[HDNG]IN COLLEGE:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Catered: 6.5% [BULL] Cost: ú48.48(32wks) [BULL] Self-catering: 12% [BULL] Cost: ú31.07(34wks)[ESTAT][PARA]About 1/2 of the 1st years can live in, but no others (apart from a few overseas students). The Guthrie-Wright Halls are all-female, have single study bedrooms, and offer 14 meals a week; [ITAL]the fact that all catered accommodation is reserved for women is either a very right-on statement about domestic sex roles, a wry piece of Scots irony, or a cock-up[EITAL]. The self-catering halls and flats have kitchens shared between 5-10.[HDNG]EXTERNALLY:[EHDNG][PARA][STAT][BULL] Ave rent: ú40[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] Living out presents as many options as living in. Most students opt to live in privately rented flats, some of which are [ITAL]very good value[EITAL], but some end up (for at least part of a year) in lodgings with a live-in landlord/lady who cooks and cleans. [ITAL]Often this is like a home from home, but students complain that rather than making them homesick, this arrangement more frequently makes them sick of home.[EITAL] Talking of home, many students are local and live with their parents and/or families. [ITAL]With all these options, most of the year it's not too difficult to find somewhere, until it comes to September when everybody else is looking, or August when landlords with any sense don't want to know because all their properties are on profitable short-term rents to Festival-goers. Students with nous can get a piece of this action themselves.[EITAL] The trick is to avoid the crush and start a rental period at the beginning of the summer and to ensure subletting's allowed. Then get some am dram group doing a Fringe show to pay ú50 per person per week, cramming in a cast of 20, during the Festival and suddenly student debt is a thing of the past. [ITAL]The best places to be are Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Newington, particularly studenty areas, close to the centre with high quality housing. [EITAL][PARA][PARA][ITAL]The Accommodation Office is very helpful. Dalry, Corstorphine and Haymarket are the most popular areas for students to rest their heads. The development of the Leith site will make things easier, as flats are cheaper and more plentiful around there.[EITAL][PARA][PARA]
