When choosing student accommodation, you need to consider the type of property. Moreover, you should explore different options before you make a conclusion. In the first year, you may reside in the halls of residence. However, after this, you will discover more options, each with their benefits and costs.
Traditionally, students used to live in shared flats or houses. You will 
find such old style properties near the university.
What to consider
It is important to weigh your options, pros and cons of different accommodation options before deciding. The following are some of the factors to help you make a decision:
- Location and security
- Car parking
- Social life
- Quality of accommodation
- Inclusive bills
Usually, managed student accommodation tends to appear quite expensive. This is because it is inclusive of bills. You also need to look at the money value instead of the cost. You may also consider renting a room if you do not have a group you can share with. These places offer a great way of making friends
Costs of accommodation
PCM and PPW
In Edinburgh, the cost of student accommodation varies from one property to another. It is necessary to understand the type of accommodation that is reasonable to you. Usually, the majority of lettings and landlords use Per Person Per Week or PPPW format. This can help you to determine the cost of rent on a weekly basis. You will also find this more suitable for students as compared to renting residential non-student accommodation.
Although, the rent is provided in PPPW format, this does not mean that you are going to pay the rent on weekly basis. Therefore, you need to check, but the common way is paying rent in semester instalments.
Length of Contracts
Before you 
sign a tenancy agreement, you should check the duration of the contract. Usually, the duration is 12 months no matter the months you will be staying at the university. If you want to stay over summer and work, you will find the annual contract worth it.
There are private student accommodation providers that will charge you for the time you will be studying. If your agreement is short and you intend to stay over summer, you may consider letting them know in advance.