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PROPERTY SEARCH

How to find affordable student housing in Spain while studying

Living in Spain offers a vibrant cultural experience, but when it comes to locating low-cost student accommodation, it’s almost as intense as running with the bulls. Navigating the housing market successfully demands a combination of preparations, local knowledge and tactics. Here’s how to find your perfect student accommodation without getting gored.

1. Start your search early

The early bird catches the worm – or, in this case, the best cheap accommodation. As soon as you receive your acceptance letter mark it in your calendar to start looking for accommodation. If you are going to study in a big city such as Madrid, Barcelona, etc, you want to start early, as you will have more options and better prices. Try using reliable webpages, such as idealista, Fotocasa or Uniplaces. While you’re at it, you can also use high quality research paper writing service websites to get writing aid. They will help you keep your grades up.

Benefits of starting early:

More options available
Lower prices due to increased choices
Less stress as you get closer to the semester start
Time to resolve any issues before you move

2. Consider different types of accommodations

Whether you’re willing to splurge or stick to a budget, Spain has many student housing options to suit your needs and lifestyle. If you want to give university dorms a shot, Spain is the place to be. The country has some decent ones; if you desire more independence, there are also shared apartments, private studios, or even family homestays. Each type of accommodation is different and has its perks: dorms are super convenient and sociable; shared apartments are an in-between option; studios give you ultimate privacy; and homestays, on top of privacy and meals, will plunge you right into Spanish culture.

3. Look outside major city centres

Sure, living in the city center might be cool, but it can also be a lot more costly. Look into living on the city's outskirts, in other nearby neighborhoods, or even in a smaller city closer to your university. In Spain, public transport is both dependable and fairly inexpensive, so commuting is a viable option, allowing you to save on your housing expenses while still being close to all the city action you desire.

4. Network with other students

Students looking for accommodation can benefit from connecting with each other. Find social media groups, forums, or student networks linked to your university. Current or previous students will be able to give advice, share their own experiences, and perhaps even offer you a place to stay. Networking might help you find flatmates to share rent with or find out where the best areas for living are.

Effective networking strategies:

Join university or city-specific student groups on Facebook or WhatsApp.
Attend university orientation events and meet-ups.
Connect with student unions or international student organisations.
Check university bulletin boards online and offline for housing ads.

5. Leverage local contacts and university resources

If you have contacts in Spain (friends, family, academic contacts), now is the time to reach out. They can give you names of people to contact or offer to put you up for a night or two. Most universities have a housing office or services for international students. They can give you lists of housing they have checked out, help you understand your rights in a rental contract, and sometimes they can negotiate on your behalf.

6. Understand the local rental market

Ensure you are aware of the local rules and norms of the rental market in Spain. (e.g., what is normally included in the rent – utilities, internet, etc.; what the normal deposit payment is; and what your rights are).

7. Be ready to commit

When you find the right accommodation, go for it. Secure your home quickly because good deals move fast in the hot Spanish rental market, and most student cities are competitive with apartments. Get there with a copy of your passport, university acceptance letter, references and a deposit.

8. Visit the property in person or virtually

Try to visit in person if possible to ensure the property is what you are looking for – if you are abroad, ask for a Skype tour to verify the condition of the property, its location and all that surrounds it. It is a crucial step in order to avoid a con game and see if the listing accurately reflects the property in question.

Your home away from home

Student housing in Spain is an important aspect of your study abroad experience. It’s not only where you’re going to sleep but where you’re going to study, relax, and make new friends. Follow our tips, and you will find the right accommodation for your budget to enjoy your experience living and studying in a beautiful country like Spain. Remember, where you live will be a part of your memories of your time abroad, so make it count!