe, inclusive environment with 24/7 University support available whenever it’s needed.
Our Residence Life team live and work in our accommodation and are available around-the-clock to provide support.
Your student will only live with other University of Edinburgh students and will be integrated with our academic and wellbeing services.
No changing tariffs or stress from bill providers, we’ve got it all handled.
No need for any payments upfront, plus we offer flexible payment options.
If your student lives in our catered accommodation at Pollock Halls they will receive two healthy meals a day from our JMCC restaurant.
If a student is unwell, distressed or feels unsafe, our 24/7 teams will follow University procedures to provide immediate support.
From arrival to graduation, our support evolves throughout your student's time with us.
Before arrival. Students are encouraged to connect with others through digital communities and pre-arrival communications to help them begin their University journey.
In the first weeks. Welcome events and meetings with Residence Life Assistants help students to settle and build connections quickly.
Throughout the year. Whether it is a friendly check-in with your student or providing practical advice, our Residence Life team knows the University inside out and is there to help. They also host wellbeing initiatives and social programmes to help students stay balanced and engaged.
Beyond graduation. The independence, resilience and community skills developed while living in University accommodation remain long after students move on.
We want to give your student a welcoming place to call home as they begin their journey at the University of Edinburgh. That’s why we guarantee an offer of accommodation to all new students who meet our eligibility criteria.
Students are only able to apply for accommodation once they have accepted an offer to study at the University of Edinburgh. Accommodation applications are made via the MyEd portal. Students who do not fall under our guarantee criteria are still encouraged to apply for accommodation as early as they can to join our waiting list.
Your student will be asked for five accommodation preferences. Before they start their application, we encourage them to explore all of our accommodation options and think about what matters most: price, location, bathroom type, or other features.
We won’t ask for any deposit, pre-payment, or guarantor during the application process.
Once your student receives their accommodation offer from us, they must accept their contract within three days and choose a payment method:
Instalments - Direct Debit
Instalments - Recurring card payments
Sponsored Students
Pay in Full
We encourage students to have their accommodation and living cost funding organised before their course begins. Accommodation fees must be paid in line with the terms and conditions of the lease.
If you wish to make an advanced payment, you will need to ensure it is done at least 5 calendar days prior to your next payment is due, to avoid the card or account being charged, which may leave your account overdrawn.
Parents and supporters can make a payment via the University of Edinburgh's payment portal (opens in a new tab).
The early stages of university life can be a whirlwind, but at the heart of your student's university journey lies the need for flexibility, time management, social interaction. With catered accommodation at Pollock Halls, they get all of this:
Flexibility
With set mealtimes within a 3-hour period, they can enjoy weekly freedom from grocery shopping, saving time for other university activities.
Variety of food
A wide range of meal choices, including classic dishes, vegetarian/vegan options, and regular themed nights that introduce students to foods from all over the world. Our food and sustainability have won numerous awards. View our good food awards on our Catering website.
Budgeting and time management
Worried about your student juggling their finances or finding time to study? When they live in Pollock Halls, their meal costs are part of their accommodation fees, so no need for grocery budgeting. While catered halls might seem more expensive at first, it’s because the catering costs are paid up front.
Community
The JMCC restaurant is a hub for socialising during mealtimes and fosters an invaluable sense of community.
Location
Pollock Halls are conveniently located near George Square campus and King’s Buildings campus, offering easy access to classes. For those who enjoy exercise, the University’s Centre for Sports & Exercise is close by, and students living at Pollock Halls even have free onsite access to Oxygen Fitness Studios.
We give all possible support to help students with disabilities and health conditions secure accommodation that best suits their needs. Our range of facilities available for disabled students in both catered halls and self-catered residences and flats includes wheelchair-accessible accommodation and rooms which have been specially adapted for students with a hearing impairment. If you would like to discuss the accommodation options available, please contact the Student Accommodation team.
Student Accommodation
Accommodation, Catering & Events
18 Holyrood Park Road
Edinburgh
EH16 5AY
Tel: +44 (0)131 651 2042
Email: [email protected]
For more information on support that the University can provide, contact the Disability & Learning Support Service via their website (opens in a new tab).
Should your student need support with anything building-related, our Property Team is always on hand to take care of maintenance, keep communal areas clean, and respond to repair requests.
To make visiting your student easy, we have year-round accommodation for guests to the city which you can book online via The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection
The University has lots of information and on what to expect as your student transitions into university life.
