Spain Student Accommodation Guide

 Whether you're studying in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada or a smaller city, finding the right accommodation will play a key role in shaping your student experience. Here's everything you need to know about student housing in Spain – from your options and what it costs to how to make the best choice.

Types of Student Accommodation

1. University Residences (Residencias Universitarias)
University residences are official student halls, managed either by the university or private companies with formal ties to institutions. These are designed specifically for students and usually offer private or shared rooms with communal kitchens and study spaces.

Some are catered, offering half or full board (meals included), while others are self-catered. Rooms are usually furnished and utilities are included.

Pros: Safe, close to campus, community atmosphere, support services available
Cons: Can be expensive in big cities, limited places, less flexibility

2. Private Student Residences
These are purpose-built, privately run residences for students, similar to university halls but often with more modern facilities. Operators like Livensa Living, Micampus, and The Student Hotel offer all-inclusive rooms with study spaces, gyms, lounges, and sometimes pools.

Pros: High-quality facilities, bills included, great for international students
Cons: Premium pricing, especially in Madrid and Barcelona

3. Shared Flats (Pisos Compartidos)
The most popular option among both Spanish and international students is renting a room in a shared flat. These are private apartments rented by groups of students who share the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas.

You rent your own bedroom (single or double) and split utilities. Most rooms come furnished and many landlords target students specifically.

Pros: Independence, affordable, common in all student cities
Cons: Responsibility for bills and cleaning, potential roommate issues

4. Studio Apartments or Entire Flats
Some students – especially postgraduates or those studying with a partner – choose to rent their own place. Studio apartments offer more privacy but tend to cost more, especially in central urban areas.

Pros: Privacy, independence, ideal for couples or quiet study
Cons: Expensive, utilities not included, often unfurnished

5. Homestay (Alojamiento con Familia)
Living with a Spanish host family is more common for international or language school students, particularly those doing short stays. Homestays often include meals and laundry, and offer the chance to improve Spanish quickly.

Pros: Cultural immersion, meals included, local support
Cons: Less freedom, subject to household rules

6. Short-Term and Temporary Accommodation
If you're arriving before securing long-term housing, you can stay in hostels, budget hotels, or short-term rentals through platforms like Spotahome or Uniplaces. Some universities also offer temporary housing for new arrivals.

Pros: Flexible while you search, ideal for late arrivals
Cons: Not cost-effective long-term, limited privacy

Average Costs of Student Accommodation in Spain

Costs vary based on city, location, housing type, and whether bills are included. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive cities, while places like Granada, Salamanca, and Valencia are more affordable. Below is a rough guide to weekly or monthly rent:

In cities like Madrid or Barcelona, shared rooms near city centres may reach €500/month or more. In Granada or Seville, it’s possible to rent for under €350/month.

Tips for Finding and Managing Student Accommodation

1. Start Your Search Early
Competition for good housing is high, especially in September and January. Start looking as soon as your university place is confirmed. Popular areas near campuses get booked quickly.

2. Use Trusted Platforms
Look for listings on Idealista, Badi, Fotocasa, Spotahome, Uniplaces, or Erasmus Play. Many international students use Facebook groups and university housing offices to find flatmates or trusted landlords.

3. Check What's Included
Always ask whether rent includes water, electricity, Wi-Fi, gas, and heating. In shared flats, bills are often extra and split among flatmates. In winter, heating can be an additional cost in older buildings.

4. Visit Before You Commit
If possible, view the property in person or ask for a virtual tour. Be cautious of scams and never send money without a contract or verified platform.

5. Understand the Lease Terms
Standard contracts in Spain are 6–12 months, with a deposit of one to two months’ rent. Check for early exit clauses, maintenance responsibilities, and conditions for deposit refunds.

6. Consider Location and Transport
Living closer to campus or in a central area may cost more but can save time and transport costs. Spain has good public transport in cities, so even flats a bit further out can be convenient.

7. Budget Wisely
Factor in bills, groceries, transport, study materials, and personal expenses. Spain is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, but city living still adds up.

8. Learn Basic Spanish Housing Terms
Knowing key phrases like “habitación individual” (single room), “gastos incluidos” (bills included), or “fianza” (deposit) can help you navigate listings more easily and avoid confusion.

Support for Students

Most universities in Spain have international offices that offer accommodation advice or partner with local housing providers. Erasmus students can also access resources through their receiving institutions or Erasmus networks. Some schools provide temporary housing support or connect new arrivals with flatmates.

Final Thoughts

Spain offers diverse and flexible accommodation options for students, from modern residences and sociable shared flats to culturally rich homestays. The key to a positive housing experience is starting early, being informed, and matching your choice to your lifestyle, budget, and academic needs.

With a bit of planning and attention to detail, your accommodation in Spain can become a comfortable base for exploring Spanish life, making new friends, and succeeding in your studies – all while soaking up everything this vibrant country has to offer.