Rent an apartment in Spain

There are numerous websites on the Internet through which students can find an apartment or a shared flat in Spain. Apartments are also offered in Facebook groups. In addition, the universities can sometimes help with the search – sometimes for a fee.

Students who share their experience of looking for a flat in Spain often recommend searching locally. In this way, it can be ruled out that students will experience a nasty surprise with their new apartment, for example because it does not match the pictures on the Internet. Since viewing appointments in Spain can usually be arranged at very short notice, it is usually not a problem to look around for a place to stay after arriving in Spain. It is also often possible to move in at short notice. On an interim basis, students can stay in a hostel for a few days.

When looking for a room in a shared apartment, searching on site has an additional advantage: You can take a close look at potential roommates and consider whether living together is an option.

In general, it is not advisable to sign a rental agreement while in Germany without visiting the apartment or room on site. In addition, the rental agreement should of course be read carefully before signing it.

Another note: In Spain there are also rooms on the market that do not have a window, or one that faces a stairwell or light shaft instead of outside. In the apartment advertisements, such rooms can be recognized by the addition “interior”. “Exterior”, on the other hand, describes rooms with external windows.

Costs for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment in Spain

The rental price for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment in Spain depends, among other things, on the place of residence. A room in a shared apartment is priced at around EUR 450 to EUR 550 per month. A single apartment as accommodation for studying in Spain is usually more expensive. In metropolises such as the capital Madrid or Barcelona, ​​the rent can be higher than in other Spanish cities. In addition to the rent, there are additional costs to pay. If you add up the costs for electricity, gas, water, garbage disposal and the internet connection, around EUR 100 to EUR 200 per month are due. Students who live in a shared apartment in Spain usually only have to bear the ancillary costs on a pro-rata basis. This in turn has a positive effect on the cost of living. Furthermore, landlords often ask for a deposit for apartments or rooms. If you are looking for an apartment through placement agencies, you may also pay a commission. Depending on the residential area, there are also more or less high costs for the trip to the campus.

Advantages and disadvantages of shared flats and apartments in Spain

Living with a Spanish host family

Students who choose a host family as accommodation for studying in Spain can get to know the authentic everyday life of the locals. This can consist of families with children, but more often it is older couples who let students live with them. Often several international students live with a host family. There you can not only immerse yourself in Spanish culture, but also train your language skills. Especially for students studying in English in Spain, this is a great way to quickly improve their Spanish. The host families usually also feed the students in half or full board. Who has a homestay? If you want to do in Spain, you should be aware that the family may make certain rules. This can relate to receiving visitors, for example. If you have already lived alone, this is unusual at first. Host families are also sometimes referred to international students by the universities. Some charge a one-time agency fee for this.

The monthly rental costs are between EUR 500 and EUR 940. Ancillary costs and meals are usually included. Especially if the host family does not live near the campus, students have to plan travel expenses from their accommodation to the university.

Advantages and disadvantages of a host family

More accommodation options in Spain

In a holiday destination like Spain there are of course numerous hostels and hotels where students can rent for a short time. This is a good interim solution, especially for students who want to go looking for accommodation on site.

In some cities in Spain there are projects for intergenerational living together. In this context, young people and students can live rent-free with seniors in Spain, a country that is a member of European Union defined by neovideogames. As a rule, they only pay for the costs of their stay and keep their elderly flatmates company.