Finding the Perfect Student Accommodation in Madrid

Madrid, a city pulsating with culture, nightlife, and culinary delights, is a dream destination for students worldwide. Finding the right accommodation is key to unlocking an unforgettable experience in this vibrant Spanish capital. From historical neighborhoods to modern hubs, Madrid offers diverse living options to suit every student's needs and preferences.

Madrid: A Student's Paradise

Madrid has just about everything a student could ask for: culture, nightlife, good weather and even better food. It is the third largest municipality in the European Union. The city is located on the river Manzanares and as the capital city, it is also the seat of government and residence of the Spanish monarch. Despite its rather modern infrastructure, it has preserved the historic look and atmosphere of many of its neighbourhoods and streets.

No wonder Madrid is one of the most popular destinations for students in Spain. Europe’s third largest capital is especially known for its diversity and nightlife, with plenty of bars to meet up with friends after class and nightclubs to dance the hours away.

A thriving and fascinating metropolitan city, it is also a great place to study. Madrid’s universities are known worldwide for their academic excellence and offer a flexible education system for national and international students, allowing part-time study and work.

The city’s sunny climate, cultural events, famous museums, and rich art collections, such as the works of Goya and Velázquez, make life interesting and fun. Not forgetting the elegant avenues of the historical centre: emblematic Plaza Mayor, Buen Retiro park, and, of course, the famous gastronomic markets of San Antón and San Miguel, where you can enjoy delicious tortillas, squid sandwiches and authentic paellas.

Yugo Residences: Your Home Away From Home

With Yugo, you can find the accommodation to match such a vibrant and welcoming city. Yugo looks after seven student residences in Madrid, each offering a different spin on the Spanish capital. Whether you prefer chilling out in communal areas, getting involved in social events or making use of the metro stations right outside your door, the choice is yours. Either way, you'll be part of a supportive student community and have everything you need to make your time in Madrid unforgettable.

Galdós: Tranquility Near Campus

Located a short walk from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Universidad Politécnica, and CUNEF, Galdós offers comfortable housing for more than 300 students, with easy transport links to the whole of Madrid. The Plaza De Espana is a short metro ride away. From there you can explore all of the sites and sounds of the capital city.

Want to unwind after a day on campus? Spend the late afternoon relaxing in private gardens that are exclusive to residents. Or, take use of study spaces to work away from the noise of campus, inviting guests over to share the space and study together.

The property has secure entrances and exits, so only residents can get in or out unless guests are invited in. All residents also get three meals a day, free super-fast WiFi and access to all communal spaces in the building.

Get the perfect balance of city convenience, excellent transport, and tranquil green retreats at Galdós. Plus, you’re a short walk from campus. You couldn’t find anywhere better! The perfect place to live and study.

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Emilia Pardo Bazan: The Ultimate University Location

Situated within walking distance to Madrid’s two largest universities, Emilia Pardo Bazan provides 302 rooms in the ultimate location for students to stay close to their studies, whilst allowing residents to explore the great city of Madrid.

You’ll be on Madrid’s main university campus near the Alfonso XIII Botanical Garden for the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. The Universidad Politénica de Madrid is even closer.

Studying in Madrid means you have full access to the capital city! You can experience world-renowned culture, with access to some of Spain’s best restaurants, night clubs and bohemian bars. There is nowhere more vibrant and diverse in all of Spain.

Residents can use sports courts for a game of five-a-side football or shoot some hoops on the basketball court. If you prefer to chill indoors, you can relax with friends in the cinema room and spend a cosy night in watching a favourite movie.

All residents have the option to have full-board catering, providing three meals a day to residents, as well 24-hour security services and air conditioning throughout the property. Emilia Pardo Bazan offers a perfect blend of learning and life for any student in Madrid.

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Coliseo Europea: Luxury in Villaviciosa de Odón

Your chance to grab a single room with private bathroom in one of our most impressive spaces (with views to match)! We’re located in Villaviciosa de Odón. Madrid’s city centre is just a 20-minute drive and Universidad Europea de Madrid a 10 minute route by bus - though staying at the student acommodation has a lot going for it… First, you’ve exclusive access to a swimming pool, gym, study rooms, coworking spaces, cinema, and green outdoor areas designed for relaxing or socialising.

