Where to live

Granada is, first and foremost, a university city. It has a population of 240,000 people, over 65,000 of whom are students, lecturers, researchers and administrative staff at the University of Granada. This means that a wide range of accommodation options are available to international students.

Most Spanish and international students choose to share accommodation, usually in flats with 3 or 4 people, as this is the most economical option (around €300 per month per room).

 

Accommodation Office

The Accommodation Office (Oficina de Gestión de Alojamientos) offers guidance to the university community on accommodation options in Granada, which include flats and apartments, private rooms, university residences, hostels and hotels, and a specific accommodation programme with elderly people.

 

Enlace
Accommodation Office

 

  • Registration: You must register on their website.
  • Cost: It is a free information portal for UGR users.

Accommodation options:

Other options

Landlords and estate agents advertise their properties on various websites and social media platforms. You can also find rental advertisements throughout the city and on notice boards at university bulidings.

Useful tips

 

  • Start looking at accommodation options before you move to Granada.
  • We recommend that you see the place that you are considering living at before you sign any agreements or pay any money.
  • Student halls and residences are more expensive than shared flats, but usually include different services, such as cleaning, canteen service and laundry service. Services vary widely from one residence to another, so make sure you check them before you make a decision.
  • Some residences, especially the colegios mayores, have strict policies concerning different aspects, like curfew or visitors. Make sure you read the residence’s rules and policies and that you agree with them before you make any decisions.
  • If you want to find a flat or a shared flat, it is recommendable to see a number of them before you settle for one. There are usually still flats available at the start of the academic year, so it is a valid option to come to Granada a few weeks before to search for one. However, some prefer to come to Granada and find a flat several months in advance.
  • When searching for a flat, make sure you notice, or ask, if it is being advertised directly by the owner (“por particular”) or by an estate agency (“por agencia inmobiliaria”). Agencies will ask for a fee, usually equal to a month’s worth of rent. (We aren’t saying that you shouldn’t search for your flat through agencies; just be aware that there are usually more costs involved.)

 

Before settling for a flat

  • Ask whether the monthly rent includes “gastos de comunidad”, or whether you have to pay them on top of that (everyone in the building usually pays “gastos de comunidad”, which cover building maintenance and cleaning).
  • Ask how much you would be expected to pay per month for utilities (“agua y luz”). Sometimes utilities are included in the rent, but you usually pay them separately.
  • Ask how you get hot water. You may have an electric heater, gas supply or, alternatively, you may have to replace your gas bottles (“bombonas”) when they finish. If the latter is the case, you usually have two bottles, so that you never have to be without hot water (as long as you remember to replace the empty bottle!). One of the ways you can do this is by calling one of the gas bottle suppliers in Granada and ask them to deliver one.
  • Ask how much you have to pay for your deposit (“fianza”). It is usually equal to a month’s worth of rent and. If everything is in order, it should be paid back once you extinguish the rental agreement.
  • Think ahead. It might be warm when you arrive, but Granada can get quite chilly during winter. Does the flat have heating? What about double glazed windows? You may appreciate it later on.
  • Read the rental agreement (“contrato de arrendamiento”). 

Areas in Granada

Centro

Although rents are slightly more expensive than in the rest of the city, it is quite convenient to live in this area for everyday life. Here you will find the faculties of Law, Translation and Interpreting, Political Science and Sociology, Social Work, Labour Relations and Human Resources, and Architecture, as well as the Fuentenueva university campus.

Ronda

It is one of the most popular neighbourhoods among university students. It is located near the city centre and the cost of living is somewhat lower than in tourist areas such as the historic quarter or the Albaicín. Here you will find large shopping centres, cinemas, green spaces and a multitude of supermarkets and gyms.

Albaicín/Albayzín

It is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in the city, nestled in the hills and offering wonderful views of Granada. It is both a residential and tourist neighbourhood, which is why it is also one of the most expensive. There are not many bus routes connecting to this neighbourhood, so you will usually have to get around on foot.

Beiro, Chana and Norte

Although they are further away from the centre of Granada, prices are lower than in other areas. They are also close to the Cartuja Campus (Beiro and Norte) and the Aynadamar Campus (Chana). Some areas of the northern part of Granada have fewer services, connections and student activity than other more central university areas. Carefully check the location of the accommodation before booking, especially if you are looking for areas with a more vibrant university life. If you have any questions about a specific neighbourhood, you can consult the International Relations Office or your contacts in Granada.

Zaidín and Genil

These are the neighbourhoods that make up the south of Granada, where we can find newly built homes. El Zaidín is home to an increasing university population due to the new Health Sciences Campus (PTS).

In general, the range of accommodation in Granada is sufficient and varied enough to accommodate the entire university community.

Ceuta and Melilla

Enlace
Alojamiento en los Campus de Ceuta y Melilla