Intro
200 Cowgate is located within the heart of Edinburgh's historical and world famous old town, providing a range of high quality modern rooms with shared kitchens, dining and living spaces. The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle and Waverley Station, shopping district of Princes Street, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs is a 10-minutes walk away from the property. The building is also within easy access of both Edinburgh Railway Station (5 mins walk) and Edinburgh International Airport (40 minutes journey time). Their purposely designed student accommodation provides - Self contained standard and penthouse studios with high speed Wi-Fi, gas, electricity, water etc. and room rates are all inclusive. The building also has bike storage, laundry room, and an on-site management team which organizes social events to provide fun and deals with maintenance issues.
200 Cowgate is a small distance away from most of the tourist attractions and amazing restaurants to hang out which you are going to enjoy, for sure.
This will make you enjoy your student life to the fullest.
Distance
1. Distance to University of Edinburgh:
Private Transport - 5 min
Walking - 8 min
2. Distance to Heriot-Watt University:
Private Transport - 22 min
Public Transport - 45 min
3. Distance to Edinburgh Napier University:
Private Transport - 16 min
Public Transport - 24 min
4. Distance to Edinburgh Art College:
Private Transport - 4 min
Walking - 13 min
5. Distance to Edinburgh College:
Private Transport - 19 min
Public Transport - 40 min
6. Distance to Queen Margaret University:
Private Transport - 23 min
Public Transport - 16 min
Configurations
Room Facilities
basic
This modern en-suite room comes with a small double bed, wardrobe space, study desk and chair and stylish en-suite bathroom. There is also additional under bed storage for extra peace of mind.
Contract Length: 51 Week - Sept to Aug
Room Facilities
basic
The four bed en-suite room comes with a small double bed, modern en-suite, and stylish study area. There is also additional under bed storage for extra peace of mind.
Contract Length: 51 Week - Sept to Aug
Room Facilities
This incredibly spacious en-suite room on the ground floor comes complete a small double bed, wardrobe space and a large en-suite bathroom. This room has ample storage as well as a large study desk and chair.
Contract Length: 51 Week - Sept to Aug
Room Facilities
basic
A private studio with a three quarter sized bed, modern kitchette with dishwasher, stylish en-suite, and a large study desk and chair. This studio is located at the back of the building which is exceptionally quiet.
Contract Length: 51 Week - Sept to Aug
basic
This private luxury studio situated over two floors at the top of the building has amazing views of Edinburgh City Center. The luxurious studio comes complete with a fully fitted modern kitchenette with dishwasher, a three quarter sized bed, and a large en-suite bathroom.
Booking Details
Cancellation Policy
Can I Cancel My Reservation?
Cancellations will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. A cancellation request must be submitted by email to the relevant site team outlining the reason and providing supporting documentation as appropriate no less than 14 days prior to the start of the tenancy.
Medical Grounds If you cannot occupy the room due to medical grounds you must provide supporting evidence from your doctor.
No University Place If you do not gain the required qualifications for your chosen course and cannot be offered an alternative through clearing you need to provide supporting documentation from the University or UCAS as appropriate.
Failure to obtain a UK visa If you are unable to obtain the necessary visa to allow you to study in the UK you must provide supporting documentation.
The site team are not authorised to agree cancellation requests nor will submission of the abovementioned documents guarantee immediate approval. The matter will be referred to head office and the owner of the property before a final decision is made.
Can USL cancel my Reservation?
Universal Student Living reserves the right to cancel a reservation and retain the Reservation Fee if:
You have lived at Universal Student Living Limited accommodation before and breached the terms and conditions of the AST (i.e. failure to pay rent on time or anti-social behavior).
You failed to complete your application or accept the AST within the timeframe outlined by the site accommodation team.
Universal Student Living reserves the right to cancel a reservation and return the Reservation Fee if:
You have not yet completed a tenancy agreement and we become unable to provide the accommodation of choice.
Can I Cancel My Tenancy Agreement After I Move In?
An AST is a legally binding agreement. Once signed, you are legally obliged to meet the terms and conditions therein for the duration of the agreement. You cannot cancel your tenancy once it has been signed regardless of occupation. For the avoidance of doubt, if you sign the AST but do not move into the property or decide to vacate early, you are still bound by the terms and responsible for rent for the full duration of the tenancy.
An early release may be considered if;
You find a suitable replacement tenant for the remaining period of the original tenancy. You will not be released from your AST until the ingoing tenant has accepted a new AST as per the same terms as the original. For the avoidance of doubt, you remain responsible for all rents until the new AST is in effect and will be released from the obligations thereafter.
You enter a new tenancy agreement with Universal Student Living Limited for a different room but for the same tenancy period.
Payment Details
You will need to pay the 250 non-refundable reservation fee to secure your room.
Payment Options:
You will then have two options you can pay by three instalments or in one lump sum.
Mode Of Payment:
Credit Card, Debit card, Bank Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live with my friends?
Yes. Where possible we will try to put you with your friends. When applying for your accommodation you should let us know your preferences including the names of your friends. We will contact you to confirm your request.
Can I cancel my contract once I have signed it?
Please be aware that once you have signed your contract to stay with us, unless due to exceptional circumstances, you will be tied into the contract and expected to cover the cost of your room unless you are able to source an alternative resident to take over your contract.
