Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative

The Edinburgh Student Housing Cooperative (ESHC) is the UK’s largest student-run housing co-op, currently boasting 106 members dedicated to providing affordable housing. Established in January 2014 and operational since August of that year, the co-op was formed as a direct response to the challenges faced by students in the private rental market, including high rents and substandard living conditions. The co-op aims to offer a sustainable and democratic alternative, with the premise that individuals most affected by housing decisions should have the power to influence them. The co-op follows a democratic model that requires active participation from its members in managing the property and maintaining a sense of community. This democratic governance allows residents to have a direct stake in their living environment and fosters an atmosphere of cooperation, collective decision-making, and solidarity among members. Over its ten years of existence, the ESHC has successfully maintained its affordability, with rent increases limited to just £82 since its inception. Applications for new members are currently open, with specific opportunities for short-term subletting. The ESHC emphasizes community engagement through social events such as monthly communal meals and open days, which aim to strengthen the bonds among residents and provide insight into the co-op's functioning. The co-op not only resolves housing concerns but also serves as a platform for broader discussions on tenant rights and the push for cooperative living arrangements in the UK. The establishment of the ESHC was driven by a grassroots campaign that sought to address the high cost of living for students, with an overwhelming majority (92%) of participating students at the University of Edinburgh demonstrating support for a co-operative housing model. The successful founding of ESHC is attributed to active advocacy, collaboration with experienced co-operative organizations, and ongoing community support, proving that student housing can be both affordable and community-oriented.