Imagine two students enrolling at University of Barcelona on the same Monday. One casually walks towards the old building near Plaça Universitat, coffee in hand. Another one has been on the overcrowded metro for 40 minutes already, calculating in euros. Same university, yet completely different year. The reason is generally the same – student housing near University of Barcelona and is usually sorted out long before the new academic year starts.
But there is good news: Barcelona has plenty of accommodations for the students, ranging from purpose-built houses to shared flats or studios. Yet University of Barcelona student accommodation goes fast because more than 60,000 students from more than 120 different countries attend University of Barcelona. If you are one of these international students in Barcelona this year, then start your search early.
Why Location Matters for University of Barcelona Students
Your address shapes daily life more than your room does. If you’re working out where to live and comparing student housing near University of Barcelona, start with the commute. A ten-minute walk or short metro ride saves time every morning, while a 30-minute journey adds up fast over a semester.
Location also affects your budget and lifestyle. Central streets put supermarkets, cafés, libraries and student hangouts on your doorstep, but rents are higher. Neighbourhoods a little farther out can cost less, though you’ll spend more time travelling. Decide which matters more: convenience or extra euros in your pocket. Also check that a direct metro line links your home to your faculty.
Types of Student Housing Near University of Barcelona
There are five different kinds of student accommodation near University of Barcelona, although this holds true for other type of student accommodation in Spain. This choice is based on what you can afford and whether you want more privacy or to live in a community with other people.
Student Housing / PBSA
Purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) involve renting rooms in buildings which have been purposely constructed for students. The buildings usually come with amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry services, study rooms, security, and more. All of this is inclusive of the rent. For international students, student housing near University of Barcelona in a purpose-built residence can offer a convenient mix of privacy and community. It is usually the best form of student accommodation in Barcelona for new international students.
- Shared Apartments: As the name suggests, the type of accommodation involves sharing the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and other areas with other students. The student homes in Barcelona are usually cheaper than renting a single apartment all to yourself in central Barcelona. Shared living can also make it easier to meet other students and build a social circle.
- En-Suite Rooms: These student rooms in Barcelona provide you with your very own bedroom with attached bathroom but kitchen and other living rooms will be shared by others. This is a cost-effective option that combines both privacy and price and thus is favored by many students as it provides them with privacy without having to spend on a fully furnished apartment.
- Non-En-Suite Rooms: A non-en-suite room gives you a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, along with shared kitchen and living spaces. It is generally more affordable than an en-suite room while still giving you your own bedroom. This makes it a practical choice for students who want privacy without stretching their accommodation budget.
- Studios: Studios near University of Barcelona for students are private rooms that provide you with a private bedroom or sleeping area along with bathroom and kitchenette in one single unit. They are more suited for students who require more privacy and peace for studying and are more costly than shared accommodations.
Private Apartments
These student apartments in Barcelona are independent flats where you will be able to live independently and have your own bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom. These apartments are suited for students who want more privacy or want to live with a group of friends. But it is important that you should know about which utilities are included in the rent and which aren’t before signing the contract.
Best Areas for Student Housing Near University of Barcelona
There are many neighborhoods where being a student in Barcelona will be quite convenient, and which one depends largely on your school, budget and distance from it. Each neighbourhood offers a different experience, so compare commute times and rental prices when choosing student housing near University of Barcelona.
Eixample
This is the typical location where students can find accommodation close to University of Barcelona. With its broad avenues laid out in a grid and cafes and excellent connections via subway, you will be only ten minutes away from the university. Eixample can offer apartments from €550 to €1,400 per month. We offer properties such as CORSEGA 396 and Sardenya 326 in this area, giving students convenient options close to the university.
El Raval
El Raval is located right beside the historic building of the university; some UB departments are situated in El Raval. This is a loud and multicultural area, with many independent bars and in proximity to metro stations L2 and L3. Accommodation prices vary between €480 and €600 per month. It is an appropriate choice for thrifty students. Still, do not trust pickpockets in this area. Students can also consider nearby options such as Barcelona Port, which provides another accommodation choice within the city centre.
Gràcia
Gràcia is the village located in the center of Barcelona with lots of little squares and terraces near Plaça de la Virreina. Gràcia is located about fifteen minutes away from the university by metro; there are also metro lines L3 and L4 serving this district. Monthly rates for shared apartments are €400-€750, whereas residence rates are higher. It is the best choice for social and artistic students. Xior The Lofttown Paseo de Gracia is another option nearby, located around 0.82 miles from the University of Barcelona.
Sants
Sants is the most cost-effective choice when it comes to real estate. Average time spent on commuting to the university by metro is about twenty minutes, and you will be able to catch the train to other parts of Spain at the station Sants. Prices of apartments per month vary between €500 and €800. A nearby option is Barcelona Parallel, which gives students another accommodation choice with convenient access to central Barcelona and the campus.
Cost of Living in Barcelona for Students
The average cost of living in Barcelona is around €1,400 – €2,300 per month for students. Housing will take the biggest chunk with an approximate cost of €770 – €1,300. Students spend between €250 and €355 on food and groceries and €140 – €250 on leisure activities.
Transportation services are cheaper for students who are under 30 years old and have the T-Jove card. It gives them access to unlimited transportation for three months for about €45.50, or about €15 per month. The price of Internet and mobile communication is around €30 – €55 when not included in the cost of living, which includes most of the residences with Wi-Fi connection.
