Portsburgh Court accommodation is located at 56, Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh, EH3 9DH, United Kingdom. This student accommodation in Edinburgh offers comfortable ensuite and studio apartments near sought-after educational institutions. The Edinburgh College of Art is a 4-minute walk from here. The University of Edinburgh is a 12-minute walk from the property.
Located in Scotland, Edinburgh houses over 49,500 students. Around 24,000 are international students from over 130 countries. Edinburgh is one of the safest cities to live in the UK, with a safety index score of 69.18. Students choose the Marchmont and Newington neighbourhoods for their Edinburgh student accommodation. These are safe and student-friendly areas. The city has an employment rate of 82.1%, and you can begin your career in the top fields of banking, innovation, research, and hospitality.
Edinburgh is an expensive city for students, but it is worth the money for the lifestyle people achieve. The city scores 194.18 in the quality of life index. This indicates good medical facilities with a clean environment for you. The cost of living in Edinburgh for a student is around £1,500 to £2,000 per month. This depends on the lifestyle choices you make. With better planning, you can make conscious decisions and save money. Choosing Portsburgh Court could be such a decision for you. Aside from this, Sightmill and Leith are some of the affordable neighbourhoods for students. With this Edinburgh student city guide, you can find your perfect home and also get an idea about exploring the city.
At Portsburgh Edinburgh, you can choose from an Ensuite Bronze to a Studio Bronze. These welcoming apartments come with modern amenities such as a small double bed for a comfortable sleep. The desk & chair will offer a dedicated study area. A wardrobe and an under-bed storage give you ample space to organise and store your things. You will have seamless connectivity with the high-speed wifi.
Portsburgh Court Edinburgh comes with common amenities for all its young residents. You get access to study materials and resources in the library/study area. With fully furnished units, it has elevators and wheelchair access. The entertainment area/room has communal events for students. Fitness enthusiasts can continue their workout routine at the gym. There are practical facilities like a communal laundry (coin-operated) and bike storage provided. It also has a secure building entry with a controlled access gate.
For any inconvenience at Portsburgh Court, you can approach the onsite concierge, the onsite manager (only during office hours) and the maintenance team (daytime only). With CCTV / surveillance cameras, there is also a security officer (24-hour patrol) and a security officer (night patrol). There is a designated outside smoking area, and alcohol is not allowed at the property. Your bills at Portsburgh Court include wifi, water, electricity, heating, contents insurance, and gas. These facilities will take your student living experience to another level.
Portsburgh Court has reputable institutions, convenience stores and lots of social spaces around it. You can earn some of the most employable degrees in the UK at the Open University and the University of Edinburgh (Holyrood Campus). Your grocery shopping can be done at Sainsbury's Local and Edinburgh Trading Ltd. For medicines, you can stop by Boots Pharmacy and Clear Pharmacy, Brougham Place.
You will get a fine dining experience at some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, such as Shinwari Restaurant and Mr Wood Fire. Lovecrumbs West Port and Quinn’s cafe are locals’ favourites for quick coffee. These are also some of the best breakfast places in Edinburgh. The Tap Music Lounge and the Blue Blazer are crowded with students on weekends. You can have a fun time with your friends over drinks here. You cannot miss the historic street of the Royal Mile for its museums, cafes, shops and quirky attractions like Camera Obscura. All these amazing social spaces await you near Portsburgh Court.
You can enjoy and do the top things in Edinburgh. You can admire the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s royal history through tours of the state apartments and the throne room. Arthur’s Seat has the best views of the city from great heights, and on the way, you can also stop by Salisbury Crags and St Anthony’s Chapel ruins. You can learn about the history of Edinburgh Castle through the guided tours and audio guides. Students and curious minds can find their way to the National Museum of Scotland. It has interactive displays on natural history, technology, world cultures and more. So plan and visit these places during your stay at Portsburgh Court.
Edinburgh’s public transport consists of buses, trains and trams. The bus network operated by Lothian Buses connects the city centre to the suburbs and the airport. You can get on a bus from Lauriston Street and West Port. The city has a suburban rail network, including many stations. You can board a train from Haymarket and Edinburgh Waverley train stations. If you prefer trams for their superb frequency and contactless fare system, then you can get on a tram from West End and Shandwick Place. All these convenient transport modes near Portsburgh Court will take you to your desired destination.
Before you book, it's worth considering what exactly you're looking for - and what you need - from your student accommodation.
From en-suites to studios, We have a range of room types to choose from. Discover the differences to make your choice.
You can live with your friends. Whether you want to live with your best mates or newfound friends, there are room type options to suit your living style. They even have a dedicated Group Booking function on their website so you and your mates can book a whole flat, together.
Dual occupancy is available in selected rooms and locations.
There is an additional weekly charge for dual occupancy at all properties that offer studio rooms. Kindly check the amber website for more information.
Accommodation are available to all university students, no matter their year of study. While they don’t have postgraduate-only properties, many of their properties feature studio rooms which are popular with postgraduate students who want a more independent experience of student living.
You can choose to keep your current room or a different one. If you fancy a change and want to book a new room type, this can either be at your current accommodation or another city.
Your tenancy agreement, which was signed at the point of you accepting your accommodation, will show the date that your tenancy begins – which is also your arrival date.
Depending on availability, some accomodations do offer early arrival. They know that plans change, sometimes unexpectedly, which is why they offer flexible tenancies
The Accommodation teams will match you to a room and flat based on any additional requirements you have outlined in your booking, but this can’t always be guaranteed.
Guests may stay for a maximum of three nights per week, unless otherwise approved by the accommodation team.
You’ll need to register to enable your policy and see:
The accommodation teams are available 24/7 to support you with any concerns around anti-social behaviour in your property. You can contact the residence team via the property telephone, live chat or email or speak to one of the team in reception. They can then take appropriate action. This might include speaking to the resident(s) in question about the obligations in their tenancy agreement and the effect of their behaviour on others, or informing their guarantor, university or other authorities. If you witness an incident where there is immediate risk to others, you should alert emergency services by ringing 999 immediately.
Shared flat
This is the most common room type booked by a group of friends. Shared flats, with or without individual en-suites, go from three bedrooms to ten, so you can live with a smaller or bigger group of friends. You will need to speak to your property team directly about their shared flat availability, to make sure you’re booking the one that’s right for you.
Two-bedroom apartment
If it’s just you and one other mate, then you might prefer a two-bedroom
apartment rather than a shared flat. You’ll have your own bedrooms and a shared bathroom and kitchen/living area, which will be easier to keep tidy with just two of you! Only select properties have two-bedroom apartments, so be sure to double check on the property page when making your booking.
Only Studio rooms, of any style, can be booked under a dual occupancy.
Yes, to qualify for dual occupancy both the lead customer and the second tenant must be enrolled at university.
During the first part of the booking process, there is the option to request an accessible room. This enables our property teams to find the most suitable room for you that meets all your needs.
There is a dedicated ‘Additional information’ section during the booking process, which allows you to make a note of your living preferences and any additional requirements you might need. Once you have completed your booking, your property team will be able to see the information you have added and allocate you a room based on your preferences.
It’s never too early to secure your accommodation! Booking early gives you peace of mind that you’ve got one of the most important parts of the uni to-do list ticked off.
If you’re already living with the property, rebooking your room as soon as booking opens means you can secure the same room you’re currently got. Plus, you don’t have to pack all your belongings and move them to another room!
As a resident of the property, you can quickly and easily rebook your room by getting in touch with the amber agent.
The location of the property and its facilities are an important factor to consider, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Whether you're going to be studying on campus full-time or mixing it up in a blended learning environment, you're going to need to get to know the city you'll be moving to.
In terms of living space, some key things to think about when looking for last-minute student accommodation include:
The property team never want you to dislike where you live and if they can do something to make your living experience better, they will.
They would always advise speaking to your property team directly if you would like to change/move rooms. They will be able to see the room availability, so they can advise you of any empty rooms that you can swap to.
It’s important to note that they can’t offer a room which is graded lower than your current room. For example, if you are in an en-suite silver room but the only available spare rooms in the property are en-suite bronze, we wouldn’t be able to make the swap. However, you can upgrade if there is availability: for example, moving from an en-suite silver to an en-suite gold.
When additional requests are made during the booking process, the property teams try their best to accommodate as many requests as possible. These requests aren’t guaranteed and are dependent on the availability at your property.
Essays to write, gaming to stream. Rest assured you'll stay connected with free Wi-Fi across all of the buildings.
Keeping you connected with friends and family, while ensuring you can study uninterrupted, is a key part of the living experience at the property.
Properties provide high-speed Wi-Fi for residents, included in the price of rent, and free from usage caps, limits or hidden costs.
Details on how to connect to your property Wi-Fi will be included in your online induction, and you will also receive a guide on check-in.
Your devices won’t connect automatically when you are connected to the Wi-Fi, so you will need to connect each device manually.
