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Thread for accommodation questions for 09/10 entry - READ & POST HERE FIRST :o)

We will begin updating this for 10/11 entry - please be patient! Until then, all of the answers to most of your questions can be found in this thread already - please read it. Then add to this post if you've got any other questions and we'll do our best to help.

***FINDING PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH***

It seems that the university is claiming that they will only be able to offer bunk bed twin rooms to large numbers of students for the new year. Obviously, sharing a room isn't the nicest of prospects to look forward to however nice your prospective roommate might be, so I thought I'd put together a little section on finding private accommodation for those who decide not to accept their offers. Remember, you do not have to accept the accommodation offer if you don't want to do so and there are plenty of alternatives - Edinburgh has a lot of very good flats on offer to students.

I want to join an existing flat

Look on the university student union forum here (the link brings you to the accommodation forum). This is generally the first port of call for people to advertise spare rooms, or you can place an advert saying you're looking for a room. Most people advertising on here will be Edinburgh University students.

Or alternatively, try the Edinburgh Gumtree page here.

You can also go into the Potterrow student union in Bristo Square during the festival, and at the back inbetween the SU office and SU shop, there is an accommodation notice board.

I want to find my own flat and some flatmates

This is really easy to do, and if you've got a spare few days in which to head to Edinburgh even better. There are loads of student flats in Edinburgh with 2, 3 or 4 people being the norm so you don't need to have many people. There are loads of people on TSR discussing getting private accommodation so it might be worth PMing them to see if they want to join up with you.

If you are looking to share with 2 or more people you are NOT related to, you need to make sure that your landlord has a HMO licsence on the property which is a legal requirement for rentals to unrelated groups of 3 or more adults.

Landlords and Property Management Companies

You want a landlord who is accredited by the Edinburgh City Council landlord accreditation scheme, which means the landlord and the property has to adhere to certain rules and regulations. Not all landlords are part of this scheme and I'd advise avoiding ones which aren't, esspecially as you're new to the area. Check with the council if in doubt. Private landlords (ie: not large rental/property management companies) are generally better as you can always get hold of them incase of problems and they usually only own one or a few flats, meaning the upkeep is generally better. There are lots of property management companies in Edinburgh, some with better reviews than others. Grant Management is considered to be a company to avoid by most of the student population, and the majority of students know someone who has been messed around/fobbed off/generally had a bad time with GM. I personally would never live in a flat managed by them regardless of how cheap the rent had been made. Other popular management companies are Edinburgh Letting Service, Crichton Stuart, Dove Davies and Edinburgh Property Management, although obviously there are more. I have friends who have rented with all of these companies and they are considered to be better than GM, although I am not saying that all of these are wonderful. As I said you are better off with a private landlord if at all possible.

Finding a flat

You can use the websites I gave above, or alternatively there are loads of search engines where private landlords and property management companies advertise. The most used ones are city lets, s1 rental, letting web, ESPC, letting in Scotland, Student Pad. Again, this list as with the property management isn't exhaustive. Each of the PM companies I listed above also have their own websites.

There is plenty of property available in Edinburgh, so you should be able to find something. Some of my friends came up this summer for 1 week and found a flat easily.

Where shall I live?

The main student areas of Edinburgh are known as Marchmont, Newington, Tollcross, Bruntsfield, New Town and Old Town. Basically, if you have a map of Edinburgh, this is the area which is encircled by Queen Street in the north, then to the east, as far as Holyrood Park and Dalkeith Road, to the south it would be north of Strathern Road level, then to the west, Lothian Road which then becomes Bruntsfield Place. All of these areas are within a 20-25 minute walk of the George Square area of the university, and within walking distance of most popular clubs, pubs and also supermarkets.

(Obviously people live outwith this area, but I am speaking in general terms)

How much will it cost?

Housing here is more expensive than a lot of the UK, and I cringe when I hear how little friends at university in different parts of the country are paying. The thing to remember is that Edinburgh is a capital city, and you want to live in the centre of it, so compared to London and many other capitals, Edinburgh is pretty reasonable on the pricing front.

