Flats, rooms and residences near the UNAL

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the institution, so that you can easily find student accommodation near the National University of Colombia and enjoy your Colombian experience to the fullest.

Flats and rooms for students near the UNAL

First of all, figure out which of all the campuses you’re going to attend, so you can consider the most convenient neighbourhoods to live in accordingly.

Where’s the National University of Colombia located?

It has campuses in various cities across the country. Some of the most notable are:

Bogotá Campus

It’s the institution's main campus, also known as la Ciudad Universitaria (the University City) or la Ciudad Blanca. It’s a complex of 17 white buildings that have been declared national monuments due to their architectural importance.

Among the faculties that offer classes here are:

• Arts
• Science
• Agricultural Sciences
• Economics
• Humanities
• Law, Political Science, and Social Sciences
• Nursing
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
• Dentistry

The Bogotá campus has extensive green areas, footpaths and open-air spaces that are ideal for relaxing or studying outdoors. It has several specialised libraries (such as the Gabriel García Márquez Library and the Science and Technology Library), as well as museums (like the Natural History Museum), cafés and canteens where you can eat at affordable prices. It also houses cultural spaces and common areas where film forums, exhibitions, talks and activities that promote university life are held.

Medellín Campus

It has three different campuses: El Volador, El Río, and Robledo. The El Volador and El Río campuses are very close to each other (separated only by a motorway), while Robledo is further away, on the other side of the Cerro El Volador Natural Park.

• The El Río campus is the smallest of them, housing the Department of Mechanical Engineering, several laboratories and workshops.
• The El Volador campus offers courses in faculties such as Architecture, Science, Agricultural Science, Life Sciences, and Humanities and Economics. This campus stands out for its extensive grounds with gardens and green areas, and is home to the Arboretum and Palmetum León Morales Soto, with more than 600 types of trees, shrubs and other plant species. The UNAL sports facilities in Medellín, a butterfly garden, a herbarium, several museums and other interesting spaces are also located here.
• The Robledo campus is home to the Faculty of Mining and the Museum of Geosciences. It also has a gym, a library and the Energy, Mining and Materials Technology Park (IGNEA).

Best neighbourhoods to live near the UNAL

Here you’ll find the best areas to live in depending on the campus and city where you're going to study.

Teusaquillo, Chapinero, Santa Fé, and Usaquén (Bogotá)

The Bogotá campus of UNAL, Ciudad Universitaria, is located in the Teusaquillo district, so that area is the most convenient for those who want to be close by. Chapinero, Santa Fé, and Usaquén have good transport links to this campus, so they also tend to have a lively student atmosphere.

Suramericana, Estadio, Laureles, Los Colores, and Carlos E. Restrepo (Medellín)

These neighbourhoods are ideal for those who want to live near the Medellín campus of the UNAL, which is located in the western part of the university city. Carlos E. Restrepo, Suramericana, and Estadio are closer to the El Volador and El Río campuses, while Laureles and Los Colores are closer to the Robledo campus.

Student residences near the UNAL

The institution has some of its own residences in both cities, but places are reserved for students who meet certain socio-economic vulnerability criteria. For this reason, exchange students usually choose private residences or flats.

With regard to private residences, there are several residences near UNAL in the neighbourhoods mentioned above, as they have a lively student atmosphere.

Erasmus in the National University of Colombia

Here are some details to keep in mind to get the most out of your exchange at UNAL:

• In Bogotá, highlights include concerts and shows at the León de Greiff Auditorium, the International Sacred Music Festival, and exhibitions organised by the Cultural Heritage Department.
• In Medellín, the DiverCultura programme offers events such as art exhibitions, freestyle battles, collective readings, and open-air cinema.

These activities are a great opportunity to learn about university life in Colombia, enjoy the campus, and share experiences with local and international students. Make the most of them!

FAQ about the National University of Colombia