Accommodation: Practical information for international students

No matter which campus you're studying at, what city you'll being living in while studying at SRUC, or are planning to stay on-campus or off-campus, use the link below to learn more about some practical accommodation advice that you may find helpful while planning your move to Scotland and during your studies with us.

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Purpose Built Student Accommodation

Many students choose to stay in accommodation specifically designed for students (Purpose Built Student Accommodation). In this kind of accommodation, you'll live alongside other students and share communal areas with student-focused amenities like study rooms, lounges, laundry facilities and kitchens. Most bills like internet and utilities are usually included in the cost.

SRUC has an agreement with the University of Aberdeen to offer our students a range of accommodation options at their Hillhead Student Village, which includes regular bus travel to SRUC Aberdeen campus.

Learn more about SRUC Aberdeen campus accommodation here.

Other types of private accommodation are also available for those who prefer it.

Other private accommodation types

HMO (House in Multiple Occupation): A house or flat shared by 3 or more unrelated people. These properties must be licensed and meet specific safety standards like having fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and fire doors, and be mains-wired.
Studio flat: A single room combining a bedroom, living space and kitchen, with a separate bathroom.
En-suite: A private bathroom attached to your bedroom.
All bills included: Rent that includes utilities (check which utilities are not included!)
Furnished vs Unfurnished: Most student rentals are furnished, but always check what is and isn't included.

Important terms and information:

If you will be renting private accommodation while living in Scotland and studying at SRUC, having a good understanding of rental considerations, housing law, and safety is important. Find some information below or visit Citizens Advice Scotland or Shelter Scotland for more help and advice.

distance to campus
affordability
deposit & tenancy agreement
flatmates
landlord reputation
safety features

Before you rent a property in the UK, you should familiarise yourself with some terms and phrases related to housing laws.

Tenancy Agreements: If you're planning to rent a flat through a private company or letting agency, you'll be asked to sign a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). This type of tenancy is open-ended, meaning it will continue until you decide to move out or the landlord ends it using valid grounds for eviction. Don't forget to check the property, landlord, letting agent, and area for reviews before signing a Tenancy Agreement. Good places to do this are Trustpilot, Studentcrowd, and Marks Out of Tenancy
Landlord registration: Private landlords and letting agents are required to register with the local authority to show that they are fit and proper to rent out their property. Before you sign a tenancy agreement, make sure to check that your landlord or agent is properly registered using the Scottish Landlord Register
Tenancy Deposit Scheme: If you've signed a tenancy agreement, you'll usually be asked to pay a security deposit. This is held until the end of your tenancy to cover any damage to the property or missing/broken items. By law, your deposit must be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme to ensure it's handled fairly and returned appropriately.
Council Tax: This is a local charge paid by working residents to contribute towards the funding of public services such as water, rubbish collection, road maintenance, and schools. It is calculated per property. Note: Full-time students in the UK do not have to pay council tax.

Always view a property in person or virtually before paying anything
Get a written tenancy agreement. Read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Ensure that your deposit is protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Carry out an inventory check and take photos on move-in day to avoid disputes later.
Check safety features are working: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and gas/electric installations.

Temporary / Short-term accommodation

If you arrive in Scotland before your long-term accommodation is ready, or if you need a temporary place to stay while you search for something more permanent, you may want to consider:

Hostels & budget hotels: Look at Hostelworld, Hostelling Scotland, easyHotel, Booking.com, Travelodge, or Premier Inn for some affordable short stay options.
City Room Rentals provide short-term stays in student accommodation.
Airbnb can be a flexible option while you search for permanent housing.
Some B&Bs and guesthouses across Scotland may offer student discounts for longer stays. Remember to call ahead first to ask.

Accommodation at SRUC King’s Buildings, Edinburgh

Accommodation at SRUC Craibstone, Aberdeen

Accommodation at SRUC Barony, Dumfries

Accommodation at SRUC Oatridge, West Lothian

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