In general, rental rates start at around £300 per person per month excluding bills and go up to in excess of £400. However, you should be able to get a decent room for less than £320. Bills are generally around £20-25 each a month in my own experience. As a student you will not have to pay council tax and as a result you don't have to pay for water either. Therefore, try not to live with someone who is working unless you can come to an agreement on council tax payment. It is usual that there will be a stair cleaner to clean the communal staircase and each flat pays their share each month - the others in your building will be quick to let you know the procedure when you move in.

Leases are usually always for 12 months, with little room for negotiation. You will be expected to pay rent every single month regardless of whether you are living in the property or not. This is standard procedure, unlike in some other university towns and cities. Many students chose to sublet their room in the summer months to people who are living in Edinburgh for the festival, or stay in the flat themselves working in the city.

Deposits are usually one month rent, which can sometimes be used in lieu of a 12th month payment. All breakages and repair costs are generally paid for by the landlord, not the tenants (unless of course you break it by being stupid/drunk!).

What are the properties like?

All properties here are old tenement style flats, with a shared staircase and 2-4 properties on each floor, usually with 3 or 4 floors. There is usually a shared garden for which you will have access. I've never known anyone to live in a house. They all have very high ceilings and usually contain huge rooms with large windows. A lot of the windows are only single glazed so if you find one with double glazing you've got a good deal, meaning the flats can get very cold in winter. Get used to sleeping in layers and using sleeping bags if you want to live here and save on bills! Some flats have lounges and others don't (it is normally around £320 for a seperate lounge) but most have a large kitchen with sofas here. There is generally only one bathroom. A lot of properties have lots of cupboards for storage and many have lovely, tiled fireplaces which although are no longer in use make brilliant decorative pieces in your bedroom!

---- I hope this is of some use to people... and good luck flat searching! It is easier than you think!

-----------------------------------

Hi,

As accommodation questions seem to be surfacing I thought it'd be nice to keep everything on one thread and pool the resources that we already have into one thread. There have been loads threads over the last few years where people have asked the same questions again and again (as obviously everyone always wants to know the same thing) so to try and stop the repetitive questions, I thought I'd make a proper thread using information current students have given in the past. I'll add to this when I've got more time, at the moment I've gone back as far as this time next year looking for useful threads.

University of Edinburgh wiki - contains photos.

The wiki is a very good point of reference for any questions and has been created by several of the current students who are the 'main' posters in the Edinburgh forum. This means our opinion is already reflected here, so we don't need to write it again. Please read the wiki.

APPLY ONLINE NOW - if you have accepted Edinburgh as your firm OR insurance place. It is NOT first come, first served. It does not matter when you apply as long as you meet the deadline, which is in the summer.

Applications are now being accepted.
Again, it does NOT matter when you apply.
Accommodation isn't issued by order of application.

*New*

Ensure you apply for accommodation using an email address which you will still have access to in September. Offers are sent out via email and you have to accept the offer by clicking on the link and paying your deposit over the internet. This means you should NOT use an email address from school, college, work or anywhere else where you might not be able to access it come the end of august. Many schools and colleges delete students from their user areas after exams in June meaning you can't access your email which is fundamental for after results day. This also applies to the general UCAS form, ensure you're using something you'll be contactable on until you arrive at university.

(Otherwise you end up in a mess like I did where come results day you realise you can't recieve any accommodation emails and then end up having to completely reapply just to change your email address)

**NEW**

Room Sizes:

There are a lot of questions about the room sizing and whether one should apply for a small, medium or large room. The general concenus from current students is that you should always apply for the SMALL room size where ever possible - particularly if you are concerned about money - because the size difference between the rooms is marginal.

This "choice" only came into opperation about 2 years ago (I didn't get a choice) and is simply being used as another way for the university accommodation services to get more money out of students. Paying an extra £10 a week for a "big" room will gain you a room which is say, 30cm wider than that of your flatmate with the "small" room.... you may as well donate £10 a week to Uni AS people as you're getting very little for the extra money.

08/09 (last yr) entry accommodation application discussion

Why did you apply for your accommodation/where did you apply 08/09

Where is the best place to live in Edinburgh?

Price of accommodation, artorscience's post in particular

UNITE at Edinburgh

Where to live/prices for after first year

Edinburgh is my insurance choice, do I still apply?

Self catered accommodation = single sex (in general)

Detailed stuff:

Pollock meal times

Mini fridge? What to and what not to bring!

