Heriot-Watt University Student Accommodation Guide 2025: Best Halls & Housing Options Accommodation & Housing Guide
Explore the best student accommodation at Heriot-Watt University in 2025. Compare on-campus halls, private housing in Edinburgh, and costs with budgeting tips.
🎓 Introduction
Heriot-Watt University, based in Edinburgh, is renowned for engineering, business, and research-focused courses. With thousands of students from over 150 countries, choosing the right accommodation is an essential part of your student experience.
Heriot-Watt offers on-campus halls at its Riccarton campus, along with a variety of private student halls and shared houses in Edinburgh. This 2025 guide explores the best options, including prices, locations, and tips to help you make the right choice.
🏠 On-Campus Halls of Residence (Riccarton Campus)
Living on campus is the most convenient choice, especially for first-years and international students. The halls are located at Riccarton, around 20 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.
Studios & Flats – Self-contained, with private kitchen and bathroom.
Family Flats – For couples or students with dependents.
Popular Halls
Lord Thomson Hall – Standard rooms, budget-friendly.
George Burnett Hall – Large en-suite flats, sociable atmosphere.
Robin Smith Hall – Affordable, shared bathroom facilities.
Orchard & Hermiston Halls – Modern en-suite rooms.
Anna MacLeod Hall – Mixture of en-suite and standard rooms.
💷 Cost of Heriot-Watt Halls (2025)
Room Type
Weekly Rent
Contract Length
Standard Room
£120 – £140
40 weeks
En-Suite Room
£160 – £185
40 weeks
Premium En-Suite
£190 – £210
40 weeks
Studio Flat
£210 – £240
40–51 weeks
Family Flats
£250+
40–51 weeks
✅ Bills, Wi-Fi, and insurance included
✅ 24/7 campus security and student support
🏢 Private Student Halls in Edinburgh
If you prefer to live closer to the city centre, private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) offers modern facilities and shorter commutes to nightlife and shops.
Popular Private Halls
Vita Student Fountainbridge – Premium studios, gym, and cinema room.
Unite Students (Chalmers Street, Murano House) – En-suites and shared flats, close to Edinburgh city campuses.
iQ Fountainbridge – Stylish en-suites and studios, walking distance to Haymarket.
Collegiate Goods Corner – Luxury living with modern study spaces.
💷 Cost of Private Halls (2025)
Private Hall
Weekly Rent
Contract
Vita Student Fountainbridge
£260 – £320
44–51 weeks
Unite Students (Chalmers Street)
£220 – £270
44–51 weeks
iQ Fountainbridge
£230 – £280
44–51 weeks
Collegiate Goods Corner
£240 – £300
44–51 weeks
Best for: Students who want to live near central Edinburgh with premium facilities.
🏘️ Shared Private Housing
Many Heriot-Watt students move into shared houses or flats after first year. This option is usually cheaper than PBSA and offers more independence.
Average Rent in 2025
£150 – £200 per week (excluding bills)
£180 – £230 per week (including bills)
Bills usually add £20–£30 per week for utilities and Wi-Fi.
Popular Student Areas
Gorgie & Dalry – Affordable, close to bus routes for Riccarton.
Haymarket – Great transport links, central location.
Bruntsfield & Morningside – Lively areas with cafes and shops.
Fountainbridge – Popular for both PBSA and shared housing.
📊 Comparison Table
Category
On-Campus Halls
Private Halls
Shared Houses
Cost
£120 – £240 pw
£220 – £320 pw
£150 – £230 pw
Bills
Included
Included
Extra (£20–£30 pw)
Location
Riccarton campus
Edinburgh city centre
Across Edinburgh
Social Life
High
Medium–High
Depends on housemates
Flexibility
Limited
Limited
High
💡 Tips for Heriot-Watt Students (2025)
Decide campus vs city life – Riccarton offers convenience, while city living is closer to nightlife.
Budget for transport – If living off-campus, factor in £50–£70 per month for buses.
Apply early for halls – Popular options like George Burnett fill quickly.
Explore PBSA deals – Many private halls offer discounts for early booking.
Balance study and lifestyle – On-campus halls are quieter, while city housing is livelier.
Check contracts carefully – Private lets often last 12 months, unlike shorter university hall contracts.
Q1. Should I choose campus or city life at Heriot-Watt?
Riccarton offers convenience, while city living is closer to nightlife. Consider your priorities and budget for transport costs.
Q2. What are the cheapest accommodation options at Heriot-Watt?
Shared flats in Gorgie or Dalry offer the most affordable options for students.
Q3. How much should I budget for transport if living off-campus?
Factor in £50–£70 per month for buses if living off-campus in Edinburgh.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Heriot-Watt University students in 2025 can choose from affordable campus halls, premium private city residences, or shared housing in student-friendly areas.
Best for first-years → On-campus halls like George Burnett or Orchard Halls.
Best for luxury & city life → Vita Student Fountainbridge or iQ Fountainbridge.
Best for budget-conscious students → Shared flats in Gorgie or Dalry.
👉 Your decision depends on whether you prefer the convenience of Riccarton campus or the energy of central Edinburgh. Either way, Edinburgh offers a wide variety of housing to fit every lifestyle and budget.