Edinburgh Napier University Accommodation

Edinburgh Napier University is a public university with roots dating back to 1964, when it was established as Napier Technical College. It became a university in 1992 and takes its name from John Napier, the Scottish mathematician who developed logarithms. His historic Merchiston Tower still forms part of the university's Merchiston Campus today.

More than 21,000 students study with Edinburgh Napier across undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes. Although many students complete courses online or through international partnerships, the university's three Edinburgh campuses remain the centre of student life.

Each campus has a different academic focus.

Merchiston Campus is home to computing, engineering, creative industries, design, journalism and film. The combination of modern teaching spaces alongside the historic Merchiston Tower gives the campus a character that is quite different from many newer universities.

Craiglockhart Campus houses Edinburgh Napier Business School. The campus occupies a former Victorian hydropathic hospital overlooking south-west Edinburgh and remains one of the university's most recognisable buildings.

Sighthill Campus brings together nursing, midwifery, biomedical sciences, psychology, sport and other health-related subjects. More than 5,000 students study here, making it one of the busiest campuses within the university.

Unlike universities concentrated around one city-centre location, Edinburgh Napier operates across the western side of Edinburgh. That gives students more flexibility when choosing where to live. Areas such as Gorgie, Fountainbridge and Dalry often provide lower rents than neighbourhoods closer to the Old Town while still offering straightforward journeys to campus.

The Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (ENSA) supports students across all three campuses through societies, sports clubs, volunteering opportunities and events throughout the academic year. Students also benefit from studying in one of the UK's largest festival cities, with museums, galleries, theatres and cultural events spread across Edinburgh.

As a result, demand for Edinburgh Napier University student accommodation remains high throughout the year, particularly for properties with direct bus connections to more than one campus.

Student life at Edinburgh Napier looks a little different from universities with a single campus. Activities are spread across Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill, so students spend time in different parts of Edinburgh depending on their course. Even so, the university has a strong community through its Students' Association, sports clubs and events that bring students together throughout the year.

Outside lectures, Edinburgh itself becomes a big part of university life. Independent cafés, music venues, museums, parks and festivals are all within easy reach, giving students plenty to do throughout the academic year.

Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (ENSA)

Every Edinburgh Napier student becomes a member of the Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (ENSA).

The association organises student events, campaigns, volunteering opportunities and academic support across all three campuses. It also runs more than 70 societies and sports clubs, covering everything from photography, gaming and filmmaking to cultural groups, entrepreneurship and performing arts.

For students moving to Edinburgh for the first time, joining a society is often the quickest way to meet people outside their course.

Sports and Fitness

Sport plays an important role in student life at Napier.

The university operates its own sports facilities at Sighthill Campus, including a gym, fitness spaces and indoor sports halls. Students can also join university teams that compete in football, rugby, basketball, badminton, volleyball, hockey and many other sports.

Beyond campus, Edinburgh offers plenty of outdoor options. The Union Canal, Water of Leith Walkway and Pentland Hills are popular with students who enjoy running, cycling or walking during their free time.

Food, Cafés and Social Life

Students living near Edinburgh Napier rarely have to travel far for food.

Gorgie and Dalry are filled with independent cafés, bakeries, restaurants and takeaways, while Fountainbridge has become known for its canal-side bars and modern cafés.

Students living around Bruntsfield and Morningside usually enjoy a quieter atmosphere with coffee shops, brunch cafés and independent restaurants.

For bigger nights out, the city centre and Cowgate are only a short bus journey away.

Popular student areas include:

• Gorgie for affordable pubs and local restaurants.

• Fountainbridge for cafés and canal-side bars.

• Bruntsfield for independent coffee shops.

• Cowgate for nightlife and live music.

• Leith for restaurants, bars and creative venues.

Many ENSA events also take place throughout the year, giving students opportunities to socialise without spending heavily.

Shopping

Most students complete their weekly food shopping close to where they live.

Gorgie and Dalry have larger Lidl and Aldi supermarkets alongside Tesco and Sainsbury's stores, helping students keep grocery costs lower than in the city centre.

For clothes, electronics and other shopping, Princes Street and St James Quarter remain the main retail destinations in Edinburgh.