Should I bring a TV?

Should I bring my bike?

Can I bring my dog to Edinburgh?

From the Edinburgh University website:

Will I be guarenteed accommodation?

Prices and Accommodation types, plus details about Internet

----

Obviously questions do always arise and we all certainly had loads before we came to Edinburgh. We don't mind answering questions at all, as obviously, we'd like to help prospective students as much as we can. I know the university accommodation website isn't very detailed, whereas the TSR site is pretty good at answering questions. However, we do also have lives to lead and get on with our degrees too. So many generic questions can be answered by using the links above and by using the search function. But as I said fire away with questions.... but it'd be easier if they're all in one place.

Thank you!

I hope you end up loving Edinburgh as much as I do :love:

Reply 780

ladylish

10

Dunkelheit

Are you screwed if you miss the 7 days? I have a friend also going to Edinburgh and they've gone on holiday for 2 weeks and I've got no way of contacting them :eek:

There is a deadline of a week or so, yes. I had mine extended because they didn't notify me at the email address I entered - they emailed my uni address for some reason.

But they don't advise going on holiday where you have no access to emails at this time - if you don't reply within the deadline, it does say in the email you get that they will release the room.

Reply 781

Static.

Bansh

Waah, i think im in the same flat as you, i'm Flat 7, Room 3, Sciennes 1!

Aha cool!

I really can't wait to get there. So exciting.

Reply 782

CH83

Does anyone know if Edward Salvesen Hall is particularly noisey? I have an offer to stay in a 5-person flat there, but am concerned it will be chaotic. I'm a mature postgrad, so I'd like something quiet and clean! Any advice?

Reply 783

john-milton

has anyone else received the following email from Edinburgh university??

We are about to issue you, within the next 24 hours or so, with an offer of accommodation at the University of Edinburgh for the academic year 2009-10. But, before doing so, I thought it would be useful to explain why we are making you the offer we are, as it differs from any preferences you may have expressed on your application for accommodation.

The University has been extremely successful in its recruitment campaign for new Undergraduates this year but this has had the effect of creating a significant excess of demand over the normally available supply of accommodation. Quite simply, we have had no choice other than to source additional accommodation and indeed look at options such as having students share twin and bunk bedded rooms.

Your offer, when you receive it, will be for a room in accommodation operated by Jewel & Esk College; the college is used to managing student accommodation and we have been fortunate to source a number of rooms from them, better enabling us to manage this additional demand.

The accommodation you will be offered is based on single study bedrooms, sharing bathroom facilities, on a catered basis with 14 meals per week (breakfast and evening meal each day). There will be almost 50 other new UG's from the University in this accommodation which will include the majority of those services normally available in our own accommodation, including contents insurance, all utility costs and internet access. In addition, we shall be ensuring an appropriate welfare service in conjunction with colleagues from Jewel & Esk College and providing you with full and free membership of the health club (including pool and fitness rooms) which forms part of the complex.

The cost of this accommodation to you is actually the same as would have been the case had you been offered similar but older standard rooms at University owned sites. You should note the location of this campus on Milton Road East is 3-4 miles from the city centre and so we will be arranging for you to receive a free bus pass throughout your stay and which offers an effective service into the city and its attractions, as well as to the main teaching and support areas of the University at Old College and around George Square. Further information on the accommodation provided at Jewel and Esk can be found at:
http://jec.ac.uk/Pages/page.php?id=40&page=6

We hope you are able to accept this offer of accommodation when you receive it; more information on the specific location is provided as part of the offer process and you will receive specific arrival information by email in early September. Unfortunately, if you are not able to accept this offer, and because we really have no other options available, then we shall not be able to offer you any alternative.

Please look out for the email which will contain information on how to access and then accept your offer; it should be with you in the next 24-48 hours. And please do not reply directly to this email; if you have any issues with your offer when you receive it, you should contact our Allocations team at [email protected] or call them on 0131 651 2042.

Thank you

it's actually 4.5 miles away, and is predominantly used by highers students. However, it appears that there's nothing i can do to change it. anyone else in this dilemma??

Reply 784

john-milton

is there ANYTHING i can do to change this??

