Student accommodation, flats, and rooms for rent in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro isn’t only famous for its iconic beaches, carnival, and Christ the Redeemer, but it’s also one of the main academic destinations in Brazil. Every year, thousands of local and international students choose this city for their university studies or exchange, attracted by prestigious institutions such as the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) and the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), and by its diverse cultural environment.

Student apartments for rent in Rio de Janeiro

If you’re looking to rent a flat in Rio, you should know that most of them tend to be one-bedroom apartments, meaning they have space for one person or a couple. Yes, there are apartments with more rooms available for rent, but they’re usually rented by local students who sublet the spaces (it’s easier for them in terms of paperwork).

The flats in this Brazilian city are usually furnished with everything you need to move in, including a bed, basic appliances, and furniture such as a sofa and bookshelves. In addition, many of them have a balcony or a small garden, or may even have access to a swimming pool or garden within the complex of which they’re part.

Student rooms for rent in Rio de Janeiro

Student rooms for rent in this Brazilian city have several distinctive features.

On the one hand, they can be single rooms or shared rooms. The first ones tend to be more expensive but offer a private space, while the latter are cheaper but all spaces in the house are shared with at least one other person.

On the other hand, these rooms can be part of different types of accommodation: shared student apartments, student residences or family homes. Homestays offer the opportunity to live with local people and learn first-hand about Brazilian culture and their lifestyle, although the other options tend to have a livelier environment.

Student accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

When looking for accommodation in this Brazilian city, we recommend prioritizing areas with good access to the underground or close to your faculty. That said, the following are some of the areas most popular areas for students to live in Rio:

Flats for rent in Botafogo

Located in the so-called “South Zone” of the city, looking for an apartment in this neighbourhood is ideal for those who want to stay away from tourism and live an authentic experience. Botafogo has affordable prices for locals, and also has a very lively nightlife (including the famous “botecos”, typical local bars). It’s very close to the city centre and other places of interest, and the beaches are also easily accessible by public transport.

Apartments in Flamengo

Flamengo is next to Botafogo, to the north of that neighbourhood, and has a more local environment, i.e. Carioca. It also has more affordable rent prices than the central area and very good public transport connections.

An important thing to keep in mind is that it’s well known that bathing in the Praia do Flamengo isn’t usually recommended because it’s polluted with rubbish. However, the sidewalk along the beach, called Aterro do Flamengo, is ideal for walking or exercising with incredible views of the city.

Rooms for rent in Leblon

This neighbourhood is one of the safest in the city, having a more "sophisticated" atmosphere than the others. It’s a residential area with easy access to everything: some of Rio’s best beaches, the famous lake (Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas), nightlife areas, and several cultural sites. Be aware that the cost of living in this neighbourhood tends to be higher than in the two previously mentioned neighbourhoods.

Student accommodations near the Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)

This institution has several campuses in the city. The main one is in the Urca neighbourhood, very close to the centre which is located in Botafogo. There are other faculties in the centre of Rio, while the branches of Medicine and the University Hospital are located between Tijuca and Maracanã.

Student residences in Rio de Janeiro

In this Brazilian city there are a few student residence options, both private and university -owner. However, it’s not the type of accommodation with the most options, so students usually choose apartments or private rooms. Also, keep in mind that many of the university residences prioritise Brazilian students coming from other parts of the country and coming from low-income families. This is why it's often difficult to get a place.

International exchange and Erasmus programme in Rio de Janeiro

Can you imagine doing an Erasmus exchange in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying its culture and beaches? Although Erasmus+ was mainly thought to move within Europe, there are also options for travelling to Latin America if your university has an agreement with a local institution. In Rio, the UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) is one of the most recognized and has active agreements with European universities. You can study part of your degree, part of your master's degree, or do an internship, either through Erasmus Mundus or with other programmes. Be sure to pay attention to the deadlines and requirements, as places are usually quite limited.

FAQ about Rio de Janeiro