Cost of living
We understand that many of you may be worried about the cost of living crisis. This page outlines some of the advice and support available to you.
- Video: Cost of Living video for students
- Messages from Lucy Evans, Deputy Secretary, Students and Niamh Roberts, EUSA Presdient, for students about what the university is doing, provides to assist with the cost of living.
Financial support
We’ve significantly increased our financial support for students and made it easier to apply. If you're struggling, please get in touch as soon as you can to find out what help is available.
Scholarships and student funding
Accommodation support
Alongside The Advice Place run by the Students' Association, we offer accommodation advice and support to any students having difficulty finding a place to live.
In 2022/23, we offered a place in University-managed accommodation to every new undergraduate and postgraduate student who met the terms of our accommodation guarantee, as well as an additional 2,600 returning students.
Demand for accommodation in Edinburgh is high, so we’re asking students to act quickly in order to reserve a place for 2023/24. We understand that trying to find accommodation for the next academic year can be stressful. Our accommodation webpage sets out some options, useful information and sources of support.
Accommodation | University of Edinburgh
Accommodation | The Advice Place
To protect students from rising bills, we’ve fixed prices for our accommodation since November 2021. Rent for University residences includes all utilities and the University will absorb the rises in energy costs.
Rent cap
The Scottish Government has put in place a number of measures to assist with the cost of living.
With regard to housing, they have amended emergency legislation to include a rent cap on private accommodation. From 31 March 2023, private landlords can only raise rents by a maximum of 3% (but up to 6% in exceptional circumstances).
This emergency legislation has now been suspended for Purpose Built Student Accommodation, primarily due to student accommodation fees being all-inclusive, covering heating and lighting in the overall rent of the property.
The same legislation has also banned landlords of Private Rented Tenancies from applying for eviction notices, with the exemption of a small number of clauses relating to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
If you have any concerns about your landlord, you can get further advice and support from the following organisations:
Wellbeing support
Your wellbeing is really important to us and we want you to reach out so we can help you in whatever way works best for you. This could be through University or local counselling and support services, through our self-help materials for mental and emotional wellbeing, or even by helping others, for example through volunteering.
Starting this year, we're also making big improvements to our support for you. Specially trained staff, academics and fellow students will work together to provide help and advice for your studies, your personal wellbeing and practical day-to-day issues. Everyone studying with us will have access to our new Wellbeing Advisers, for support on any issues that affect their health, wellbeing or personal life.
No issue is too small, so please reach out for help if you need it.
Other support
Below are other ways we're helping you manage the cost of living.
Food and fuel
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Our café prices are fixed for the full year ahead, and we've introduced cheaper lunch options of soup or a range of filled rolls for £1.50 in all our University-managed cafés and catering outlets.
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Our buildings provide access to warm indoor spaces and many have hot showers which you can use outside the usual 9 to 5.
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Some of our buildings have areas with microwaves and hot water which you can use to heat and prepare your own food. Check with your school to find out what facilities are available in the spaces you use.
Transport
- We provide a free bus service between the Central and King’s Building campuses. In addition, nationwide free bus travel is available for under-22s.
IT and tech
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We loan Mi-Fi units and laptops to students experiencing hardship, via EdHelp.
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We loan short-term laptops and headsets from all libraries and supply webcams and Ethernet cables from the Main Library.
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We loan IT equipment for the short, medium and long term.
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We provide access to a number of software deals with discounted rates.
Period products
- You can pick up free sanitary towels, tampons and Mooncups at locations across our campuses, or have period products delivered to your home.
Childcare support
- We offer childcare support for eligible students as part of our financial support.
Employment
- Our Careers Service has information on finding part-time work, which will bring in income as well as building your CV.
Future updates
We will continue to develop our support for you, so please do check back for updates.