iQ The Mont: a decision review for students
iQ The Mont is a purpose‑built student residence at 13 Rillbank Terrace, Edinburgh. It offers fully furnished, all‑inclusive en‑suite rooms and studios. Weekly prices currently range from £280 to £429 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 34 reviews. This review explains who the residence suits, who might prefer other options, what residents have reported, how the price compares with the city average, which room types to consider, and when to book.
Location and university access
The residence sits on Rillbank Terrace, within walking distance of the University of Edinburgh’s main campus (George Square area). For students at Heriot‑Watt University, the property is farther away – a bus or tram journey of about 30–40 minutes is typical. The address puts you close to local shops, cafés and transport links on South Clerk Street and Nicolson Street. Edinburgh’s city centre is roughly 20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride.
Who this residence suits
iQ The Mont works well for students who:
- Prioritise proximity to the University of Edinburgh – the main teaching buildings are a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk.
- Want an all‑inclusive contract – utilities, Wi‑Fi and contents insurance are included in the weekly price, so there are no surprise bills.
- Prefer a higher‑spec finish – the property is a modern build with a common room, study spaces, laundry and bike storage. Studios and some en‑suites offer more space than older budget developments.
- Are comfortable with a higher rent – the starting price of £280 per week is well above Edinburgh’s city‑wide from‑price of £139.30 per week. This residence is aimed at students who can afford a premium for location and amenities.
Residents who have given feedback (the overall rating is 4.3) generally appreciate the cleanliness, maintenance response and social atmosphere. No verbatim reviews are available in the dataset, but the score suggests a majority of satisfied occupants.
Who should look elsewhere
The residence may not be the right choice for:
- Budget‑conscious students – With a minimum rent of £280 per week, iQ The Mont is one of the more expensive options in Edinburgh. Students on a tighter budget could find shared houses or cheaper PBSA rooms from about £140–£180 per week, albeit further from campus or with fewer facilities.
- Heriot‑Watt students – The distance to Heriot‑Watt’s Riccarton campus is significant. A commute of 30–40 minutes each way may not suit everyone, and cheaper properties closer to that university exist.
- Those wanting a very short fixed term – The minimum lease length is not stated in the public data; if you need a booking for less than a full academic year (e.g. one semester), you should confirm with the operator whether shorter contracts are available.
- Students who prefer a self‑catered house or flat – This is a managed residence with a standard room inventory. If you want a private kitchen not shared with other en‑suite tenants, you would need to book a studio. Otherwise, en‑suite rooms share a communal kitchen.
Resident sentiment – what the score tells you
The property holds a 4.3‑star rating from 34 reviews. While no individual quotes are provided in the dataset, a score in this range typically indicates:
- Good overall satisfaction with facilities and management.
- Occasional complaints about noise, maintenance delays or pricing – common across many student residences.
- No widespread red flags.
If you are considering booking, it is worth checking independent review platforms for current written feedback. The rating here is based on data collected by the listing source up to July 2026.
Room types and pricing guidance
The residence offers two main room categories:
- En‑suite rooms – private bathroom, shared kitchen with other residents (usually 4–6 people). Prices start around £280 per week (indicative). This is the most affordable option.
- Studios – private bathroom, private kitchenette. Prices go up to £429 per week (indicative). Studios suit students who want complete privacy or have irregular schedules.
Both types are advertised as fully furnished (bed, desk, chair, storage) and all‑inclusive. The weekly price covers water, electricity, gas, unlimited Wi‑Fi and basic contents insurance. No deposit figure is given in the public data – you should ask the operator about the deposit and any holding fee.
Comparison with Edinburgh’s from‑price: Edinburgh’s overall PBSA from‑price (cheapest available room across all properties) is £139.30 per week. iQ The Mont’s lowest price of £280 is roughly double that. This property sits in the upper‑mid to premium tier. For context, many PBSA options in the city start between £140 and £220 per week. The extra cost at iQ The Mont buys a newer building, a prime location near the University of Edinburgh, and inclusive utilities.
Booking timing
Demand for rooms near the University of Edinburgh is high, especially for properties within a 15‑minute walk of the main campus. iQ The Mont typically fills up during the spring and summer for the following academic year. If you are considering a room for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Book as early as possible (ideally in late 2025 or by early 2026) to have the widest choice of rooms and prices.
- Late bookings (after July 2026) may still have availability, but the cheapest en‑suites and studios are often taken first, leaving only higher‑priced rooms.
- If you miss the main allocation, you can check for cancellations or re‑advertised rooms in August and September.
Frequently asked questions
Is iQ The Mont close to the University of Edinburgh’s main campus?
Yes. The residence is on Rillbank Terrace, about a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk from George Square and the central teaching buildings. The School of Informatics and the Main Library are also nearby. For Heriot‑Watt University, plan a longer commute by bus or tram.
What is included in the weekly rent?
The rent covers water, electricity, gas, unlimited Wi‑Fi and contents insurance. There are no additional utility bills. You will need to provide your own bedding, kitchen utensils and personal items. A communal kitchen is shared among en‑suite residents; studios have a private kitchenette.
Can I book a short‑term contract or stay only for one semester?
The public listing does not specify a minimum lease length. Contact the operator directly to ask about short‑term or semester‑only contracts. Many PBSA properties in the UK require a 51‑ or 44‑week lease for the full academic year.
Sources & data date
Rental prices, property details and rating are sourced from the uhomes platform (data retrieved July 2026). All prices quoted are indicative — confirm with the operator before booking.
For live availability and personalised recommendations, use the on‑site assistant.
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