Student life in Edinburgh. The honest numbers.
£1,171/mo
Non-London loan max
£100/wk
Cheapest halls
+£738/mo
After cheapest halls
None
Work to break even
89
Affordability scoreThe monthly breakdown
Maintenance loan+£1,171
Halls (cheapest, £100/wk)−£433
After halls+£738
Groceries−£210
Monthly balance+£528
✓ Budget works on max loan — no part-time work required for basics
🚌 Under 22 in Scotland? Bus travel is free. That's £0 back in your pocket every month.
A real student in Edinburgh
O
Orla
“Edinburgh is beautiful. I tutor every evening just to make rent.”
Monthly deficit-£162per month
Orla's life on £796/month
🛏️
Halls room
£932/mo
✗ Can't afford
🚌
Bus travel
FREE under 22
✓ Affordable
🍜
Meal out
£22
✗ Can't afford
🐕
A dog
£60+/mo
✗ Can't afford
Universities in Edinburgh — affordability compared
EdinburghRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £100/wk (£433/mo) · Median: £140/wk
Heriot-Watt
Cheapest halls: £100/wk (£433/mo) · Median: £140/wk
Edinburgh Napier
Cheapest halls: £100/wk (£433/mo) · Median: £140/wk
QMU
Cheapest halls: £100/wk (£433/mo) · Median: £140/wk
Halls vs private in Edinburgh
🏠 University halls
Cost£100/week (£433/mo)
Bills includedYes ✓
Contract40–51 weeks
IncludesWiFi, contents insurance
Monthly surplus£738per month
🏢 Private rental
Cost£900/month
Bills+£135 estimated
Contract12 months (summer risk)
IncludesNothing
Monthly surplus£136per month
For first-year students, Edinburgh halls are better value — you save £602/month and avoid a 12-month contract.
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