Culture and Local Attractions

One of the advantages of studying in Edinburgh is how much there is to do outside university.

Students can visit the Scottish National Gallery, National Museum of Scotland and many smaller museums without paying an admission fee. During August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival bring performers and visitors from around the world, creating one of the busiest periods in the city's calendar.

Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Botanic Garden are also easily accessible using public transport.

Healthcare and Student Support

Edinburgh Napier provides a range of support services throughout the academic year.

Students have access to wellbeing advisers, disability support, counselling services, careers guidance and academic assistance.

After arriving in Edinburgh, students should also register with a local NHS GP. For emergency medical care, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh serves as the city's main teaching hospital.

Students looking for Edinburgh Napier University student accommodation often consider nearby healthcare facilities, supermarkets and public transport alongside the accommodation itself, as these all become part of everyday student life.

Because Edinburgh Napier operates from three campuses, there isn't a single neighbourhood that suits everyone.

Students based at Merchiston often prefer somewhere within walking or cycling distance. Those attending Craiglockhart usually look for reliable bus routes, while healthcare students at Sighthill often choose accommodation further west to reduce commuting time.

Fortunately, Edinburgh's transport network makes all three campuses relatively easy to reach from several established student neighbourhoods.

Gorgie and Dalry

Gorgie and neighbouring Dalry have long been popular with Edinburgh Napier students.

The area sits between all three campuses, making it one of the most practical locations for students whose timetable includes classes at different sites during the week. Local supermarkets, cafés, gyms and takeaways are spread along Gorgie Road and Dalry Road, while regular Lothian Bus services run throughout the day.

Purpose-built accommodation generally ranges between £176 and £235 per week.

House of Student properties in the area include:

Students looking for student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University often begin here because the location works well regardless of which campus they attend.

Fountainbridge and Polwarth

Fountainbridge sits close to the university's own Bainfield student residences and has become one of Edinburgh's fastest-changing student districts.

The Union Canal runs through the neighbourhood, creating a quieter atmosphere than many city-centre locations while still keeping Merchiston Campus within walking distance. Craiglockhart can also be reached by bike or public transport without much difficulty.

Purpose-built accommodation generally starts between £160 and £242 per week.

House of Student properties include:

Students searching for accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University often compare Fountainbridge with Gorgie because both offer good transport links without city-centre rental prices.

Haymarket

Haymarket is one of Edinburgh's main transport hubs.

Rail services, trams and buses all pass through the area, making it particularly useful for students travelling between campuses or returning home during weekends and holidays.

Accommodation here generally falls between £220 and £260 per week.

Available House of Student properties include:

Although rents tend to be slightly higher than Gorgie or Fountainbridge, the transport connections are among the best in the city.

Bruntsfield and Morningside

Bruntsfield and Morningside are established residential neighbourhoods just south of Merchiston Campus.

Independent cafés, local shops and traditional tenement buildings give both areas a quieter feel than the city centre. They are particularly popular with postgraduate students and returning undergraduates looking for shared flats after their first year.

Traditional private rentals generally range between £180 and £280 per week, depending on property size and location.

Students who spend most of their time at Merchiston often consider these neighbourhoods because they can comfortably walk to lectures each day.

Wester Hailes and Sighthill

Students based at Sighthill Campus frequently look further west than the city centre.

Living close to campus reduces commuting time, which can be especially useful for nursing and healthcare students with early placements or practical sessions.

Private accommodation generally ranges between £120 and £180 per week, making this one of the most affordable parts of Edinburgh for students.

Anyone specifically looking for student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus will usually find the shortest journeys from this side of the city.

Leith Walk

Leith Walk remains one of Edinburgh's most popular student neighbourhoods despite being further from the university.

Independent cafés, restaurants, galleries and local businesses have helped transform the area over the past decade, while regular bus services connect Leith with all three Napier campuses.

Purpose-built accommodation generally starts between £160 and £199 per week.

House of Student properties include:

• Haddington Place

• McDonald Road

• Norton Student Living

• Beaverbank Place

Students under 22 who qualify for Scotland's free bus travel scheme often find Leith a realistic option because commuting costs are removed completely.

Which Area Should You Choose?

