Brae House, Edinburgh – 48 Verified Student Reviews 🏠

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Brae House -

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Based on 48 user ratings

Brae House, 31 and 33 Abbeyhill, Edinburgh, EH8 8EH

💬 What Students Say

Brae House is a vibrant and welcoming student accommodation option located just a stone's throw from the University of Edinburgh. With a mix of 402 single and ensuite rooms, this accommodation caters primarily to undergraduates looking for a comfortable, self-catered living environment. The overall experience at Brae House is highly rated, with students appreciating the balance of personal space and community interaction that it offers. The accommodation is designed to foster a sense of belonging, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make the most of their university years.

The student experience at Brae House is characterized by a lively and friendly atmosphere. Students frequently mention how the communal spaces, particularly the spacious kitchen, allow for socializing and bonding with flatmates. The kitchen is often described as a hub of activity, where residents can come together to prepare meals and share experiences. This sense of community is a significant draw for many, as it helps to alleviate the loneliness that can sometimes accompany university life. The overall rating for the atmosphere is strong, with many finding it a relaxed and enjoyable place to live.

In terms of location, Brae House is strategically placed to provide easy access to essential amenities and the wider city. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur's Seat, popular landmarks that students can explore during their time in Edinburgh. The proximity to Moray House and the central campus is also a significant advantage, as students can reach these locations in a short walk or via nearby bus routes. This accessibility contributes to the high rating for location, making it a practical choice for students who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Edinburgh.

The quality of the rooms at Brae House is another highlight, with students noting that they are comfortable and spacious. The ensuite options provide added privacy, while the shared kitchen spaces encourage a communal living experience. Reviewers consistently express satisfaction with the room sizes, stating that they never felt cramped and appreciated the cozy environment. The overall rating for room quality is quite positive, indicating that students generally find their living spaces to be conducive to both study and relaxation.

When it comes to value for money, Brae House is considered a solid option by many students. The combination of a well-maintained environment, friendly atmosphere, and convenient location contributes to a high value rating. Students feel that the accommodation covers all the essentials without being overly extravagant, which is often what they are looking for in student housing. While some may find it lacking in certain luxurious amenities, the overall sentiment is that it meets the needs of students effectively, making it a worthwhile investment for their university experience.

The social atmosphere at Brae House is frequently highlighted in reviews, with many students noting that there is always something happening. The sense of community is strong, and residents often describe it as a place where they can easily meet new people and form friendships. This vibrant social life is further enhanced by the various activities and events that take place within the accommodation. The communal areas, including the common room, are often buzzing with energy, making it a great place for students to unwind and connect with others after a long day of classes.

What sets Brae House apart from other student accommodations is its unique blend of comfort, community, and location. While some alternatives may offer more luxurious amenities, Brae House focuses on creating a home-like environment that encourages social interaction and personal growth. This makes it particularly appealing to students who value a supportive community and are looking for a place where they can truly feel at home.

Brae House is best suited for students who thrive in a lively environment and appreciate the importance of community during their university years. Those who enjoy being part of a diverse mix of people and are looking for a place where they can both socialize and have their own space will find this accommodation particularly appealing. The friendly atmosphere and strong sense of belonging make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to make the most of their time at university.

In summary, Brae House offers a well-rounded student accommodation experience, with a strong focus on community, comfort, and convenience. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the cleanliness of the communal kitchen and occasional noise on weekends, the overall experience is highly regarded by residents. With its prime location, good room quality, and vibrant social atmosphere, Brae House stands out as a top choice for students at the University of Edinburgh.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Comfortable and spacious rooms that provide a cozy living environment.
  • Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere that encourages social interaction.
  • Convenient location near essential amenities and iconic landmarks.
  • Well-maintained facilities, including communal kitchens and common areas.
  • Good value for money, meeting the essential needs of students effectively.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • The communal kitchen can sometimes be less clean than desired.
  • Noise levels can increase on weekends, potentially disrupting study time.
  • Limited catering options available, as food/catering rating is very low.
  • Some may find the amenities not as luxurious compared to other accommodations.
  • Occasional issues with maintenance or repairs, though generally well-managed.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively, community-focused living environment near the University of Edinburgh.

💡 Things to Know

  • Brae House offers both single and ensuite rooms with shared kitchen facilities.
  • The accommodation is self-catered, so students should plan to prepare their own meals.
  • Residents are provided with key fobs for secure access to the building.
  • The location is within walking distance of major landmarks and the university campus.
  • Laundry facilities are available on-site for resident use.

❓ Common Questions

Is Brae House good value for money?

Yes, residents generally feel that Brae House offers good value for money, providing essential amenities and a strong community atmosphere.

How is the location?

Brae House is conveniently located near the University of Edinburgh, with easy access to shops, bars, and iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile.

What are the rooms like?

Rooms at Brae House are described as comfortable and spacious, with options for both single and ensuite accommodations.

