As a student living in an island community it is vital that students who relocate here experience island life.

While there is no on-site student accommodation provided, we will do our best to provide you with accommodation options and help guide you in the right direction to ensure that you find somewhere suitable for your needs.

We hope you will enjoy your island experience.

Local letting agents and Advice Services

Orkney Islands Council - Housing Options and Advice

The Housing Options and Advice team at Orkney Islands Council can offer information and assistance with a range of housing issues.

Private tenant advice provided by Orkney Islands Council

Orkney Islands Property Developments Ltd

4 Gunn's Close
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1DU

tel: 01856 876310
email: anne@oipdl.co.uk

Orcadian

Weekly publication published every Thursday with Property to Let section.

Orcadian website

LOWS Orkney Limited

5 Broad Street
Kirkwall
Orkney
KW15 1DH

tel: 01856 873151
Lows Orkney Limited website

JEP Robertson and Son

26 Victoria Street
Stromness
Orkney
KW16 3AA

tel: 01856 850232
email: jep@robertsonandson.fsnet.co.uk
JEP Robertson and Son website

Welcome

Whether you're moving to Orkney from elsewhere or are a local student seeking accommodation, this page is here to support you in finding the right place to live during your studies.

You’ll find detailed information about accommodation options, tips on settling into island life, and practical advice to help you make the most of your time here.

We aim to provide all students – both new arrivals and those already living locally – with the resources you need to find suitable housing. We hope you’ll find a place that feels like home and that your time studying with us will be enriching and enjoyable.

Living in Orkney

Orkney is regularly voted one of the best places in the UK to live, so what is it that makes our islands so special?

Orkney is an archipelago of 70 islands off the northwest coast of Scotland, home to a thriving community of over 20,000 people. With its stunning coastal views, rich cultural heritage, and a unique blend of modern and ancient attractions, Orkney offers an experience unlike anywhere else. From the world-renowned Skara Brae to lively festivals and local events, there’s always something to discover.

While Orkney offers a slower pace of life, it’s a place where the strong community spirit and stunning natural surroundings make it a truly special place to call home. For comprehensive insight into everything you need to know about living in Orkney, visit this webpage on Orkney.com 

Tips for Settling Into Island Life

  • Embrace the Pace – Life on the islands can be more relaxed than on the mainland. Take your time to enjoy the slower rhythm and make the most of the peaceful surroundings.
  • Get to Know the Community – Orkney has a strong sense of community, with plenty of local groups, activities, and events. Joining a club or attending festivals is a great way to meet new people and get involved.
  • Explore the Outdoors – Orkney’s landscapes are stunning. Take the time to explore its beaches, nature reserves, and historical sites. Nature walks, wildlife watching, and beachcombing are perfect for unwinding.
  • Stay Connected – While the island offers a peaceful retreat, it’s important to stay connected. Make use of local social media groups, community boards, and UHI Orkney's resources to stay informed about events and updates.
  • Plan for the Weather – Orkney's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter. Be prepared with warm clothing and gear for all seasons. Embrace the windy, rainy days with a cozy attitude!
  • Support Local Businesses – Orkney has a number of local shops, cafés, and markets that offer unique goods and produce. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the community and enriches your island experience.
  • Make Use of Public Transport – While Orkney is compact, having reliable transport options like buses and ferries can help you get around. Make sure to check timetables and plan your trips, especially in winter months.
  • Familiarise Yourself with Services – Knowing where local services are located—like healthcare, postal services, and shops—can help you feel more at ease. 
  • Be Patient and Flexible – Island life can come with its own set of challenges, whether it’s limited stock in stores or slower delivery times. Flexibility and patience will make your experience more enjoyable.
  • Take Advantage of Unique Opportunities – From local crafts to community-led events, island life presents special opportunities. Keep an open mind and take part in something uniquely Orcadian!

Your Accommodation Journey

While UHI Orkney does not provide dedicated student accommodation, we are here to support you in finding the perfect place to live.

The accommodation market in Orkney can be competitive, both locally and due to demand from people relocating to the islands. However, please don’t be discouraged—every student to date has successfully found accommodation, and with some early planning and persistence, you will too. To help, we share a comprehensive list of accommodation options further down this page.

We encourage you to start your search as early as possible, even if your grades are not finalised until August. While finding accommodation can take time, it’s important to stay proactive, and we’ll be here to help every step of the way. 

If you do find yourself unable to find accommodation before the start of term, don’t worry! We offer flexible options, such as starting your course online until you have a place lined up.

In the meantime, you may wish to consider short-term accommodation options like hostels, caravans, or bed-and-breakfasts. However, we advise against camping as the weather from September to December can include high winds and harsh, unpredictable conditions.