What really affects the budget is the type of the room. The shared student housing near University of Barcelona will be cheaper, while studios and apartments will cost more. Meals outside will also increase the budget since the menú del día costs about €12–€15.
Not sure what your monthly student budget should look like? Use the Cost of Living Calculator by University Living to estimate your Barcelona expenses.
Transportation for University of Barcelona Students
Most of the students use metro transport to arrive at university. The closest metro station to university’s historical building is Universitat Station which is served by L1 and L2 lines. There is a frequent service of buses that complements the services of the metro. Also, there is an overnight service provided by NitBus.
From Eixample, the time required to reach is approximately 10 minutes, while from Gràcia, it takes 15 minutes and 20 minutes from Sants. For those who are under 30 years, they can purchase a T-Jove ticket using a T-mobilitat card which requires around 30 minutes at a service point.
Life as an International Student in Barcelona
As the University of Barcelona receives students from over 120 countries, it is unlikely for international students in Barcelona to feel lonely. Both Spanish and Catalan language are present and a few sentences in each can go a long way.
Outside university, the city is simple to explore. Nights are spent at tapas bars and plazas while weekends could take you to the beaches of Barceloneta, Park Güell or climb to the top of Montjuïc. Nights are late; thus you might expect bustling streets in Raval or Gràcia whereas quite ones in Eixample. Barcelona is a hectic city with lots of tourists, therefore pick the streets that will not be close to popular spots if you want to have some peace.
How to Choose the Right Student Housing Near University of Barcelona
Before booking student housing near University of Barcelona, check the distance to your campus, transport links, included utilities and available amenities.
- Set a realistic budget that is affordable in a month which includes expenses on food and transportation.
- Choose from PBSA, shared accommodation or private accommodation.
- Choose among shared rooms, ensuite rooms and studios.
- Commute to the University of Barcelona.
- Evaluate the inclusion of bills in rent.
- Wi-Fi, Laundry, study rooms, security, and common areas.
- Read the contract and deposit policy. Deposit can be as high as €1,000 or even more.
- Look for nearby public transport, groceries, and other facilities.
- Secure a place early on because these places are very popular among students.
How to Book Student Living Near University of Barcelona
The booking procedure of student housing near University of Barcelona via University Living is not difficult. It includes research of verified property options, comparison of the rooms and prices, making choice depending on your budget and distance to university, communication with the accommodation team that would be able to resolve your questions before you make the final decision and go through the booking process.
Final Thoughts
No matter how big your budget is, there will always be areas of Barcelona that suit student life; from the costly area such as Eixample to affordable Sants. From shared rooms to private studios, student housing near University of Barcelona offers options for different budgets and lifestyles. The choice of type of accommodation, be it dorms, studio or apartment, is always dependent on your budget, commuting and lifestyle. For university students, getting accommodation in University of Barcelona becomes an easy task with proper planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should students live near the University of Barcelona?
The best options to consider for student accommodation near the University of Barcelona are Eixample, El Raval, Gràcia and Sants. Eixample and El Raval offer students proximity to the university, Gràcia provides an opportunity to experience life in a village and Sants is the most affordable area. Therefore, a proper choice will depend on one’s budget, commuting preferences and personal lifestyle.
How expensive is student accommodation near the University of Barcelona?
Typically, student accommodation near the University of Barcelona is rented from €640 a month and goes above €1,000 for studios and premium residences. In case of the apartments mentioned above, University Living’s current “from” price range is from €639 to €990 per month, depending on the room chosen. In many cases, accommodation fees cover all the utilities, which helps to save budget.
What is the average living costs in Barcelona for students?
The majority of students plan their budget on the sum of €1,400 to €2,300 per month, including rent. Housing costs €770 to €1,300 a month, groceries €250 to €355 and transport is approximately €15 a month with T-Jove pass. Therefore, choosing accommodation or a residence with bills included keeps the living in Barcelona easier to control.
Are there any studios available in the vicinity of the University of Barcelona for the students?
Yes, there are many studios available near the University of Barcelona. According to University Living, there are private studios available at Barcelona Parallel, Poble Sec, and Xior The Lofttown Paseo de Gracia. Since studios provide a private kitchen and bathroom facility, they are ideal for those students who prefer privacy; however, they are comparatively expensive than other room types.
Which are the best areas for international students at Barcelona?
The most preferred areas by international students at Barcelona include Eixample, Gràcia, El Raval, and Sants. Eixample is centrally located and provides excellent connectivity; Gràcia is an area full of social life and creativity; El Raval is closer to the campus and budget-friendly area while Sants is affordable with strong rail connection facilities. Select an area according to your budget and daily commute time.
How to book accommodation near University of Barcelona?
You can easily book University of Barcelona student accommodation online with the help of University Living. Once you’ve picked a property, complete the booking and submit your documents. Some properties also offer No Visa No Pay and No University No Pay policies.
Is Barcelona expensive for foreign students?
Barcelona is affordable: not as cheap as London, but the most expensive city in Spain due to accommodation prices. On average, students spend from €1,400 to €2,300 monthly. One can decrease expenses by selecting shared flats, cooking, getting a T-Jove card, and booking in advance.
