University of Edinburgh Accommodation Thread for Entry 2012/13

Roughly 2 weeks ago, I saw on the accommodation section of the Uni website that they were adding new accommodation choices for 2012/2013, they named about 4/5 for Self-Catered Undergraduates and some for Postgraduates and said I'd find more information on the self-catered accommodation page. I went onto that and they weren't listed and they also weren't in the choices in the actual accommodation application, the article is gone too? They were all En-suite and had something to do with Unite? Anyway, I wanted to apply for them but the news article about it seems to have disappeared and it was above the ECA news article. They mentioned how the prices would match their current and en-suite was something that they weren't able to offer before, but is increasing in popularity. Any idea's what's up?

This "new" accommodation really took my fancy haha

Roughly 2 weeks ago, I saw on the accommodation section of the Uni website that they were adding new accommodation choices for 2012/2013, they named about 4/5 for Self-Catered Undergraduates and some for Postgraduates and said I'd find more information on the self-catered accommodation page. I went onto that and they weren't listed and they also weren't in the choices in the actual accommodation application, the article is gone too? They were all En-suite and had something to do with Unite? Anyway, I wanted to apply for them but the news article about it seems to have disappeared and it was above the ECA news article. They mentioned how the prices would match their current and en-suite was something that they weren't able to offer before, but is increasing in popularity. Any idea's what's up?

This "new" accommodation really took my fancy haha

Someone tell me where to apply for accommodation I don't understand their stuff at all. Would like to be near George Square, self catered, not too expensive, somewhere were I can meet loads of different people & have a good social life? A lot of people I've talked to have said Pollock is the best socialising but I really don't want to go catered as I'm a vegetarian. Help I've heard so many different things!

Pollock is fine if you're a vegetarian. It's not great if you enjoy eating and have a soul though Pollock is what you make of it - you have a much larger cohort of potentially ready-made friends. The reality the vast vast majority are just acquaintances at best, with most people settling into small friendship groups. The kind you find in self-catered, in courses, at societies, at the pub - wherever!

Near George Square accounts for 90% of the accommodation available - just avoid places like West Mains Road. Not too expensive? Well, look at the prices and apply to the cheapest self-catered places - that's my advice.

Well yes I have a soul and I eat copious amounts, but even at that catering is looking a lot more expensive than self catered and that is taking into account my groceries, vegetables really do not cost that much.

*waves* Me too! I'll be 21 by the time I'm away to Edinburgh myself. I'm going self-catered. Also seconding the person asking about cycling--dunno how I'd go about procuring the bike, but I'm quite happy getting around on one these days.

I don't think you're going to get killed provided you are somewhat cautious on main roads and crossing them and take all the usual cyclist precautions when mingling with traffic.

A good starting point is the University's cycling page.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/transport/cycling

There are quite a lot of dedicated cycle routes and they vary in quality but they are improving.
http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/

It's not as good as the Netherlands obviously, but I think you will get on fine.

Thanks a lot, that's awesome, I had no idea the university had a cycling page I won't mind being in accommodation a little further from the campus as long as I can cycle

That's OK, glad to help. Have you thought about which area(s) to look for a place to live yet?

Not really, I find it pretty difficult to make a decision. I think perhaps it'd be good to be near the central area, but somewhat south of it, so I won't be too far away from the King's Buildings in case I'd need to go down there. But I'll probably end up choosing some buildings that look nice on pictures just because I have no idea what to go for

My friend and I share a flat in Morningside, that's quite a nice area, decent shops, etc. Areas closer to the centre are of course more expensive generally.

So, as a first year Astrophysics student, I'd ideally aim for accommodation near the central area?

And, how's cycling in Edinburgh? I mean, I'm Dutch, we cycle everywhere, all the time. Or am I likely to get killed if I dare to use a bicycle? The walking distances might be fine but I much prefer cycling to walking as it's a lot quicker, obviously

Although as an incoming first year, Eileen_ will presumably be staying in university accommodation and therefore rental price trends in Edinburgh don't play much role in her decision.

Hiya again...Im bringing my bike too so at least i wont be the only one cycling to the physics building Have you applied yet for your accomodation???

What is the chances that your bike will end up in the picture depicted?

I was wondering how competitive is it generally to get into residence (mainly, the nicer ones), for entering students?