Location and Travel

Although Kirkwall is where UHI Orkney is based, we recommend expanding your search to other locations. Areas such as Stromness, Finstown, and the linked isles (Burray and South Ronaldsay), especially St Margaret’s Hope, are great places to live with good public transport connections to UHIO.

If you enjoy privacy and don’t mind a short ferry commute, the islands Hoy, Rousay and Shapinsay can also be good options.

However, we don’t recommend the more remote islands like Stronsay, Papa Westray, Westray, or North Ronaldsay due to limited transport and facilities.

Travel Considerations
If you choose to live in locations further out, public transportation is available. A regular bus service connects St Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, and Kirkwall, and other parishes, making it easy to travel between these areas.

Rental Accommodation Options in Orkney

  • Orkney Islands Council
    Visit Website
    Join the council's housing list 
  • Orkney Housing Association
    Visit Website
    The Orkney Housing Association offers social housing.
  • Orkney Islands Properties Developments Ltd
    Visit Website
    This is one of Orkney’s letting agents. It’s recommended that you contact them directly to be placed on their mailing list. You will be contacted about available housing before it’s publicly listed. They also have a limited amount of student accommodation. Be sure to update them with your most recent contact details, and inform them if you secure housing elsewhere.
  • D and H Law
    Visit Website
    This legal firm offers properties for rent and sale. Contact them to be added to their mailing list.
  • Facebook – Orkney Merkit Place
    Visit Group
    This local Facebook group occasionally lists rental properties. Please note this is a public social media group, and while properties are advertised, it’s important to be cautious. 
  • Rockworks Chalets
    Visit Website
    Rockworks Chalets offers five modern chalets that are typically used for holiday lets. However, students have been able to rent these chalets long-term in the past.
  • Orcadian
    Visit Website
    The local newspaper, Orcadian, occasionally lists properties for rent. It’s worth checking on Thursdays when the paper is published to see if any rental opportunities are listed.
  • Eastbank House
    Visit Website
    Eastbank House offers five ensuite rooms (single, double, and triple options). These are typically holiday lets, but long-term accommodation may be available through negotiation with the owner.

Buying Accommodation

If you’re considering making Orkney your permanent home, or you’re in the position to buy a home, here are some useful resources for finding properties for sale:

  • Orkney.com
    Visit Website
    This is the go-to site for information on properties for sale in Orkney. It provides an overview of available homes and buying opportunities.
  • D and H Law
    Visit Website
    A local legal firm that also lists properties for sale in Orkney. Check their website for the latest listings.
  • Harcus Law
    Visit Website
    A legal firm that lists properties for sale. Their website provides access to property sales across the islands.
  • Lows Estate Agent
    Visit Website
    One of Orkney's most well-known estate agents, offering a wide range of properties for sale.
  • K Allan Properties
    Visit Website
    Another local estate agent with a selection of properties available for purchase throughout Orkney.
  • Orcadian
    Visit Website
    The local newspaper, Orcadian, also features listings for properties for sale, so it’s worth checking out for the latest offerings.

Temporary Accommodation in Kirkwall

Whether you're looking for short-term accommodation or a temporary place to stay while securing more permanent housing, there are several hostels and caravan parks across Orkney that cater to different needs. Here are some options around Kirkwall:

  • Peedie Hostel
    Visit Website
    A cosy, budget-friendly option in the heart of Kirkwall.
  • Orcades Hostel
    Visit Website
    Centrally located in Kirkwall, offering affordable accommodation with a homely feel.
  • Kirkwall Hostel
    Visit Website
    A part of the Hostelling Scotland network, providing a comfortable and well-equipped stay.
  • Orkney Caravan Parks, Kirkwall
    Visit Website
    A convenient location in Kirkwall, with facilities for caravans and motorhomes.

Temporary Accommodation on Mainland Orkney and The Isles

  • Browns Self Catering Hostel, Stromness
    Visit Website
    Self-catering accommodation in Stromness, ideal for guests looking for flexibility.
  • Birsay Hostel, Birsay
    Visit Website
    Located in Birsay, offering hostel accommodation for those interested in outdoor activities.
  • Weems Organic Farms, South Ronaldsay
    Visit Website
    A unique organic farm stay with hostel accommodation for guests looking for a rustic experience.
  • The Anchorage, South Ronaldsay
    Visit Website
    A welcoming hostel on South Ronaldsay, perfect for those exploring the south of the islands.
  • Birsay Campsite, Birsay
    Visit Website
    A campsite offering a great base for exploring the northern parts of Orkney.
  • Point of Ness Campsite, Stromness
    Visit Website
    A scenic campsite located near Stromness, ideal for those who enjoy nature and outdoor living.
  • Rousay Hostel, Rousay (requires ferry to commute)
    Visit Website
    A peaceful option on Rousay, offering a quiet retreat on one of Orkney’s smaller islands.