The residence team encourage residents to contact the Wi-Fi provider directly if you are experiencing issues. Contact details will be found in the Wi-Fi connection guide you will receive when you check-in. If there is a property-wide problem or if, for any reason, the Wi-Fi needs to be disconnected, your property team will contact you in advance of this happening.
You may find your broadband speed varies during the time of day; for example, during the peak time of 7pm to 11pm, or there may be other factors affecting your speed, e.g. uploads running in the background, security features performing scans, etc.
Your personal Wi-Fi connection is available in your flat. If you wish to connect to Wi-Fi in common areas, please contact your reception team who will be able to give you the guest log-in details.
You will need to let your property team know, either in-person at reception, or via email, telephone call or via the property app, when you have a maintenance issue.
They will make sure this is logged on the maintenance system for the dedicated in-house maintenance team to investigate and fix. Try to provide as much detail as possible when logging a maintenance request, as this will help the team to gather the correct tools needed or receive assistance from an external contractor where required.
This can depend on the severity of the issue, however the property team aim to respond to emergency repairs within 4 hours.
When your request is logged onto their system by the residence team, it is automatically graded based on priority. For example, an emergency request would be an overflowing toilet or loss of water/heating, whereas a moderate request could be a lightbulb change or a request for an extra piece of furniture.
If the property team need to ask an external contractor or specialist to investigate your maintenance issue further, they will always let you know. This usually happens when problems are identified with materials and services such as main entrance doors, lifts, electricity, water or CCTV. Where possible, the property maintenance teams will try their best to fix the issue without support from an external contractor.
From 24/7 onsite support to comprehensive signposting, they've got your best interests at heart around the clock.
Wherever you are in your student journey, you may end up facing pressures related to uni life on top of all the stresses and anxieties that modern life can throw your way.
Knowing where to turn when times get tough can really help to give you peace of mind, so you can look after your mental health while you’re living in student accommodation.
Anti-social behaviour can be any behaviour that causes, or may cause, distress, nuisance, annoyance, alarm or harassment to other residents, Property team members, contractors, visitors to the property or the wider community. For example, playing loud music late at night, using illegal drugs, smoking in your flat or using threatening or abusive language towards other residents or residence team members.
The property teams are available 24/7 to support you with any concerns around anti-social behaviour in your property. You can speak to one of the team in reception or contact them via the property telephone, live chat or email.
They can then take appropriate action. This might include speaking to the resident(s) in question about the obligations in their tenancy agreement and the effect of their behaviour on others, or informing their guarantor, university or other authorities.
If you witness an incident where there is immediate risk to others, you should alert emergency services by ringing 999 immediately.
If you are an overseas student planning to study at university in the UK, then you will need to apply for a student visa before arriving.
Before you can complete your visa application, there are a few things you need to make sure you have:
These are the essentials you’ll need before making your application. Other information and documentation you may be asked for include:
The official UK Government website states that you will receive a decision with three weeks, however this may be longer or shorter depending on when you submit your application and if further documentation and information is required.
If you have all the required documentation then we suggest applying as soon as possible, so if there are any delays in receiving your visa, you have plenty of time to enquire ahead of your check in date. UCAS suggests applying before August, as this is the busiest time for student visa applications and you may not receive a decision in time.
If you're coming to the UK from overseas, travelling light will make the experience less stressful.
To learn more about the deposit requirement, please check the policy section above, or feel free to reach out to your amber agent.
For more details about guarantor requirements, refer to the policy section above or connect with your amber agent.
For more information on payment plans, refer to the policy section above, or contact your amber agent for assistance.
Many "City View" rooms at Portsburgh Court offer stunning vistas of the historic Old Town and, depending on the floor/side, clear views toward the Castle or the iconic Lady Lawson Street architecture.
Small appliances must be UK-compliant and CE-marked. Air fryers are generally allowed in kitchens, but rice cookers should be used with caution and never left unattended due to steam/fire safety sensors.
While there isn't a designated "quiet block," the management enforces 24/7 quiet hours in the study areas and "sociable" noise limits after 11:00 PM in residential corridors.
The property has a secure parcel collection point at reception. During office hours, staff sign for items; for after-hours, there is a secure storage area managed by the night team.
Communal areas and hallways are cleaned daily. For cluster flats, the shared kitchen is the residents' responsibility, though periodic deep cleans may be scheduled by management.
The on-site gym is a well-rounded fitness suite featuring high-end cardio machines, resistance trainers, and a free-weights area suitable for general strength training.