What is the social life like at Brae House?

The social life is vibrant, with a strong sense of community and plenty of opportunities for residents to connect and socialize.

Are there any concerns about cleanliness?

Some residents have noted that the communal kitchen could be cleaner at times, which is something to be aware of.

Reviews
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Heading back to Brae House after a rehearsal or late study session is great since it's still close to uni but not caught up in the chaos 🌙. it's almost comforting knowing i'm tucked in just outside the hubbub, giving me some space to think and chill.
By user737224 on Apr 20th 2026
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Walls are way too thin at brae house. can hear my neighbors' late-night TV like it's in my room, which makes it hard to focus on law readings.
By user301467 on Apr 15th 2026
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Common rooms have a way of bringing people together,often found myself caught in spontaneous chats that made tough days feel lighter.
By user713414 on Apr 10th 2026
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Makes uni life a lot easier when everything's just around the corner. for me, the convenience of walking to lectures in ten minutes is unmatched, plus grabbing groceries on the way home is dead simple. mid-week catch-ups with people in the common area became a thing, and it turned out to be more of a community than I expected.
By user747812 on Apr 8th 2026
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Laundry room always seemed to get crowded at the weirdest times, like mid-afternoon on weekdays when you'd think everyone's at lectures. kitchens were buzzing though, like a social hotspot where you accidentally make new friends over half-burnt toast.
By user855163 on Apr 1st 2026
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Didn't feel like just another place to crash after a packed day of lectures. the mix of students creates a lively ambience and the location makes early morning classes way more bearable.
By user359977 on Mar 31st 2026
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Walking into brae house, there was this really lively energy with students milling about and chatting. it felt like you'd found a spot buzzing with youthful spirit and the friendliness hit straightaway.
By user198827 on Mar 30th 2026
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Brae house feels like a proper home away from home, especially during those endless Edinburgh rain spells. you can actually have a chat in the common areas, and it's a breeze to make friends over shared pasta nights in the kitchen.
By user490492 on Mar 26th 2026
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Walls are quite thin, so you hear door slams and chatter from the corridor. makes it hard to relax in the evenings sometimes
By user400855 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Brae house has this lively buzz just downstairs when everyone's back from lectures and ready to chill.
By user815942 on Mar 18th 2026
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Everyone seemed really friendly and easy to talk to, which made settling in a breeze. you could always find someone in the common areas ready for a chat or a game. felt like a little community right from the start, with people always keen to hang out or help with uni work.
By user548058 on Mar 14th 2026
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Moving in was a breeze and the staff were genuinely helpful with everything. met a good mix of people right away, which made my first few months there quite enjoyable. having a common kitchen meant there was always a reason to chat or share a meal with someone.
By user504890 on Mar 10th 2026
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Didn't expect to find so many quiet study spaces. it's honestly a bit surprising given how lively the place is in general. really works if you need a moment to yourself but want the option to jump back into the bustle.
By user326135 on Feb 28th 2026
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Walking into brae house, i felt an instant sense of ease. the friendly buzz from fellow students made it feel like home right away. it’s a solid spot for uni life without any frills, which suits my budget just fine.
By user372507 on Feb 9th 2026
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Always felt like coming home after a chaotic day 📚. the quick chats with other students in the common areas made the place feel like a friendly little community rather than just accommodation.
By user318063 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and it was easy to make friends because people often gathered in the common areas.
By user373742 on Jan 28th 2026
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Spent more time than i'd like to admit trying to navigate the labyrinth of hallways in brae house 😅. once you figure it out, though, it becomes sort of a fun daily challenge.
By user510156 on Jan 24th 2026
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Location makes it effortless to dash back for lunch between classes, which is a real time saver. it’s nice not having to plan my entire day around being out
By user664348 on Jan 20th 2026
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Something about being surrounded by fellow students in Brae House makes living here feel a bit like a perpetual sleepover. i spent countless evenings in the common room, and it was easy to find someone up for a chat. honestly, it's more than just a place to live,there's a genuine sense of community that makes even the most mundane nights feel inviting.
By user639757 on Jan 15th 2026
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Walking into brae house felt instantly welcoming, like a friendly hug after a long train journey. you could easily sense the community vibe, which was comforting when navigating the chaos of first-year life.
By user619664 on Jan 12th 2026
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Always near the uni, so a quick dash home between lectures is easy. rooms are comfy, making downtime perfect for study or just chilling out
By user753518 on Jan 8th 2026
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Living here has been like finding a little community that just clicks. the common areas are often buzzing with friendly faces, making it unexpectedly easy to settle in and feel part of something bigger.
By user521071 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Rooms here feel a bit more spacious compared to other student accommodations I've seen. might be because there's no clutter , you get just what you need without the fuss. easy-going bunch of flatmates, too, which is always a plus.
By user187532 on Jan 1st 2026
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Never expected to find such a strong community vibe despite some not-so-social setups. having my own space was a win, and it felt like the best of both worlds honestly.
By user917705 on Dec 26th 2025