We are about to issue you, within the next 24 hours or so, with an offer of accommodation at the University of Edinburgh for the academic year 2009-10. But, before doing so, I thought it would be useful to explain why we are making you the offer we are, as it differs from any preferences you may have expressed on your application for accommodation.

The University has been extremely successful in its recruitment campaign for new Undergraduates this year but this has had the effect of creating a significant excess of demand over the normally available supply of accommodation. Quite simply, we have had no choice other than to source additional accommodation and indeed look at options such as having students share twin and bunk bedded rooms.

Your offer, when you receive it, will be for a room in accommodation operated by Jewel & Esk College; the college is used to managing student accommodation and we have been fortunate to source a number of rooms from them, better enabling us to manage this additional demand.

The accommodation you will be offered is based on single study bedrooms, sharing bathroom facilities, on a catered basis with 14 meals per week (breakfast and evening meal each day). There will be almost 50 other new UG's from the University in this accommodation which will include the majority of those services normally available in our own accommodation, including contents insurance, all utility costs and internet access. In addition, we shall be ensuring an appropriate welfare service in conjunction with colleagues from Jewel & Esk College and providing you with full and free membership of the health club (including pool and fitness rooms) which forms part of the complex.

The cost of this accommodation to you is actually the same as would have been the case had you been offered similar but older standard rooms at University owned sites. You should note the location of this campus on Milton Road East is 3-4 miles from the city centre and so we will be arranging for you to receive a free bus pass throughout your stay and which offers an effective service into the city and its attractions, as well as to the main teaching and support areas of the University at Old College and around George Square. Further information on the accommodation provided at Jewel and Esk can be found at:
http://jec.ac.uk/Pages/page.php?id=40&page=6

We hope you are able to accept this offer of accommodation when you receive it; more information on the specific location is provided as part of the offer process and you will receive specific arrival information by email in early September. Unfortunately, if you are not able to accept this offer, and because we really have no other options available, then we shall not be able to offer you any alternative.

Please look out for the email which will contain information on how to access and then accept your offer; it should be with you in the next 24-48 hours. And please do not reply directly to this email; if you have any issues with your offer when you receive it, you should contact our Allocations team at [email protected] or call them on 0131 651 2042.

Thank you

I SERIOUSLY don't want to stay 4.5 miles out of town at a 6th form college, but it looks as though my hands are tied - either take this or find my own accommodation :s-smilie:

... anyone have any ideas??

Reply 785

nearlyheadlessian

15

john-milton

I SERIOUSLY don't want to stay 4.5 miles out of town at a 6th form college, but it looks as though my hands are tied - either take this or find my own accommodation :s-smilie:

... anyone have any ideas??

Personally I would probably take it. With about 50 other Edinburgh undergraduates, you won't be lonely (and whose to say that the Jewel & Esk students aren't lovely too?). The location is annoying, but buses run late so you can get home late. Equally, if you make yourself some friends elsewhere obviously you'll have somewhere to crash in central Edinburgh on late nights. It's not ideal, but I reckon that a free annual bus pass (unlimited trips to Ikea anyone?), free membership of their gym (all the stuff out at Jewel & Esk is practically brand new) and food and so on. Given you're at this late stage I would make the best of a poor situation. After all, the university are going to offer you good accommodation for their standard prices, so you're not being left in the lurch of having nowhere to live. If it's really bad, then look into an internal transfer to somewhere else within accommodation services after 5 or 6 weeks. But you might like it. Given it's August 24th, I would accept it, and make the best of it.

Reply 786

john-milton

nearlyheadlessian

Personally I would probably take it. With about 50 other Edinburgh undergraduates, you won't be lonely (and whose to say that the Jewel & Esk students aren't lovely too?). The location is annoying, but buses run late so you can get home late. Equally, if you make yourself some friends elsewhere obviously you'll have somewhere to crash in central Edinburgh on late nights. It's not ideal, but I reckon that a free annual bus pass (unlimited trips to Ikea anyone?), free membership of their gym (all the stuff out at Jewel & Esk is practically brand new) and food and so on. Given you're at this late stage I would make the best of a poor situation. After all, the university are going to offer you good accommodation for their standard prices, so you're not being left in the lurch of having nowhere to live. If it's really bad, then look into an internal transfer to somewhere else within accommodation services after 5 or 6 weeks. But you might like it. Given it's August 24th, I would accept it, and make the best of it.

