Top 5 student cities in Spain

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Spain and what makes them unique.

If you’re thinking about doing an exchange or starting your university studies abroad, discovering the top five cities to study in Spain is a great place to start. This Mediterranean country has renowned universities, a diverse student environment and an excellent quality of life, with destinations to suit all profiles: from large capital cities full of opportunities to coastal towns with a more relaxed pace of life.

In this article, we present the five best cities to study in Spain, with their pros and cons, the most prominent universities, and the average rent for students. In addition, through our online platform, you can search, compare, and book verified accommodation easily and securely, making your arrival much easier.

Madrid

The capital is one of Spain's most popular university cities for both local and international students for a variety of reasons, but largely due to the prestige of its universities and its lively atmosphere. It’s a city teeming with people and offering a wide range of cultural activities, so there’s always plenty to do and see, as well as enjoying its incredible cuisine.

Pros and cons of studying in Madrid

Madrid offers many opportunities, albeit with challenges:

Pros of studying in Madrid

The quality of its universities.
The infinite number of social and cultural activities.
The opportunity to make professional contacts in different sectors.
Living in a multicultural environment while immersing yourself in the local culture.

Cons of studying in Madrid

The cost of living is usually higher than in smaller towns, especially when it comes to accommodation.
Summers are very hot and winters are very cold.
As it’s a highly sought-after destination, both access to some universities and finding accommodation can be more complicated.

Top universities in Madrid

Madrid is home to some of Spain's most prestigious universities:

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

The Complutense University of Madrid is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Spain, with a diverse student body and a privileged location in the centre of the capital. Its main campus is the Moncloa Campus, located in the University City.

Find out everything about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the Complutense University of Madrid.

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)

The Autonomous University of Madrid stands out for the quality of its research and its modern campus. It’s surrounded by green areas and located in Cantoblanco, a little way from the centre of the capital.

Check out the complete guide to accommodation near the Autonomous University of Madrid for more information.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)

The Carlos III University of Madrid stands out for the importance it places on internationalisation, its bilingual programmes and its relationship with the business world. Its campuses are located in Madrid, Getafe and other cities.

Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near the Carlos III University of Madrid.

Student housing in Madrid

The price of student accommodation in Madrid is usually among the highest in Spain, but it varies depending on the area and the type of accommodation you choose. As a reference, a room in a shared flat costs, on average, between €450-800 per month, while a private studio can exceed €1,000 in central neighbourhoods.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Spanish capital? Read our guide to student accommodation in Madrid, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Barcelona

Barcelona isn’t only one of the best cities to study in Spain, but also in Europe! Its Mediterranean lifestyle, constant cultural offerings and the presence of students from all over the world make living and studying there a very enriching experience, both academically and personally. In addition, the city has an excellent transport network and very diverse neighbourhoods where every student can find their own lifestyle.

Pros and cons of studying in Barcelona

Studying in Barcelona has many advantages, although there are also some disadvantages:

Pros of studying in Barcelona

An international atmosphere that allows you to enjoy multiculturalism while immersing yourself in the Catalan and Spanish cultures.
A wide range of cultural, sporting and social activities.
Prestigious universities.
It has beaches! And its mild climate during the winter means you can enjoy them all year round for sports.

Cons of studying in Barcelona

Rent prices have increased significantly in recent years.
The search for accommodation is very competitive, so you need to start early and be ready to rent as soon as you find something that meets your requirements!
Tourism during the summer months can be overwhelming.

Top Universities in Barcelona

Barcelona is home to some of the most renowned institutions in the country.

Universitat de Barcelona (UB)

The University of Barcelona is a historic institution that’s often ranked among the best in the country and in Europe. Its main building is located in the heart of the city, while its other campuses are spread across different areas (including Zona Universitaria, Sants, Raval, Bellvitge, L'Eixample, among others).

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near the University of Barcelona.

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

The Autonomous University of Barcelona is one of the few institutions in the city that has a large, modern campus. It’s located on the outskirts of Barcelona, in Bellaterra. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about accommodation near the Autonomous University of Barcelona, with the most important information to bear in mind so that you have good access to the campus.

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)

The Pompeu Fabra University stands out for its innovative approach and its programmes taught in English. It has campuses in different parts of Barcelona, including the neighbourhoods of Poblenou, La Vila Olímpica and La Barceloneta.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near Pompeu Fabra University.

Student housing in Barcelona

The cost of student rentals in Barcelona is also among the highest in Spain. However, it always depends on the area you’re looking in and the type of accommodation you choose. To give you an idea, the cost of a room in a shared flat is usually between €400-700 per month, but it can be much higher.

You can read more important details about accommodation for students in Barcelona in our guide on the subject.

Valencia

Studying in Valencia is ideal for those who want to enjoy a wide range of cultural activities, the beach and a lively student atmosphere, without the hectic pace of big cities. In fact, its university life, good climate and proximity to the sea make it one of the best destinations for international students in Spain. Valencia also stands out for its safe environment and its balance between academic life and leisure, making it very popular among Spanish and international students.