If you'll mainly be studying at Merchiston, Fountainbridge, Polwarth and Bruntsfield usually offer the shortest journeys.

Students attending Craiglockhart often choose Gorgie, Dalry or Haymarket because buses run frequently throughout the day.

Those looking for student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University Craiglockhart Campus generally benefit from choosing neighbourhoods along the western bus corridors rather than the Old Town.

Healthcare students based at Sighthill usually save both time and money by living closer to the western side of Edinburgh.

Whichever campus you'll be using most, it's worth comparing total travel time rather than weekly rent alone. Two properties with similar prices can offer very different commuting experiences, especially during busy teaching weeks.

Edinburgh is generally one of the more expensive student cities outside London, but where you live can make a noticeable difference to your overall budget. One advantage for Napier students is that many of the university's campuses are located away from the busiest tourist areas, where accommodation and everyday costs are often slightly lower.

Most students spend around £130 to £165 per week, excluding rent. Food, transport and day-to-day spending make up the majority of these costs.

Students comparing Edinburgh Napier University accommodation prices should also check whether utilities are included. Most purpose-built student accommodation covers electricity, heating, water and Wi-Fi within the weekly rent, making budgeting much easier throughout the year.

Food and Grocery Shopping

According to Save the Student's latest survey, students spend an average of £146 per month on groceries.

Students living around Gorgie, Dalry and Sighthill often benefit from having larger Lidl and Aldi supermarkets nearby, where weekly shopping usually costs less than smaller convenience stores in central Edinburgh.

Cooking at home remains the easiest way to manage food spending, particularly during longer teaching periods.

Transport Costs

Transport is one of the biggest advantages of studying at Edinburgh Napier.

Students under 22 who live in Scotland can use the Young Persons' National Entitlement Card for free travel on most bus services across the country. That makes neighbourhoods such as Leith, Gorgie and Dalry much more affordable than they might first appear because commuting costs are removed completely.

Students aged 22 and over can reduce travel costs by purchasing a student Ridacard for regular journeys on Lothian Buses.

Since the university operates across three campuses, reliable public transport is often more important than living within walking distance of one particular building.

Household Bills

Students renting privately should budget around £69 per month for electricity, gas, water, broadband and other household services if these are not already included.

Most Edinburgh Napier University accommodation listed through purpose-built student residences includes these costs within the weekly rent, helping students avoid unexpected seasonal energy bills.

Social Spending

Edinburgh offers plenty of opportunities to socialise without spending heavily.

Local pubs around Gorgie and Dalry, cafés in Bruntsfield and student events organised by ENSA often cost less than nights out in the city centre.

Many students budget between £14 and £22 each week for entertainment, although this naturally varies depending on lifestyle.

Course Costs

Some courses require additional spending beyond tuition fees.

Film, journalism, photography and music students may need to purchase specialist equipment or software during the academic year. Nursing and health students may also have placement-related expenses, while engineering students occasionally need specific materials for practical work.

Planning for these costs early makes budgeting much easier later in the semester.

International Student Budget

Students applying for a UK Student visa must meet the financial requirements set by the UK Government.

For universities outside London, the current requirement is £1,171 per month for up to nine months. This figure is used for visa purposes rather than as an estimate of average living costs, but it provides a useful guide when planning finances before arriving in Edinburgh.

Students comparing Edinburgh Napier University accommodation prices should therefore consider the total cost of living rather than weekly rent alone. Travel, utility bills and daily expenses all contribute to the overall budget.

Students looking for Edinburgh Napier University student accommodation will usually come across four main types of accommodation. Each offers a different balance of privacy, cost and shared living.

Shared Flats

Shared flats remain one of the most common choices for undergraduate students.

Residents have their own bedroom while sharing kitchens, living spaces and, in many cases, bathrooms with other students.

Weekly rents generally begin between £160 and £190.

This option suits students who want lower accommodation costs and enjoy living in a more social environment.

En-suite Rooms

An en-suite room gives students a private bedroom and bathroom while sharing a kitchen and communal area with flatmates.

Weekly rents generally begin between £190 and £220.

Many first-year students choose this option because it combines privacy with opportunities to meet other residents.

Studio Apartments

Studios are fully self-contained, with a private kitchen, bathroom and living space.

