Where to Stay in Spain as a Student
Before going to Spain, one of the most common concerns of foreign students is to find an ideal place to live, the place chosen will be their residence for the duration of their studies. For this reason, timely and qualified advice is necessary in order to choose the accommodation that best suits the client’s requirements.
The biggest advantage for foreign students is that Spain is fully prepared to offer a variety of accommodation options, as in addition to the cultural diversity and professional opportunities that the country offers, these accommodations have also been adjusted to the purchasing power of each student. What you should bear in mind, however, is that you are not alone in choosing accommodation in Spain, as Spain receives around 60,000 foreign students every year. In the following, we would like to introduce you to the different alternatives you have to find your accommodation as a foreign student in Spain:
1.-Accommodation on University Campus The main advantages when deciding to live in a residence on the University Campus are that the rooms are simple and there is easy access to the campus facilities, such as libraries, computer labs, sports facilities, cafeterias, social activities and interaction with other students. Regarding other factors to take into account, you will have less privacy, sometimes you will have to share a bedroom, as well as sharing a bathroom and kitchen, which is inconvenient for some students. In addition, you will have limitations when it comes to receiving visits from friends or family.
2- Living with a family Living with a family is a very popular option, especially among foreign students who are afraid of experiencing loneliness or want to get to know what family life is like in another country and better understand Spanish culture and idiosyncrasies. They may also choose to live in homes with elderly people or single people, who expect to host university students in their homes. In these cases, the student will be considered a member of the family. But it should also be noted that the student is expected to adapt to the lifestyle and eating habits of the owner and to accept the rules of the house. Prices may vary according to the services provided by the family. Accommodation may include half or full board, or in other cases, use of the kitchen for students to prepare their own meals, do their own laundry, use the common areas of the house, etc.
3.- University Residences University residences, generally called Colegios Mayores in Spain, are usually hotel-type accommodation or hotels sponsored by religious associations or foundations. They usually share common areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Some may offer catering and laundry services. They may be coeducational or all-male or all-female and in single or shared rooms.
4. – Shared flat In shared flats you decide to live in the same house with one or several other people. In this case, privacy is not as important as individual tenancy. Having one or more roommates in the flat will help you to meet new friends, have new experiences, etc. You have to consider the uncertainty of not knowing who your roommates will be for the whole stay.
5- Individual flats Foreign students who live alone in their flat have much more freedom, but they also lose the experience of sharing their day-to-day life with other students in the flat. As a general rule, this is not the cheapest option, but it is very popular. This type of living is more suitable for students who will live there for a longer period of time and can afford it. The flats are generally furnished with all comforts.
In all these cases, at MaaR Agency Property Consultants in Spain, we are delighted to be able to offer you our services for finding and contracting accommodation that best suits the requirements of our international clients.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