If you have concerns that you might not be able to stay with us (due to VISA issues, etc.), please speak to your Accommodation Manager at the earliest opportunity.
When can I move in?
Please either speak to the Accommodation Manager or check your contract for more details on your move-in date.
We sometimes get requests to see if people can move in early, we will try and do our best to accommodate any requests where possible, but please be aware this isnt always possible due to previous residents moving out. Please call your accommodation directly to check the availability.
Will my room be cleaned?
Your accommodation is cleaned for your arrival. Once you have moved in you will be responsible for cleaning your room and any shared areas within an apartment.
What do I need to bring with me?
Your room is furnished but you will need to bring the essentials such as:
Bed linen (duvet, pillows and sheets)
Kitchen utensils, including saucepans, plates, cutlery and glasses.
Towels
Toiletries
Clothes
Laptop and chargers
Personal items
See our handy checklist to help you get started.
To help you with the essentials we have teamed up with UniKitOut to make your move as simple and straightforward as possible. You can now order bedding, bathroom and kitchen items along with accessories here and theyll be ready and waiting for you when you move in! You can also save 10% with the code USL17.
Will my room be checked?
We will undertake full room (and communal areas where applicable) inspections at least three times during your tenancy period. We will check for cleanliness, damage and for missing items.
What kind of students will be living here?
We have all kinds of students living with us, from all over the world, studying for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
I'm a Fresher, what can I expect?
Heading to University is an incredibly exciting time but if its your first time away from home you may also be feeling a bit nervous. Weve put together a freshers guide which we hope will give you an idea of what to expect and to help you settle in to Freshers week and university life. The main thing to remember is that everyone is going to be in the same position as you so be yourself and youll be great!
What happens if there is a problem with the heating or other services?
Contact the management team in the building and they will arrange for maintenance to attend and fix the problem.
Can I rebook my room for next year?
Many of our residents are returning students who just dont want to leave!
Apply as soon as possible in order to book your room, we cannot guarantee your room will be available; if you book early you will improve your chances.
What is a reservation fee?
Your reservation fee of 250 is due when you book your room. This is not a deposit, and once paid, is not refundable.
Your reservation fee secures your room once you sign the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and your Guarantor signs the Guarantee (if required).
At the start of your tenancy your reservation fee converts to an advanced rent payment, and is either deducted from your single rent payment (if you pay for the year in advance) or from your first terms rental payment (if you pay in stages).
So, for example if the total rent stated in your contract is 4,500, and you are paying in advance, you will pay 250 before signing your contract, and the remainder, 4,250 before moving in.
If you are paying by three instalments with a UK Guarantor, then you will pay the 250 reservation fee on signing, 40% of the contract rent before you move in less the reservation fee (1,800 250 = 1,550), 1,800 at the start of the second term, then 900 for the third term.
Do I need to pay any bills?
Your weekly rent includes all electricity, heating and water bills and room internet access.
However, we follow a reasonable use policy and if we feel your use of any of the utilities (electricity or water) is excessive, we will notify you of our concerns, and if the excessive use does not change, we reserve the right to charge you for such excessive use.
What should I do if I lose my keys?
If you lose your keys, please request a new set from the accommodation office, you will need to pay for a replacement set. If the office is closed you can contact the Student Warden on site.
Please look after your keys;
Do not label them
Do not give them to anyone else
How old do I have to be to live in your accommodation?
To live at one of our properties you must be 18 or over, on or before, the start date of your tenancy agreement.
What is a guarantor?
A Guarantor is a person that you nominate who will guarantee that your rent will be paid if you are unable to pay it yourself. The person needs to be capable of meeting your obligations if you are unable to.
If you fail to pay your rent on time, the guarantor will be responsible to ensure your rent is paid in full.
More information about guarantors can be found here.
An overseas based guarantor, or one who is overseas but has a UK bank account is not acceptable.
If you are not able to provide your own guarantor, Housing Hand is an international guarantor service that provides this service to all students who cannot provide a suitable or qualified UK Guarantor.
Housing Hand also specialises in dealing with International students who cannot provide a Guarantor in the UK.
If you would like to use or find out more about the Housing Hand Guarantor Service, please visit their website www.housinghand.co.uk or you can call their offices from +44 (0)207 205 26 25.
Do I need to have a UK based guarantor?
You will need to have a UK based guarantor if you would like to pay your rent by instalments. If you choose to pay the total rent upfront then you will not be required to have a UK based guarantor.
Can I cancel my contract?
No. Your Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document and you are subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.
Can I end my tenancy early?
As a tenant on a fixed term assured short hold tenancy you cannot end your tenancy early. You may find a replacement tenant for your tenancy as long as they take over the full length of your contract and pay the rent in full.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
You do not need to pay a deposit. However, you will need to pay a non-refundable 250 reservation fee to secure your room. The 250 is then deducted from your first rent instalment.
Can I smoke in the accommodation?
No. Smoking in the accommodation is forbidden.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately we cannot allow pets.
What does all-inclusive mean?
All utilities electric, gas and water are included in the rent on a fair usage allowance with hot water available 24-hours per day.
Contents insurance through Endsleigh www.endsleigh.co.uk
Council Tax/Rates students are exempt from paying council tax/rates.
Is WiFi Available?
Free high-speed internet and wifi is available throughout the building(s), including bedrooms.