[HDNG]IN COLLEGE:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][STAT][BULL] Self-catering: 3% [BULL] Cost: ú35/40(32-40wks)[ESTAT][PARA][BOLD]Availability:[EBOLD] There are 170 places in a hall at Craiglockhart, enough for about 10% of 1st years, so students shouldn't reckon on a University room unless they have got a really good argument, which has to include a home further than 25 miles away. If they do get a place, there's a 64% chance it'll be shared. [ITAL] It's a nice building though, with atmosphere, if a little quiet[EITAL]. It is split into single sex corridors with kitchens for every 5 or 6 students. The new Bruntsfield Halls provide no more than 50 further places (including 30 shared), available to those in the 2nd year and above, but they hardly even dent the demand. Planning is underway for 1,200 new places by the end of 1995.[HDNG]EXTERNALLY:[EHDNG][PARA][GRPH]A2[EGRPH][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][BOLD]Housing help:[EBOLD] NSA's Student Services employ a full-time accommodation officer who keeps a list of vacancies, who helps match students and landlords and who advises generally on housing and contracts. [ITAL]Private agencies are also worth contacting.[EITAL][PARA][PARA]