Prices generally range between £220 and £260 per week, depending on the location and facilities available.

Studios are particularly popular with postgraduate students, mature students and anyone who prefers independent living.

Private Rooms in Shared Houses

Many returning students move into privately rented houses after their first year.

These properties usually involve sharing the entire house with friends while arranging utility bills separately.

Prices vary depending on the location, although they can sometimes compete with purpose-built accommodation on weekly cost.

Students should remember that bills are not always included, so the advertised rent may not reflect the total monthly cost.

Which Room Type Works Best?

Each option offers different advantages.

A shared flat keeps accommodation costs lower and provides a sociable living environment.

An en-suite room gives students their own bathroom without the higher price of a studio.

Studios offer the greatest level of independence and privacy but usually come with the highest weekly rent.

Students looking for accommodation Edinburgh Napier University should compare more than just room type. Travel time, included facilities and total living costs often have a greater impact on day-to-day student life than the room itself.

Choosing the right accommodation usually comes down to three things: your main campus, weekly rent and how long you're willing to commute each day. Because Edinburgh Napier is spread across Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill, many students look for accommodation with good transport links rather than simply choosing the property closest to the city centre.

House of Student offers accommodation across several student neighbourhoods, giving students plenty of choice regardless of where they study.

Edinburgh Gorgie

Edinburgh Gorgie is one of the closest options for students attending Edinburgh Napier.

Located on Gorgie Road, the property offers direct bus connections to all three campuses, with average journey times of around 10 minutes.

Rooms start from £185 per week, making it a practical choice for students who want a short daily commute without paying city-centre prices.

The Mill House

The Mill House is also situated on Gorgie Road and remains one of the strongest value options for Napier students.

Journey times to campus are typically around 15 minutes, while weekly rents begin at £176.

Its location works particularly well for students whose timetable includes classes across different campuses.

Edinburgh Westfield

Edinburgh Westfield is positioned slightly further west, providing straightforward access to Sighthill and Craiglockhart.

Rooms start from £185 per week, with average journey times of approximately 13 minutes by public transport.

Murieston Crescent

Located close to Dalry and Haymarket, Murieston Crescent combines good transport links with easy access to supermarkets, cafés and Edinburgh city centre.

Prices begin at £235 per week, while journeys to campus typically take around 21 minutes.

Haymarket Edinburgh

Haymarket Edinburgh sits close to one of the city's busiest transport hubs.

Students can reach different university campuses using buses, trains and trams, making it particularly useful for anyone travelling frequently.

Rooms start from £220 per week, with average journey times of around 23 minutes.

Silk Mill Edinburgh

Silk Mill Edinburgh is located in Fountainbridge, an area that has become increasingly popular with students.

Merchiston Campus can be reached easily, while buses also provide convenient connections to Craiglockhart and Sighthill.

Prices begin at £242 per week, with journeys averaging around 20 minutes.

Haymarket Yards

Haymarket Yards offers modern accommodation close to Haymarket Station.

Rooms start from £260 per week, and students can usually reach campus in approximately 26 minutes using public transport.

iQ Fountainbridge

Located on Dundee Street, iQ Fountainbridge places students close to the Union Canal and several local amenities.

Weekly rents begin at £223, while journeys to campus generally take around 20 minutes.

The Bridge House

The Bridge House remains one of the most affordable properties available through House of Student.

Starting from £160 per week, it provides good access to Merchiston Campus and reliable bus services across the rest of the city.

Average journey times are approximately 27 minutes.

iQ Grove

Situated on Grove Street, iQ Grove offers modern studio and en-suite accommodation close to Fountainbridge.

Rooms start from £225 per week, with journeys to campus taking around 27 minutes.

Accommodation Comparison

Students searching for student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University often compare journey times alongside weekly rent. A property with a slightly longer commute may offer considerably lower accommodation costs over the course of an academic year.

Edinburgh has accommodation to suit a range of budgets, and Napier students often have more affordable choices than students studying closer to the Old Town.

Properties in Gorgie, Westfield and Fountainbridge frequently offer lower rents while maintaining good transport connections to all three campuses.

The Bridge House

The Bridge House offers one of the lowest starting rents available.