Pros and cons of studying in Valencia

Valencia offers an academic experience with advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Valencia

The cost of living is more affordable than cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.
It has a pleasant climate throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural spaces.
Good range of leisure and nightlife options.

Cons of studying in Valencia

Summer can be very hot and humid.
Some tourist areas may be more expensive during the high season.
Limited night-time public transport in some areas.

Top Universities in Valencia

Valencia is home to universities with excellent reputations.

Universitat de València (UV)

The University of Valencia is very popular among international students due to its vibe, exchange programmes and active university life. Its campuses are spread across different areas, although the main one is in the Ciutat Universitària (University City) of Valencia.

Read our guide to accommodation near the University of Valencia.

Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)

The Polytechnic University of Valencia is internationally recognised for its engineering, architecture and design programmes. Its main campus, the Campus de Vera, is located north of the centre of Valencia.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

Student housing in Valencia

In the Valencian capital, the price of student accommodation is more affordable than in other large cities. A room in a shared flat costs an average of €450 per month, while a studio flat usually costs from €600 upwards, depending on the area.

Are you planning to study in this Spanish city? Don't miss our guide to accommodation for students in Valencia, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Granada

Granada is an excellent choice for studying in Spain as it has a large university community and is one of the most affordable cities for students, with unique cultural heritage such as the Alhambra. Its medium size allows you to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without losing the advantages of a culturally active city with a huge student community.

Pros and cons of studying in Granada

This city has many advantages, although not everything is perfect for those who come here to study.

Pros of studying in Granada

Low cost of living, especially for eating out.
Very lively student atmosphere.
It’s easy to get around on foot or by public transport.

Cons of studying in Granada

It’s very cold in winter and very hot in summer, and sometimes accommodations aren’t well insulated.
There’s usually high demand for housing, so the market is competitive.
Areas such as the historic centre tend to be packed with tourists during the high season.

Top Universities in Granada

It has a well-recognised institution:

Universidad de Granada (UGR)

The University of Granada is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country, known for its international vibe, its wide range of bachelor's and master's degrees, and its large Erasmus community, one of the largest in Europe. Its campuses are spread across different parts of the city, such as the city centre and Beiro - La Cartuja.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the University of Granada.

Student housing in Granada

Granada is one of the most affordable cities for students to live in. The cost of a single room ranges from €180 upwards, with the average being €300. Studio flats cost around €600–750.

If you’re going to study in this Andalusian city, check out our guide to accommodation for students in Granada with more information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Salamanca

The New Cathedral and Old Cathedral of Salamanca, iconic monuments of Spanish historical heritage, seen from the banks of the River Tormes in one of Europe's oldest university cities.

Salamanca is synonymous with university tradition, a city with a great university vibe and academic quality in Spain. The student atmosphere is incredible, so there are always lots of things to do. During the day, it’s a fairly quiet city, but at night there’s usually a great nightlife, especially on Thursdays, known as "university Thursdays". Its university atmosphere can be felt in every corner: cafés full of students, cultural events organised by the university and a social life that makes it easy to make friends quickly.

Pros and cons of studying in Salamanca

Living and studying in Salamanca has great benefits, although there are also some challenges that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Salamanca

Cosy atmosphere.
Affordable cost of living.
The university welcomes a large number of students, both Spanish and international.

Cons of studying in Salamanca

As it’s a smaller city, leisure and employment opportunities are more limited.
It doesn’t have an airport, so you have to travel to cities such as Madrid for air travel.

Top Universities in Salamanca

This city is home to a leading academic institution in Spain:

Universidad de Salamanca (USAL)

The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in Europe and stands out due to its academic prestige, multicultural atmosphere and Spanish language programmes for foreigners. It has several campuses in the city, so we recommend that you read this guide on accommodation near the University of Salamanca to choose a location that suits you.

Student housing in in Salamanca

Rent in Salamanca is among the most affordable of Spain's major university cities. A room in a shared flat costs between €300 and €450 per month, while a private studio costs around €550–700.

If you’d like to know more about student accommodation in Salamanca, read our article where we'll tell you more about the different types, areas, and prices.

Find accommodation in Spain with Erasmus Play

Studying in Spain is much more than just attending classes: it means immersing yourself in an open culture, enjoying unique cuisine and living alongside students from all over the world. Each of the top five cities to study in Spain offers unique experiences, from the energy of Madrid to the historic atmosphere of Salamanca, to the Mediterranean spirit of Barcelona, Valencia and Granada.

With Erasmus Play, you can search and compare between verified accommodation throughout Spain, filtering by city, type of room, flat or residence, and services included. This way, you can find your new home quickly and safely so you can focus on what matters most: making the most of your university experience. Start searching today on Erasmus Play and book verified accommodation near your campus!

Other guides on studying and living in Spain

If you’d like to continue exploring options, here are some more useful guides on studying, living and staying in Spain: