Welcome
Starting your studies is a major step in any student’s life, and finding accommodation is part of that process. We want to ensure you make the most of both your academic and social life, and we are here to help you find suitable accommodation and settle into life at UHI Orkney.
Most students enjoy living in shared houses, either with other students or with others who live and work locally. Both options will provide opportunities to meet people from all over the world who come to study here, creating a vibrant social life.
We recommend that you start as soon as possible to find accommodation that suits you, as rooms and houses both fill up very quickly.
Browse through the links below to explore your options, contact vacant private rentals through our list (available via email from our link box below) or contact us through accommodationlist.orkney@uhi.ac.uk
If you are a landlord with a property to let, please click the link below for information for landlords.
Living in Orkney
Living at approximately 59 degrees north offers a unique perspective on the world. Orkney has a way of life that dates back millennia. If you haven’t lived on an island before, then you will discover that island life is different. The weather can dominate your decisions, as you are always close to the sea, and being on an island draws people together like nowhere else. You will quickly find your community here.
The place is busy with activity, and it may even take you an hour to walk the main high street in Kirkwall or from your lodging to the ferry if you choose to live on an outer island, not because of the crowds, but simply because you will meet so many people you know! And if you don’t know them, you soon will!
Commuting by ferry from the islands of Rousay, Shapinsay or Hoy or by bus from West Mainland / Stromness to South Ronaldsay/ St Margaret’s Hope over the Churchill Barriers is part of life. The frequent X1 bus, can take you from one end of the Orkney Mainland to the other in little over an hour. The timetable is updated frequently and is available for download.
If you enjoy statistics, you'll find Orkney quite fascinating. This archipelago consists of 70 islands off the northwest coast of Scotland and is home to a vibrant community of over 22,000 people. In 2024, Orkney welcomed 173,000 visitors who spent a total of £77.9 million, with 66% of them first-time visitors. These figures are quite impressive for such a small group of islands!
Although Orkney is only separated from the mainland of Scotland by 12 miles of sea, you will have to catch one of two ferries (NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries) or fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Heathrow to reach it.
Festivals are also a way of life in Orkney. We have a well-established Rock Festival, Folk Festival, Archaeology Festival, St Magnus Festival, and Science Festival. Book early for these, as they fill up very quickly, attracting performers and audiences from around the world. (Links)
A useful website for information and background to Orkney is provided by Orkney.com
Living and Learning in Orkney
- Embrace the Pace – Life in Orkney tends to be more relaxed than in the towns and cities. Take your time to appreciate the slower pace and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Get to Know the Community – Orkney has a vibrant sense of community, offering numerous local groups, activities, and events. Joining a club or attending festivals is an excellent way to meet new people and engage with the community. Additionally, consider exploring digital groups on Facebook to connect with others.
- Explore the Outdoors – Orkney’s landscapes are stunning. Explore its beaches, nature reserves, and historical sites. Nature walks, wildlife watching, and beachcombing are perfect for unwinding. You may even be accompanied by curious seals on some beaches.
- 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. The windy, rainy days of winter are always spectacular!
- Support Local Businesses – Most visitors quickly notice the diversity of local shops, cafés, and markets that provide unique goods and produce. Tesco, Lidl, and Co-op are also present on the Mainland of Orkney.
- Make Use of Public Transport – Orkney has a very good bus network. The main X1 bus travels between Stromness, Kirkwall and St Margaret’s Hope where Pentland Ferries are located. Make sure to check timetables and plan your trips, especially note that timetables will change in the winter months.
- Register with a local doctor when you arrive.
- 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. The weather can delay the post, and sometimes ferries and planes can be cancelled. Check delivery dates for packages from online shops, as delivery can be slower than on the mainland of Scotland
- 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!
- Summer daylight – During the summer, Orkney has around 2 hours of darkness at night, but this is balanced by limited daylight in midwinter. Oh and keep an eye on the sky in the winter for the Aurora.
