Finding long-term accommodation as a new resident in a foreign city can be quite intimidating. Fortunately, there are number of resources out there that can help you locate available flats for rent.

Gumtree

Basically the souped-up UK version of Craigslist. Great for finding a room to rent either short or long term. Find it here. Make sure to specify your city to get accurate results.

Citylets

A more upscale site dedicated to flat letting, mostly long term. Lets you sort options by price, location etc. Find it here.

A Flat In Town

Great resource for short and long term lets. Based in Edinburgh city center. Find it here.

Items to Be Aware Of

The are a few differences in what you're expected to pay when renting a flat in the UK as opposed to an apartment in the US.

In the UK, in addition to rent and utilities, you will have to pay:

Council Tax- price varies depending on flat value and number of residents

You pay this to keep outdoor common areas pretty and clean, which is taken care of by the local city council.

TV License- £145.50 per year

Even if there are multiple tenants in one flat, each tenant must still have their own TV License if they watch broadcasted TV on a TV set, computer, or mobile phone. Insane? Yes, I thought so too, but when in Rome...

Internet- price varies depending on service

While internet is as much a given as electricity and water in the US, it is not so in the UK. Check with your landlord or fellow tenants if internet is available in the flat, and see if you're allowed to arrange installation if you'd like to have it.