But with 412 rooms, shared kitchens and communal study rooms, the real magic lie in the buzzing student community. Where the university campus stops, and the city centre starts, you’ll be right there, getting the best of both worlds!

Claraval: Independence in the City Center

Our 358 single and twin rooms include some with wheelchair access and they all come extras to make your life easy, from three meals a day to cleaning, super-fast wifi to air conditioning.

And the fun stuff? That’s where our games room and sunny terrace come in. Or just step outside your front door. Next door to hip and arty Malasaña, this is a city-centre address worth having. In your own studio or room with individual 2 or 3 bedrooms , you’ll be totally independent, but with the Yugo service and support on tap.

From study rooms to sun terrace, we make student life better. We’ll clean, so you don’t have to.

Nuevo Norte: Medical School Convenience

Live in the centre of the action. At Nuevo Norte, 78 rooms are available to provide residents with easy access to the city centre in Madrid. You can live in bright and spacious rooms, whilst being just a short journey away from one of Spain’s leading medical schools and technology university.

Classes are just a short journey away! The UAM Medical Faculty is just a 15-minute bus ride away from the building, as well as the National Research Centres for Cancer and Cardiovascular. Nuevo Norte is a perfect spot for any young medical student to call home! You also have easy access to IE Tower, the tech-focused campus of IE University.

You can make use of purpose-built study rooms in the building, or revise with friends, you have your own personal area for studying at your room. You can also make use of our on-site gym to work on your fitness after class or socialize in our TV area which is available to all residents.

All residents have 24-hour security services and air conditioning throughout the property.

Maravillas: Heart of Malasaña

You get to live in the heart of the city. The Yugo Maravillas space is Yugo's latest opening in Madrid. In the heart of Malasaña, our residence has everything you need.

Neighborhood Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit

With Madrid being a massive city, the cost of student accommodation can vary significantly from one neighbourhood to the next. The best area will largely depend on where your university is based.

Moncloa-Aravaca: If it's convenience you're looking for, you can't do better than Moncloa-Aravaca. This leafy district northwest of the city centre is home to Ciudad Universitaria - Madrid's university hub - the sprawling Casa del Campo and a huge array of student-friendly amenities. Many students opt for Moncloa-Aravaca due to its proximity to Ciudad Universitaria
Malasaña: Madrid's hipster hotspot, Malasaña, has long been a favourite of students. It's packed with trendy coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, independent art galleries and quirky bars where you can dance until the early hours. Malasaña is a fantastic options nearer the city centre.
Chamberí: Home to our Claraval residence, Chamberí offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. This iconic district is brimming with historic charm and still retains a traditional neighbourhood feel - think local cafes, family-run tapas bars and vibrant plaza life. The area also has a lively nightlife scene with bars and nightclubs drawing large student crowds. Chamberí is a fantastic options nearer the city centre.
Chamartín: Upscale Chamartín, home to our Nuevo Norte residence, offers the best of both worlds - a calm, residential vibe away from the hustle and bustle, with excellent transport links to the city centre for shopping, museum visits and nights out. There's plenty to do in the area itself, whether that's a stroll along the Paseo de la Castellana or catching a football game at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium.
Villaviciosa de Odón: A true gem nestled about 15km west of Madrid's city centre, Villaviciosa de Odón has built a reputation as a university town and is home to the European University's Madrid Campus - so if you're going to be based here, there's no better place to be! Our Coliseo Europea residence is just a short walk to the university, while it's also a 30-minute drive to the centre of Madrid.
Lavapiés: Lavapiés, which is more budget-friendly and culturally diverse

Student Accommodation Options: Tailored to Your Needs

Madrid offers a variety of student accommodation options. You can choose university halls (residencias), shared flats with other students (pisos compartidos), private studios, or modern co-living spaces.

PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations)

Student accommodation in Spain are generally divided into 2 main types, namely PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations) and Private apartments.

En-Suite Accommodation: These types of accommodations are best suited for students who wish to have a little privacy while staying with roommates. Students get to have an entire room to themselves, along with an attached washroom, a shared kitchen and a shared living room.
Non-En-Suite Accommodation: These accommodations are the same as an En-Suite accommodation. The only major difference is that the washroom is shared among other roommates rather than being attached to the room.
Shared Apartment: This is the most preferred type of student rooms in Madrid. Students get to use a room that is shared among 2/3 occupants, along with a shared living room and a shared kitchen. Students prefer such accommodations as these are very affordable compared to other options.
Studio Apartment: These apartments are the epitome of comfort and privacy, as students get to have an entire room to themselves, attached to a washroom and an attached kitchen. Although all of this comes at a higher cost, the facilities and comfort that you get in return are worth every single cent spent.

