Many international students dream of studying in Spain, where they can not only enjoy rich cultural experiences and beautiful cities but also have the opportunity to learn or perfect their Spanish. However, like anywhere else, finding appropriate accommodation is one of the most challenging aspects of moving to Spain. Therefore, finding a suitable accommodation is the key to making your time in Spain enjoyable and stress-free.
In this guide, we will examine different types of accommodations, share tips for finding roommates, and provide guidance on how to navigate the housing in Spain.
Types of Student Accommodations in Spain
1. University Dormitories
The university dorms are usually the first choice of international students who seek convenience and a built-in community. Most universities in Spain offer on-campus housing or partner with nearby student residences.
Pros: They are close to campus, have some utilities included, and gives you the chance to meet students in person.
Cons: They aren’t very private or spacious. Also, university dorms in Spain can be very expensive to live in, depending on the city.
You can expect to pay between €360- €650 per month for dormitories, depending on their location.
2. Shared Apartments
Shared apartments are a popular option if you’re seeking a more independent living situation. This setup involves renting a room in an apartment with other students or locals.
Pros: Shared apartments mean that the rent and utilities would be shared equally betweent the residents, and they also give you the perfect opportunity to befriend people from various cultures.
Cons: Living with roommates involves tough challenges in the aspect of sharing household chores and personal space.
If you’re looking at places like Barcelona or Madrid, shared rooms in apartments generally go for about €300 to €700 each month.
3. Host Families
It provides extraordinary exposure for students aspiring to experience Spanish culture and stay with a host family. You will live with a local family that provides a room and meals and gives you that home-like feeling.
Pros: Cultural immersion, language practice, and home-cooked meals.
Downsides: You will not be ompletely free and will have to stick to the house rules.
This option is ideal for students who are apprehensive about moving to a new country or want to learn Spanish quickly.
4. Private Tenancy
Options that attract those wanting to have their own space include renting a whole apartment or studio. But this would be costly, and students should expect to pay more, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Pros: Total independence and privacy.
Cons: Higher rental and responsibility for all utilities and maintenance.
The rent of a private studio in Madrid or Barcelona can be around €600-€1,500 per month.
How to Choose the Best Accommodation
To find your accommodation, some things may vary. The budget, the accommodation near your university, and personal desires may be considered. Check out these things to keep in mind:
1. Budget
The rent can wary significantly between one city and another. Renting a room in a shared flat in Málaga for a month is €300, whereas it is €600 in Barcelona.
Know your budget before applying and estimate utility, food, and transportation expenses to be added.
2. Place
Choosing accommodation around your university is convenient, and you will save time and money for transportation. Do some research about the neighbourhoods around your university and ensure they quickly get you easy access to public transit, shops, and restaurants.
3. Security
Only take a safe neighbourhood if you plan to go out later and wander around the town. First, read reviews from the online site, ask locals what the preferred living neighbourhoods are, and visit the area in person before signing the lease.
Where to Look for Student Accommodations in Spain
There are several online platforms that can help you secure a room or apartment before or after your arrival. Some of these include the following.
Idealista: It is a well-known portal for short-term and long-term rentals, both shared and private apartments. It contains listings of long-term rentals in all major cities.
Pisocompartido: It focuses on listings of shared accommodation and makes it much easier to find roommates.
HousingAnywhere: It facilitates the students’ booking of rooms before their arrival in Spain. It is particularly beneficial for students from abroad.
Uniplaces: It helps students find private and shared bedrooms and apartments of all Kinds.
Finding a Good Roommate
Shared apartments are never easy decisions; the perfect roommate can often make or break an experience. Here are a few tips for having a smooth living situation:
1. Discuss house rules before moving into the house, such as cleaning schedules, visitors, and shared expenses.
2. Living with roommates from different cultures can be a great experience, but every culture is different, and all changes should be communicated with open-mindedness.
3. Some rental websites, like Idealista and HousingAnywhere allow users to find roommates based on shared interests or lifestyle.
Avoiding Scams and Getting Your Housing Secure
As a student in a foreign country, it’s crucial to be aware of housing scams. Be aware of these potential issues:
Never Pay in Advance: Unless you have a trusted website like HousingAnywhere or Uniplaces, never send money before viewing a property.
Too Good to Be True Listings: Avoid listings with prices that seem too good to be accurate or have overly flattering descriptions .
Legal Lease Agreement: Make sure you have a legal lease agreement to cover your rights as a tenant.
Temporary Housing Options
If you haven’t found a permanent home before coming to Spain, consider staying in temporary places like hostels, Airbnb, or short-term rentals. This allows you to check out neighborhoods and visit apartments before you make a long-term rental decision.
Conclusion
A suitable accommodation in Spain can make a lot of difference to your stay. You may prefer the communal atmosphere of a shared apartment, independence through private rentals, or cultural immersion by staying with a host family. In any case, planning is essential. Use reputable websites to search for apartments and begin your research well in advance. Do not hesitate to contact your university or other students if you need help. With the proper preparation, you can find the perfect home away from home.
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