I've had a look and it doesn't look ideal, but it is workable. after calling the accommodation office i was told that if i put in a request for a transfer i, along with ay other jewel and esk students who apply, will egt 1st preference of a room at pollock if any students refuse accommodation and drop out. and as you said, there are a few quirks - the gym looks very good, as does the pool. the free bus pass will be handy for things other than getting to and from uni. the actual rooms are apparently much nicer and newer and it's not like I'll be all alone up there - 50 other students is quite a few, so I'm sure I'll get on fine - I reckon I'll put myself on the waiting list for pollock and hope for the best :o:

... and if not I'm sure this accommodation will still be fun for me.... still a bit annoyed though, as I've spent my whole life being a 45min bus journey from any sort of town centre and i thought that would change at uni :frown:

Reply 787

Rian1988

14

Why have Edinburgh allowed so many new under graduates this year and not have enough accommodation available? Just seems a bit strange.

Reply 788

Rian1988

14

john-milton

I've had a look and it doesn't look ideal, but it is workable. after calling the accommodation office i was told that if i put in a request for a transfer i, along with ay other jewel and esk students who apply, will egt 1st preference of a room at pollock if any students refuse accommodation and drop out. and as you said, there are a few quirks - the gym looks very good, as does the pool. the free bus pass will be handy for things other than getting to and from uni. the actual rooms are apparently much nicer and newer and it's not like I'll be all alone up there - 50 other students is quite a few, so I'm sure I'll get on fine - I reckon I'll put myself on the waiting list for pollock and hope for the best :o:

... and if not I'm sure this accommodation will still be fun for me.... still a bit annoyed though, as I've spent my whole life being a 45min bus journey from any sort of town centre and i thought that would change at uni :frown:

Do you still get to keep the bus pass if you get a transfer? :tongue:

Reply 789

john-milton

Rian1988

Do you still get to keep the bus pass if you get a transfer? :tongue:

looks like it... I'm being issued a full years bus pass in my name at the beginning of term... it'll be prepaid, so i doubt they'd take it away....

oooh.... and the accommodation includes all of xmas and easter, so i can just leave my stuff there... come on new years in Edinburgh :woo:

Reply 790

john-milton

Rian1988

Why have Edinburgh allowed so many new under graduates this year and not have enough accommodation available? Just seems a bit strange.

apparently nearly every applicant exceeded the grades they needed for entry and the Uni were counting on about 250 more failing to get in. they're putting bunk-beds in many pollock rooms and putting some students in other accommodation further out from the city center and university.

Reply 791

teaandcake-please

I just checked, haven't had any emails regarding accomodation. Just have this on MyEd:

"You have been allocated accommodation, a link to accept this accommodation will be posted shortly"

D'ya think that means I'm in normal university owned accomodation? :s-smilie:

Reply 792

Hazuki_Mar

teaandcake-please

I just checked, haven't had any emails regarding accomodation. Just have this on MyEd:

"You have been allocated accommodation, a link to accept this accommodation will be posted shortly"

D'ya think that means I'm in normal university owned accomodation? :s-smilie:

I have had this message for two weeks. A week ago they sent me an e-mail telling me I would receive an offer of accommodation for one property of UNITE in the next 24h. I'm still waiting for it. But today they send me exactly the same e-mail. I'm mad at them and I send an e-mail asking them whats wrong.

Anyway, the 31 is the last day to get accommodation right? let's wait a little bit longer.

Reply 793

Zelda91

2

Rian1988

Why have Edinburgh allowed so many new under graduates this year and not have enough accommodation available? Just seems a bit strange.

THANK YOU - what's all this rubbish they're spinning me about living 5 miles away from where my lectures are gonna be? I live in London, been to scotland to see the university and that's IT. Thank you for the free bus pass, but i'd really you know, if i'm gonna be honest, like to be with everyone else.

I think i'm going to look for privately owned accommodation nearer to George sq coz tbh i'd like to be able to walk everywhere - whether its for food, lectures, just to ask about someting coz im lazy - if its far i'm going to wait the longest possible time before i hav to go there!