Private Apartments

Private Apartments are independent units that are leased out to individuals, wherein you can get an entire unit to yourself. It can be a 2/3 room apartment, along with attached washrooms, a living room and a kitchen. Students can rent out other rooms to their batchmates if they wish. Students must note that while PBSAs mostly have utility bills included in the rent, every other bill is an extra in Private Apartments. These are best suited for students who are in the final year of their education or for working professionals.

Finding Accommodation with HousingAnywhere

If you're looking for student accommodation in Madrid, you've come to the right place. At HousingAnywhere, we offer a variety of student housing options in Madrid to suit your needs. Whether you prefer to live with other students in a shared house or seek the privacy of your own studio apartment, we have it all.

Use filters on HousingAnywhere to select your ideal location, budget, and housing type.
When you’re ready, complete your booking securely through HousingAnywhere.
After the booking is confirmed, sign the contract and start planning your move to Madrid.

University-Arranged Housing

Students in Madrid have the option to be housed in Homestays, Shared Apartments, or a Student Residence. All IAU housing is within convenient access of public transportation and within an approximate 40-minute commute time to the IAU Madrid Center. In a student’s IAU application, a student will complete a Housing Questionnaire which asks for a student’s preferred housing type, roommate preference (if any), and additional essential details used by our housing teams to complete their placement. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met. All program participants are required to live in IAU-arranged housing and sign and abide by the IAU Student Handbook and Housing Agreement. It is important that students maintain flexibility and an open mind when it comes to housing placements.

Homestay

Students are placed in a homestay option live with local Spanish host families. Living with a host allows students the opportunity for both language immersion and cultural exchange, and IAU alumni consistently remark on the growth and insight offered by the homestay experience. Homestay students receive daily breakfast and dinner, while lunch is the student’s responsibility. Bedrooms may be single or shared with another IAU student, though each student has their own bed. Bathrooms are often shared with the host family.

Shared Apartment

Students who are placed in a shared apartment live in traditional European-style buildings with fully furnished apartments that are shared with 2 to 10 other IAU students. Apartments include fully equipped kitchens, wifi, and laundry facilities (dryers are not guaranteed; drying racks are provided), and some include shared living spaces. Bedrooms are typically double or triple occupancy, with shared bathrooms for 3-4 students. Some apartments provide desks either inside or outside bedrooms. aning service for common areas is provided every two weeks. Air conditioning and heating may be available but are not guaranteed. No meals are included; students are responsible for preparing and purchasing their own food.

Student Residence

Student residences offer students furnished accommodations within a community of IAU, local, and international students. Students live in single or double rooms and may include mini kitchenettes, private storage, and shared or private bathrooms for up to 3-4 students. All linens and common room area cleaning services are included in student residences. Student residences may also provide shared living areas, laundry facilities, wifi, gym equipment, and recreational spaces.

University Living

Students looking for accommodation in Madrid can rely on University Living, a secure and trusted platform. We at University Living have a decade-plus experience helping students find their perfect home away from home. Students can choose from the several hundred properties that we have in our kitty!

Top Student Accommodation in Madrid

There are a plethora of options when it comes to student housing in Madrid. However, not every property is worth staying at. There are multiple things that you should keep in mind while looking for the right student property, as this decision decides how you shall spend the next few years of your student life. Your accommodation should be located close to the university or at least in an area that is well connected to major transport hubs. The property should provide good facilities, and utilities should be included in the rent. Here are the top 5 properties for student accommodation in Madrid.

Livensa Living Madrid Getafe
Livensa Living Madrid Alcobendas
Donoso Cortés 75
Livensa Living Madrid Aravaca
Plaza Castilla

These are some of the top properties in Madrid that students absolutely love to stay at!

Top Affordable Student Accommodation in Madrid

Whether you want a studio apartment or a shared apartment, Madrid has something for everyone based on their finances and budget. There are a lot of affordable properties in Madrid, but again, not all are the best. Some properties offer all services and facilities while making less profit and renting out accommodations at unbelievable prices. Some of the best affordable yet value-for-money options for student rooms in Madrid are as follows:

Calle Comercio 1
Coliseo Europea
Retiro
Aravaca
Principe Pio

These are some of the best, affordable, and highly rated properties in Madrid. These properties generally sell out instantly when they open their bookings. Therefore, students are urged to book their accommodation as soon as possible to avoid any problems later on!