Yes! Current residents usually get an "Early Bird" rebooking window (often starting in Jan/Feb) to secure their same room before it's released to the public.
For fire safety reasons, the storage or charging of e-scooter and e-bike batteries is strictly prohibited inside the bedrooms or flats; they must be stored in the designated bike store.
The on-site team often uses a resident portal or app (like the "Unite Students" app) for official notices, and they frequently facilitate social groups for residents to connect.
Yes, through the Convera (formerly Western Union) integration on the payment portal, you can pay in your home currency, which then converts to the required GBP amount.
Finding suitable student accommodation in Edinburgh can be a challenge, especially for those new to the city. Fortunately, amber simplifies this task, providing plenty of student accommodation Edinburgh options. Deciding to reside off-campus comes with several advantages over on-campus living, such as increased independence, more diverse options, and often a closer immersion into the local Edinburgh culture. Amber offers a range of room types in convenient locations across Edinburgh, ensuring that whether you're studying at the Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University or any other prestigious institution in the city, there's a comfortable and convenient place for you.
The choicest student accommodation Edinburgh options boast a range of amenities designed to suit students' needs, such as high-speed internet, communal study spaces, and often fitness centres, all designed to support both academic success and a balanced lifestyle. Among the best options for student accommodation are Westfield, Silk Mill, Scotland Nest Straits Meadow Edinburgh, and many more. When considering where to live during your university days, student accommodation in Edinburgh Scotland exemplifies convenience and comfort for a memorable university experience.
The ideal off-campus Edinburgh student accommodation is important to ensure a memorable and fulfilling university experience. For students relocating, short-term student accommodation Edinburgh offers abundant benefits. Independence is one of the main interests. Students get the freedom to manage their living space and daily routines without the restrictions often found in on-campus Edinburgh dorms. Moreover, such student housing Edinburgh options can often be more affordable, with a variety of types that fit different budgets. Student flatshare Edinburgh options, like ensuite rooms, to private studio apartments, cater to a range of preferences and needs. Below is a list of student accommodation in Edinburgh, well-suited for any student's requirements:
| Best Student Accommodation in Edinburgh | Top Amenities | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Roxburgh | Internet, Communal Kitchen, Communal TV, & Communal Lounge | From £210 per week |
| Haymarket | Communal Space, Dining Area, Lounge Area with Sofas, & Bike Storage | From £195 per week |
| Sugarhouse Close | Printing (Extra Charge), Bike Storage, Outdoor Social Space, & Common Area | From £191 per week |
| Gorgie | Cycle Storage, Common Area, Games Area, & Communal Study Space | From £185 per week |
| Vita Student Iona Street | Private Study Room, Free Grab and Go Breakfast, Coffee Lounge, & Bike Store | From £330 per week |
Edinburgh has many affordable private halls Edinburgh to live in. You can find private student rooms Edinburgh, shared flats, or small studios near Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University. Rent usually costs between £120 and £300 per week, depending on the area and facilities. Here are the following affordable Edinburgh student accommodation in Scotland:
| Affordable Student Accommodation in Edinburgh | Top Amenities | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| The Bridge House | Bike Storage, Common Area, Study Area, & Conference Room | £155 per week |
| Edinburgh College Residence | Communal Spaces, Bike Storage, Vending Machines Source, & Wardrobe | From £169 per week |
| Gorgie | Cycle Storage, Common Area, Cinema Room, & Communal Kitchen | From £185 per week |
| Westfield | Cycle Storage, Common Area, Cinema Room, & Communal Kitchen | From £185 per week |
| Meadow Court | Bike Storage, TV Lounge, Study Rooms, & On-Site Library | From £190 per week |
Edinburgh has neighbourhoods that are perfect for students seeking Edinburgh student housing near their top university campuses. Each area has its own unique character, catering to different lifestyles and preferences, and many are within walking distance of the Edinburgh University. Here are some of the popular student areas to consider for student accommodation in Edinburgh:
| Neighborhood | Neighborhood Highlights | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Full of historic charm, cobblestone streets, and cosy cafes. Popular spots include The Royal Mile and Greyfriars Kirkyard. | £1,650 - £1,950 |
| New Town | Grand Georgian terraces, UNESCO status, and upscale George Street shopping and bars. | £1,850 - £2,200 |
| Leith | Trendy waterfront with Michelin-starred dining, artsy vibe, and easy tram access. | £1,450 - £1,750 |
| Bruntsfield & Morningside | Affluent "village" feel, independent boutiques, leafy streets, and top-tier local schools. | £1,700 - £2,100 |
| Marchmont | Traditional Victorian tenements bordering The Meadows; heavy cafe culture and academic feel. | £1,600 - £2,000 |
Edinburgh student apartments offer a variety of living options. If you desire a social environment or a secluded area, there are student flats in Edinburgh to meet all preferences. Most modern private halls include the service of utility bills, fast Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security. Here is a brief introduction to the various types of rooms found in student accommodation in Edinburgh UK:
1. Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite rooms in student rentals Edinburgh are great if you need a little time to yourself but also want to remain socially connected. These student homes Edinburgh will provide you with a sleeping room and bathroom. You will have access to an open kitchen and living room, which is great for making new friends.