Your Accommodation Journey
UHI Orkney are here to support you in finding the perfect place to live. Browse through the links below to explore your options, contact vacant private rentals through our list (available via email from our link box below) or contact us through accommodationlist.orkney@uhi.ac.uk
The accommodation market in Orkney is no different to that in other parts of the UK and can be competitive.
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.
Meanwhile, consider short-term accommodation options such as hostels, caravans, or bed-and-breakfasts. Finding a rental in Orkney is easier if you are already here in temporary accommodation. However, we advise against camping as the weather from September to December can include high winds and harsh, unpredictable conditions.
Accommodation is available in the towns of Stromness, Finstown, and St. Margaret's Hope, as well as on the linked isles of Burray and South Ronaldsay. Additionally, you can explore the islands of Hoy, Rousay, and Shapinsay, from where it is possible to commute. The islands of Stronsay, Papa Westray, Westray, Sanday, Eday and North Ronaldsay are located further away from UHI Orkney, making daily commuting difficult and shortening the length of your working days on Orkney Mainland. If you decide to find accommodation on these more distant islands, you will need to use a hybrid approach to your studies, which will include both online and in-person elements.
10 Fun Things to Do
- Watch the film Jaws, now knowing that Robert Shaw grew up and went to school in Stromness, Orkney, where his father was the local doctor.
- Watch 80’s band Eurythmics, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart getting cold wandering around Orkney ‘Here Comes the Rain Again’. She really does need a coat on.
- Download music from Orkney Bands ‘Chair’, ‘Saltfish Forty’ and ‘Fara’ and dance around your living room.
- Dive into Ann Cleeves' exciting new book, ‘The Killing Stones’! Join Jimmy Perez in Orkney instead of Shetland—perfect to enjoy while cruising on the ferry. Happy reading!
- When you reach Orkney, journey along the Kyber Pass………..in Stromness. Yes it’s real.
- Listen to an edition of BBC Radio Orkney’s ‘Around Orkney’ programme and catch up on the local events and news.
- Buy something you thought you needed on Orkney Merkit Place
- Listen to a good band in a small room in the Torvhaug or The Auld Motorhouse
- Hang out with other students at The Bothy Bar.
- Investigate RNAS Twatt (HMS Tern) Airfield Living Museum – yes, there is a place called Twatt in East Mainland, and yes, you can buy a road sign in shops in Kirkwall. Some of our students volunteer there too.
Rental Accommodation Options in Orkney
- Orkney Islands Council
- Join the council's housing list
- Orkney Housing Association
- The Orkney Housing Association offers social housing.
- Orkney Islands Properties Developments Ltd
- 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.
- Facebook – Orkney Merkit Place
- 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.
- Orcadian
- 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
- 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 in Orkney
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:
The above local letting agents list properties for sale in Orkney – please note that no rentals are offered via these organisations.
- Orcadian
- The local newspaper, The Orcadian, also features listings for properties for sale, so it’s worth checking out for the latest offerings.
- Orkney.com
- This site provides information on properties for sale in Orkney. It provides an overview of available homes and buying opportunities.
Temporary Accommodation
Whether you're looking for short-term accommodation or a temporary place to stay while securing more permanent housing, there are several hostels across Orkney. In the past, students have taken up a room in a hostel and found a place to stay through new friends they made during their stay. It is always easier to find a place when living in Orkney rather than remotely.
Legal
The accommodation listed on the linked page is provided by private landlords and homeowners and is intended to assist students in identifying potential housing options in Orkney.
Orkney Islands Council and UHI Orkney do not manage, inspect, or verify these properties. Inclusion on this list is for information only and does not constitute any form of endorsement.
Neither Orkney Islands Council nor UHI Orkney accepts responsibility for the condition, safety, suitability, or terms of any accommodation advertised.
Accommodation providers are responsible for complying with all relevant legal requirements, including landlord registration and (where applicable) short-term let licensing, and for meeting applicable safety and housing standards.
Students should make their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to the suitability of any accommodation before entering into an agreement. All arrangements are made directly between the accommodation provider and the student.