Rooms begin at £160 per week, with average journeys to campus taking around 27 minutes.

Students attending Merchiston can also walk or cycle using the nearby Union Canal route.

Beaverbank Place

Beaverbank Place also starts from £160 per week.

Located in Leith, the property takes approximately 53 minutes by public transport to reach campus, making it more suitable for students who prioritise lower rent over a shorter commute.

The Mill House

Starting from £176 per week, The Mill House combines competitive pricing with one of the shortest average journey times.

Students can usually reach campus within 15 minutes, making it one of the strongest value options available.

Meadow Court

Meadow Court offers accommodation from £175 per week.

Average journeys to campus take around 48 minutes, although the location remains popular with students who prefer south Edinburgh.

Edinburgh College Residences

Rooms at Edinburgh College Residences begin from £179 per week.

The property is located further from the university, with average public transport journeys of around 53 minutes.

Edinburgh Gorgie

Edinburgh Gorgie combines affordability with convenience.

Starting at £185 per week, students can usually reach campus within 10 minutes, making it one of the most practical options for many Napier students.

Edinburgh Westfield

Edinburgh Westfield also starts from £185 per week.

Average journey times are approximately 13 minutes, giving students quick access to lectures without paying premium city-centre rents.

Haddington Place

Located near Leith Walk, Haddington Place offers rooms from £199 per week.

Students generally reach campus in around 28 minutes using Edinburgh's bus network.

McDonald Road

McDonald Road begins at £199 per week.

Average journey times are approximately 44 minutes, while the surrounding area offers easy access to cafés, supermarkets and local shops.

Norton Student Living

Norton Student Living also starts from £199 per week.

The property is around 45 minutes from campus by public transport and remains a popular choice for students who prefer living on the eastern side of Edinburgh.

Affordable Accommodation Comparison

Students comparing Edinburgh Napier University accommodation should look beyond the advertised rent. Travel costs, included utility bills and commuting time all contribute to the overall cost of living. For many students under 22, Scotland's free bus travel scheme also makes neighbourhoods further from campus much more affordable than they first appear.

Travelling around Edinburgh is relatively straightforward, even though the university operates from three separate campuses.

Regular bus services connect Merchiston, Craiglockhart and Sighthill with the city's main student neighbourhoods, while walking and cycling remain practical options for students living nearby.

Walking

Students living close to Merchiston often walk to lectures every day.

Typical walking times include:

Craiglockhart and Sighthill are generally further from the city centre, so most students rely on buses or bicycles instead.

Bus Services

Lothian Buses operates the main public transport network across Edinburgh.

Frequent services connect all three Napier campuses with neighbourhoods including Gorgie, Dalry, Leith, Fountainbridge, Haymarket and Morningside.

Students under 22 who qualify for Scotland's Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme can travel without paying on most bus services across the country.

Students aged 22 or above can save money by purchasing a student Ridacard for unlimited travel.

Reliable bus services are one reason many students choose student accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University outside the immediate campus areas.

Edinburgh Trams

The Edinburgh Tram network connects Edinburgh Airport with Newhaven through the city centre.

Students travelling to Sighthill can use nearby tram stops, while Haymarket provides a convenient interchange between buses, trains and trams.

The tram is also the easiest option for travelling to and from the airport during university holidays.

Cycling

Cycling has become increasingly popular among Napier students.

The Union Canal towpath provides a largely traffic-free route between Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart, while several dedicated cycle paths connect western Edinburgh with the city centre.

Many purpose-built student accommodation buildings include secure bike storage for residents.

Rail Connections

Students travelling home regularly often use Edinburgh's two main railway stations.

Haymarket Station is the closest major station for many Napier students living around Gorgie, Dalry and Fountainbridge.

Edinburgh Waverley provides additional long-distance services across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Typical journey times include:

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is located on the western side of the city, making it particularly convenient for Napier students.

The airport can usually be reached in around 20 to 25 minutes by tram from Haymarket or by bus from western Edinburgh.

This makes travelling home during university holidays relatively straightforward for both UK and international students.

Students comparing accommodation near Edinburgh Napier University should think about transport as well as rent. A property with reliable bus connections can often be just as practical as one within walking distance, particularly for students attending more than one campus during the week.