Rian1988 - your post just spoke to my heart! lol

Reply 794

goldgirl

Im also in jewel & esk! i was confused at the beginning but it seems that there is nothing we can do?

Reply 795

Zelda91

2

Hi people who have also been disappointed by Edinburgh University. :smile:

If you, like me, have been allocated accommodation 5 miles away from the centre of town [I don't knw if there are others but most likely Jewel and Esk accom.] and are just not happy about it, I'm trying to come up with a solution.

Basically, I think for people who don't mind trying it, renting a flat with 2 or 3 others is a good alternative. My parents aren't really happy with the idea, because they wanted something more secure [which is why i signed up for pollock halls in the fist place] but I can tell you my mum is angry enough about me having to take a bus in everyday!

For those of you who live in London [sorry i really don't know any other examples] think going from criklewood/kilburn/lewisham to somewhere like London bridge everyday. By bus.

If you're at all interested in renting [this is a non commitment thing atm btw!!] Contact me on facebook - Edijana Obiakpani-Guest

I'm not too happy about having to rent with strangers in the first year either, but i'm sure most people in the same situation are just a 'normal' as i am lol!

xx :woo:

<- that's meant to be a panic face.....

Reply 796

Zelda91

2

hi guys
i made a new thread for basically anyone who is AT ALL interested in the prospect of renting.
not looking for commitments, just ideas and possibilities - maybe we can work something better out?
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=20849647#post20849647

Reply 797

nearlyheadlessian

15

Zelda91

THANK YOU - what's all this rubbish they're spinning me about living 5 miles away from where my lectures are gonna be? I live in London, been to scotland to see the university and that's IT. Thank you for the free bus pass, but i'd really you know, if i'm gonna be honest, like to be with everyone else.

While I don't think it's a great situation I do feel obliged to partially defend the university's accommodation services. They said they would guarantee you accommodation in Edinburgh and they have offered you accommodation in Edinburgh. Their end of the bargain has been held up. I agree Jewel & Esk isn't ideal, but they have gone out of their way to throw in bonuses (free gym, bus pass etc). You're going to be there with 50 other undergraduates, which is quite a lot really. You seem to have misunderstood Edinburgh accommodation, given that 1st years are scattered throughout the city. Pollock Halls is a 25 minute walk to George Square - JewelEsk is 20 minutes or so on the bus (with good night bus services). So it's not ideal, but you are going to struggle to find private accommodation before September 12th.

Reply 798

Zelda91

2

nearlyheadlessian

While I don't think it's a great situation I do feel obliged to partially defend the university's accommodation services. They said they would guarantee you accommodation in Edinburgh and they have offered you accommodation in Edinburgh. Their end of the bargain has been held up. I agree Jewel & Esk isn't ideal, but they have gone out of their way to throw in bonuses (free gym, bus pass etc). You're going to be there with 50 other undergraduates, which is quite a lot really. You seem to have misunderstood Edinburgh accommodation, given that 1st years are scattered throughout the city. Pollock Halls is a 25 minute walk to George Square - JewelEsk is 20 minutes or so on the bus (with good night bus services). So it's not ideal, but you are going to struggle to find private accommodation before September 12th.

ok i can see where your coming from with your defence but
1. i'm upset about the situation - fair enough i hve a free gym and bus but its 4 miles away, thats not a walk thats a bus STANDARD. People might be ok with that but frankly i'm not, i believe thats up to me
2. I don't think i hav 'misunderstood' the agreement - i know they scatter people throughtout edinburgh but thats in the centre and around it, this is not the centre of edinburgh this is what we like to call a commute.

sorry if i sound snappy, i know your just trying to be reasonable, but imho this deal is not ideal and not, really, what i signed up for

sorry, another thing i don't think they wnt out of their way to throw in freebies - there is a gym there anyway and the bus pass is just to placate us. Would you go to jewel and esk if you were told you also had to pay £200 a year for transport?

Reply 799

teaandcake-please

Did anyone else just get an email beginning:

"We are delighted you have accepted your offer of accommodation with us and look forward to your arrival in September..."

I haven't accepted anything yet??? And then it says about an e-induction, which should be located on MyEd, but isn't...
confused.

Thread for accommodation questions for 09/10 entry - READ & POST HERE FIRST :o)

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