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Was really surprised by how chill everyone was when I first arrived. no awkwardness, just an easy-going vibe that made those initial days way less intimidating than I expected.
By user621032 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Always loved how I could just walk into the common room and instantly feel right at home.
By user857263 on Dec 19th 2025
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Brae house has this big communal kitchen where people actually take turns to clean up, which is kind of rare. that sense of shared responsibility makes it feel more like a community than just a random place to live.
By user431223 on Dec 19th 2025
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Getting some laundry done is a breeze at brae house, which is great when you’re juggling classes and work shifts. it’s nice not having to find a laundromat somewhere , keeps everything manageable during my week.
By user902251 on Dec 15th 2025
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People at brae house were genuinely chill, all about making their own food and sharing groceries, which was sweet because it made cooking adventures a bit more fun and less lonely whenever my own schedule was a mess.
By user806512 on Dec 10th 2025
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Adjusting to Brae House was smoother than expected. the ensuite rooms were a lifesaver, especially when juggling assignments and needing a quick break. with the uni so close, it felt like an extension of campus, which made settling in rather seamless.
By user854874 on Dec 5th 2025
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Settling in at brae house was easier than expected. people are laid-back and friendly, which helped make the transition smooth without any stress.
By user534785 on Dec 2nd 2025
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Walking in, i was surprised by how lively and friendly everyone seemed, instantly making me feel like i belonged here.
By user515825 on Nov 27th 2025
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Staff here always seem up for a chat which makes things feel properly homey. they're usually good for local recommendations too if you're looking to explore around edinburgh.
By user452834 on Nov 22nd 2025
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Other students here really make this place feel like home. they're always up for a quick chat in the common areas or a study session in the kitchen. feels like a mini community , everyone seems supportive and down to earth, which makes settling in a breeze.
By user185353 on Nov 16th 2025
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Noticed how everyone seemed to be in the same boat, all trying to find their feet and make new friends. ran into a few classmates from my politics course and we all just naturally bonded over shared experiences. there was this sense that everyone was in it together, which was quite reassuring.
By user746710 on Nov 9th 2025
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Can be a bit noisy at times, especially when everyone's coming back from nights out and the walls don't do much to muffle the sound. it's also a struggle getting into the kitchen during dinner hours with everyone trying to cook at once. the location is great, but some improvements in soundproofing would really make a difference.
By user637640 on Nov 2nd 2025
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Honestly didn't expect much from student accommodation, but Brae House surprised me. the rooms are way better than I imagined and the common spaces make it easy to mingle with other students.
By user451640 on Oct 29th 2025
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Living at brae house spoiled me with its close-knit community feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.
By user718846 on Oct 25th 2025
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Would definitely go back to Brae House next year, it's just too easy for getting to uni and you can just crack on without worrying about commute times.
By user389801 on Oct 23rd 2025
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Wasn't expecting to enjoy the common area as much as i did. ended up spending more time there chatting with flatmates than i thought, and it was a nice break from studying in my room all the time.
By user360888 on Oct 20th 2025
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Staff here are pretty chill and on top of things, always ready with a smile or quick solution when stuff came up. feels like they're genuinely looking out for us students 📚😊
By user352686 on Oct 16th 2025
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Staff here are genuinely approachable and always up for a chat. they go out of their way to make sure everyone feels settled in. you can tell that their priority is making life as easy as possible for students.
By user283339 on Oct 14th 2025
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Rooms at brae house are cosy and modern, and it feels easy to settle in. good spot for meeting loads of other first years too.
By user891729 on Oct 12th 2025
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Different from other student accommodations, brae house has this lively buzz that you don't get elsewhere. there's always someone around to chat to, which beats the more isolating places I've been. it's got an energizing vibe that makes you feel more connected and less like you're just a number in a big city.
By user622614 on Oct 7th 2025
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Didn't expect to find such a tight-knit community here. people are always up for a chat in the common areas, which is great.
By user279183 on Oct 2nd 2025
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Rooms at brae house are comfy and the communal spaces make it easy to meet people. it's super close to the uni so you can roll out of bed and make it to lectures.
By user887999 on Sep 26th 2025
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Expected Brae House to be pretty standard, but it's actually quite chill and surprisingly social. met a bunch of friendly people and the common areas are lively enough if you fancy a bit of company. reckon it's one of the better spots to live in Edinburgh for students.
By user673134 on Sep 24th 2025
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Staff at brae house are genuinely helpful and always up for a chat if you're feeling lost or need advice about settling in. they create such a warm environment that it feels easier to manage being far from home for the first time. honestly, having people around who seem to actually care makes a huge difference in those early days of uni life.
By user954602 on Sep 12th 2025
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Settling in was a breeze because the layout just makes sense and everything you need is within reach. finding my rhythm took no time, and it feels like a home away from home.
By user550748 on May 23rd 2025