Essential Information for Students

Visa Requirements: Yes, if you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you'll need a student visa to study in Spain. Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality.
Cost of Accommodation: The cost of student accommodation in Madrid depends on the area and type of housing. Shared apartments range from €400 to €700 per month, while private studios typically cost between €700 and €1,200. Student residences may range from €600 to €1,000, depending on the included services.
Part-Time Work: Students in Madrid can find part-time work in retail, cafes, language tutoring, and internships. Non-EU students with a valid student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term.
Internships: Madrid is a major hub for international business, making it a great place to find internships in fields like marketing, finance, tech, and international relations.
Monthly Expenses: Students in Madrid typically spend between €1,000 and €1,300 per month, which includes rent, food, transport, and leisure. Groceries cost around €200-€300 monthly.
Transportation: Madrid has an extensive and affordable public transportation system including the Metro, buses, and commuter trains (Cercanías).
Healthcare: Spain offers excellent healthcare services. EU students can use the EHIC to access public healthcare. Non-EU students must purchase private health insurance for visa purposes and general healthcare needs.

Student Travel in Madrid

Madrid has an extensive network of public transit systems that is used by its 3.5 million residents. These modes of public transit are the lifeline of the city and are a boon for students in the city. These public transit systems provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city and ensure that no resident is stranded anywhere in the city, as these public transit systems work 24/7. Here is a brief description of the same:

Madrid (Subway): The Madrid subway is an extensive network with multiple lines connecting major student areas to the Madrid city centre. Some of the most important stops include Moncloa, Sol, and Ciudad Universitaria. This is the best and the most convinent mode of transport in Madrid.
Buses: These are the most widely used mode of transport in Madrid as it offers wide coverage all across the city, including routes not served by metro lines. There are special night buses (Búhos) that operate after midnight. Hence, making them useful for late travel.
Cercanías Commuter Trains: These are regional rail services that link major suburbs and nearby cities to central Madrid. These are mostly used by students and professionals who live on the outskirts of Madrid. Key routes in Cercanías include Atocha and Chamartín, and are ideal for longer-distance travel.
Light Rail/Tram (Metro Ligero): Trams are the last mode of transit in Madrid and run on shorter routes mostly in the outer districts of the city. Trams act as a major mode of transport for connecting areas with major student apartments in Madrid to famous universities in the city.

Tourist Attractions for Students in Madrid

Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Europe. The city’s architecture is a diverse, layered mix of styles ranging from 17th-century Habsburg red-brick, Baroque, and Neoclassical to 20th-century Rationalism, Brutalism, and modern skyscrapers. Students absolutely love staying in the city, and it has a lot to offer. If you are a student living in Madrid, these are the top 10 places that you cannot afford to miss visiting!

Prado Museum
Royal Palace of Madrid
Retiro Park
Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor
Gran Vía
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Temple of Debod
Mercado de San Miguel
Reina Sofía Museum

These places attract millions of students from all across the world and are a delight to the eyes. Hala Madrid!

Top Universities in Madrid

Madrid is home to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world and every year, millions of students apply to Spanish universities in Madrid to be a part of the educational community in the city. However, only a few make the cut. These institutions are some of the most reputed ones all across the globe and therefore, are highly regarded in the corporate world and students passing from these institutions have huge career prospects just because of the university. Some of the top universities include:

Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M)
Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)
EAE Business School
ESCP Business School
GBSB Global Business School
Geneva Business School (Madrid Campus)
ESIC Business & Marketing School
University of Alcalá (UAH)
National University of Distance Education (UNED)
King Juan Carlos University (URJC)

These institutions are some of the best in the country ,and the presence of such prestigious institutions makes Madrid a top destination for international students who wish to pursue their education abroad.

Booking Tips

Book Early: The earlier you book your student accommodation in Madrid, the more options you'll have. As move-in dates approach, availability can get limited, so don’t wait too long.
Consider Your Priorities: Think about what's most important to you - proximity to university, social life, budget, or amenities - and choose accommodation that aligns with your needs.

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