0 Student halls of residence in Tenerife

If you’re going to study on this island for a while, you’re surely considering the option of living in student residences in Tenerife. Still not sure if this is the ideal type of accommodation for you? In this article, we'll answer all your questions to help you decide. We’ll begin with the advantages and disadvantages, continue with the differences between private and university options, give you tips on finding affordable alternatives in the city and answer students' FAQ's.

It’s important to note that Tenerife distinguishes university residences from Colegios Mayores. Residences are more focused on providing basic accommodations with the necessary amenities for students, while Colegios Mayores promote a more communal atmosphere, with additional academic and cultural activities that foster comprehensive education.

Another aspect to highlight is that some residences or Colegios Mayores have a religious nature. However, most of them don't require religious affiliation, so all students can usually apply for a spot. Although keep in mind that they may have specific rules regarding living arrangements and activities.

Pros and cons of living in residences in Tenerife

Thinking of living in a student residence on this Spanish island? These are the main pros and cons of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in residences in Tenerife

• Tenerife welcomes students from all over Spain and abroad, which allows for an enriching experience of cultural exchange.
• When living surrounded by other students, it’s easy to connect with people who share interests, participate in academic activities and organised events.
• Many residences are located near the University of La Laguna, making access to classes easy and reducing travel times. This is very important because public transport on the island isn’t very efficient.
• Compared to shared apartments, residences usually have security and control services.
• Many residences have common areas such as dining rooms, study rooms, and recreational areas.
• The availability of meal plans is ideal for those who want to save time on shopping and cooking.
• Residences often organise activities for residents, like excursions and workshops, a great opportunity to discover the hidden corners of Tenerife, including Teide National Park.

Cons of living in residences in Tenerife

• Many residences have entry and exit times, which can be limiting, especially if you want to explore the nightlife and enjoy events that go on until late.
• The standards of the residences can be strict, with regulations on noise and visits, limiting the freedom to invite friends.
• By sharing common areas and, in many cases, rooms, some privacy is sacrificed.
• Residences are usually more expensive because of the services that are included, which can make it difficult to access for those looking for low-budget alternatives in Tenerife.
• Most residences have standard furniture and decoration, something that may not be very welcoming.
• The rooms are usually small and storage space is limited. This can be a drawback if you want to make the most of outdoor activities in Tenerife and need space to store surfing, trekking, or other equipment.
• Living surrounded by students means being exposed to constant social activities and events, a bit challenging if you are prone to FOMO and have to study!

Private student residences in Tenerife

The reality is that there isn't a wide variety of private student residences in Tenerife, although the available options offer a comfortable environment for students looking for accommodation close to the island's main universities. These residences are located mainly in areas like La Laguna, a neighbourhood that stands out for its proximity to the university campus and easy access to local services and businesses.

As for the types of accommodation, these residences usually offer single rooms and shared rooms between two people. The first one offers more privacy, while the latter has a lower monthly cost. The rooms come equipped with essential furniture: bed, desk, wardrobe, and chair.

The common facilities are also an important aspect of residence halls, with shared areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, and study areas, as well as shared kitchens. Some residence halls even have gyms and recreational areas.

The services that are included in the price usually comprise cleaning of common areas, internet and maintenance; while some accommodations offer laundry service and prepared meals (half board —with breakfast and one meal— or full board —with breakfast and two meals—) as optional extras. This allows you to choose the additional services that best fit your budget. Security services and 24-hour assistance are also included.

University residences in Tenerife

University residences in Tenerife are usually located in La Laguna, close to the main campus of the University.

Accommodation types include single rooms and shared rooms. They’re usually simple, but fully equipped with basic furniture, internet access, and a study space.

In addition to the rooms, the residences have large common areas that include study areas, dining rooms, TV and entertainment rooms, as well as gyms and sport areas.

As for services, meals are normally included (full board —with breakfast and two meals— or half board —with breakfast and one meal—), cleaning service in common areas, and maintenance of the facilities, with the possibility of requesting additional services including personal laundry.

Residences of the University of La Laguna

This institution has three Colegios Mayores and a student residence. You need to keep in mind that there are only a few places available for exchange students, which makes it difficult to get one if you won’t stay for the entire course.

If you want to know about the accommodations near the University of La Laguna, this article may help you.

Rent cheap student residences in Tenerife

If you’re looking for affordable student residences in Tenerife, we recommend using the Erasmus Play search engine! On our platform, you'll be able to compare between the different available accommodation types (including residences, apartments, and rooms) and find the one that meets all your preferences -including price, location, and included services-. This will make it much easier to find the ideal accommodation for you!

FAQ's about student residences in Tenerife