2. Non-Ensuite Rooms
Non-ensuite rooms are the best choice for cheap student accommodation Edinburgh. This option allows you to have a private bedroom, but shared bathroom and kitchen areas. They are perfect for the student who enjoys being part of a community and also wants t... the lowest rent.
3. Studio Apartments
Looking for independence? Student studio apartments Edinburgh provide an all-in-one living experience, with your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. These student studios Edinburgh are perfect for postgraduates or anyone who prefers peace and privacy.
4. 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments
Ideal for solo living or sharing with a friend, these Edinburgh student properties give you private bedrooms along with shared common spaces. Great for students who want a bit more room to breathe.
5. Shared Apartments
In student flats in Edinburgh, shared apartments come with private bedrooms and communal areas like kitchens and lounges, striking the right balance between independence and social living.
6. Private Rooms
Private student accommodation Edinburgh also includes private rooms within shared houses or flats. These are a popular choice in affordable Edinburgh student apartments. offering comfort, personal space, and access to all shared amenities.
Understanding the cost of living in Edinburgh, Scotland is crucial for students planning to study and live in this historic city. The average cost for those living in student apartments in Edinburgh can vary widely, with living expenses forming a significant part of a student's budget. The cumulative monthly cost of living for a student in Edinburgh is typically around £1,000 to £1,500 per month. Below is the breakdown of all the expenses that might come your way, apart from the rent for your private student flats Edinburgh:
1. Food & Groceries: £160 - £250 per month
2. Transportation: £55 - £75 per month
3. Utilities (including Internet): £120 - £200/month
4. Clothing: £150 - £200 per month
5. Sports & Leisure: £100 - £150 per month.
6. Miscellaneous: £150 - £200 per month.
Transport and travelling are very convenient tasks, thanks to the city's well-connected transportation system. The town is famous for its travel services, including buses, trams, and rental bikes, with stations conveniently located near your student flats to rent in Edinburgh. Mentioned below are a few more transportation options:
Transport and travelling are very convenient tasks, thanks to the city's well-connected transportation system. The town is famous for its travel services, including buses, trams, and rental bikes, with stations conveniently located near your student flats to rent in Edinburgh. Mentioned below are a few more transportation options:
| Mode of Transport | Routes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Central Shuttle: Bristo Sq to King's Buildings. City-wide: Routes to Leith, Newington, and Napier campuses via Lothian Buses. | Single: £2.40 Day Ticket: £6.00 |
| Tram | Airport to Newhaven: Stops at Haymarket, Princes St, and Ocean Terminal. Frequency: Every 7 minutes during peak times. | Single (City): £2.40 Day Ticket: £6.00 (Shared with bus) |
| Cycling | Union Canal towpath, The Meadows, and Leith Walk dedicated lanes. | £0 |
Edinburgh is renowned for its esteemed universities, each offering an exceptional academic experience amidst the city's historic and cultural backdrop. These universities offer a range of courses to choose from in different fields. Some of the best are:
| Top Universities | Courses Offered | Nearest Student Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh College of Art | Architecture (BA), Animation, Fashion, Graphic Design, and Fine Art. | Portsburgh Court |
| Edinburgh Napier University | Nursing & Midwifery, Cybersecurity, Business Management, and Criminology. | Silk Mill |
| Edinburgh College (Midlothian Campus) | Automotive Engineering, Childhood Practice, Construction, and Social Services. | Mayfield Residence |
| University of Edinburgh (Holyrood Campus) | Education (MA), Sport Science, MSc Transformative Learning, and Digital Media. | Straits Mile |
| Heriot-Watt University | Actuarial Science, Robotics/AI, Chemical Engineering, and Logistics & Supply Chain. | Lady Nicolson Court |