Flats, rooms and residences near the UCR

Flats and rooms for students near the UCR

To make it easier for you to find accommodation near the institution, we’ll first tell you where it’s located, and then mention some of the most convenient neighbourhoods you can choose from.

Where’s the University of Costa Rica located?

Its main campus is in San José, Costa Rica, and it also has branches in different parts of the country. In this section, we focus on the campus located in the Costa Rican capital, which is the one that receives the most international students every year.

University City Rodrigo Facio Brenes

This is the main campus of the UCR and it’s located in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, east of downtown San José.

The headquarters are divided into several sectors or “estates”:

• Estate 1: It’s the largest area and has faculties, schools, and administrative offices.
• Estate 2: The Research City is here, northeast of the central campus. It has labs and modern academic installations.
• Estate 3: It’s home to the School of Physical Education and Sports, and is where the sports facilities (gyms, swimming pools, stadium, and various outdoor sports courts) are located.

This campus is full of green areas, cafés, cultural and sports facilities where there is always something happening. It’s common to see concerts, fairs, sports activities and gatherings between local and international students.

Best neighbourhoods to live near the UCR

The following are the areas you should consider when looking for accommodation close to the institution:

San Pedro district

This district, in Montes de Oca, is where the Rodrigo Facio Brenes University City is located, so it’s usually one of the most popular choices for students. Within this district, neighbourhoods such as Dent and Lourdes are interesting options. Dent has a more residential atmosphere, while Lourdes has more of a neighbourhood feel.

Sabanilla

Sabanilla is another district that is part of the canton of Montes de Oca and it’s near San Pedro. It has a more residential environment than the previous one, with less noise and more tranquility. However, try to find accommodation close to transport links or main roads, so you can get to the UCR campus more easily.

Escalante

Although it’s a little further away from the UCR campus, many students choose Escalante to live in for two main reasons: it can be reached by bus in about 20 minutes, and it’s a neighbourhood that has become very popular for its urban atmosphere, gastronomy, and social life. In other words, it’s an ideal area for those who don't mind taking public transport or walking to university, and for those who want to be closer to cultural activities and nightlife.

Student residences near the UCR

The university residences, which are managed by the University of Costa Rica, are located within the Rodrigo Facio Brenes University City, so they’re a good option for those who want to live close to their classes. However, bear in mind that in order to access these places, you must meet certain requirements, and low-income students are usually given priority.

On the other hand, there are private student residences. These are located off campus but in neighbourhoods that are convenient for getting to the UCR, such as San Pedro or Escalante. They’re slightly more expensive, but this is usually because they include more services and are not subsidised.

Erasmus in the University of Costa Rica

Here are some interesting facts about student life at UCR and special events for international students:

• One notable event is the UCR International Week, held every year with talks, workshops, cultural presentations, and activities designed for international students and those interested in academic mobility. It’ll give you the opportunity to meet other students who are there just like you.
• As for recreational activities and clubs, there are plenty to choose from, and the UCR Mountaineering Club is a good example: they organise outings, hikes and expeditions, making them a great option for those who want to connect with nature and share their hobbies with other students. Sign up and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the incredible local nature up close!

FAQ about the University of Costa Rica