The Catalonian capital of Barcelona is one of the most colourful and diverse cities in the World. With a population of around 1 million, the city has culture coming out of its ears. From Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, to the city’s beach and mountains, it has everything you could ever want as a city. As a student living in Barcelona is a unique experience. The city is home to some great bars, and some unbelievable late night hotspots. The main university in Barcelona is the Universitat de Barcelona. Home to students of many nationalities. So whether you want to hang with the locals, or chill with foreign students, Barcelona won’t disappoint.
Finding student accommodation in Barcelona is relatively simple. There are many student flats in Barcelona on offer. Whether you want a flatshare, or your own apartment, it shouldn’t be too difficult finding your student residence in Barcelona. Studio flats start at around €450-500 euros, though this depends on which area you live. Flatshares are cheaper and are a great way to meet new people! Whatever your needs, finding your student accommodation in Barcelona with Nestpick is both easy and stress-free.
Apartments for Rent in Barcelona
Student Accommodation in Barcelona
Finding the place to begin in a new city will never be easy; moving to a new city or home can be stressful. Here are some tips helping you find your feet in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona.
This beautiful coastal city is rich with culture, amazing food, architecture and people. The official languages spoken are Catalan and Spanish. Barcelona is famous for its beautiful Antonio Gaudi buildings; the La Sagrada Familia church has been in construction since 1892. Its projected finish date is 2030.
Try going up the church to see a unique view of the whole city. Barcelona is also a coastal city, meaning you can enjoy both the city bustle and the relaxation of El Raval’s beaches.
Lots of college students choose to study in Barcelona for the quality of education, good weather, job opportunities and the young and stimulating environment. Looking for student Barcelona apartments for rent? Let nestpick do the hard work for you. We offer a simple and secure platform to help you find the perfect apartment for you, entirely online from anywhere in the world.
There are many options when choosing a student residence in Barcelona. Here is a guide to help you to find a safe and comfortable nest during your studies!
- Student Apartments in Barcelona
Student apartments in Barcelona will either be a shared student house in Barcelona, private student flats or student resident halls. All types of student accommodation in Barcelona will typically require a deposit of one month’s rent. Barcelona is full of amazing districts, walk through the Gothic Quarter or visit the cosmopolitan Province of Gràcia for a trendy drink. Therefore, when deciding on a home in Barcelona, you must think of public transport connections and proximity to all amenities you may need.
- Shared House
A shared student house in Barcelona can be for those students who enjoy a co-living lifestyle. In a shared house, you rent a room in a house with other students or young professionals. Shared home’s are great for meeting new people from throughout the city. Your shared house will come with a kitchen and a bathroom. Some shared houses can include extra amenities, such as lounges or outdoor areas, to enjoy the weather!
- Apartment
Your own student apartment in Barcelona can be very expensive, though it is great for friends willing to split the cost and live under the same roof. This option has the advantage of having lots of privacy.
- Student Halls
Student residence halls in Barcelona are definitely an option to consider. You prefer to live with other students in that type of environment, go for your own room in one of the studenthalls in Barcelona.
Universities in Barcelona
Barcelona has six Universities in the city. They are a combination of Public and Private and are all located across the city.
- ESADE Business law school
ESADE Business school’s Barcelona campuses are located in Pedralbes. The University also has campuses in Sant Cugat del Vallès, situated in the north of Barcelona.
- University of Barcelona
UB has six locations in the city. Be aware of which campus you belong to when choosing your accommodation. UB has three student residence halls in Gracia and Badalona (these are of campus student residences).
- Pompeu Fabra University
University Pompeu Fabra is in central Barcelona. It is within walking distance of both the beach and the city's cultural districts. It has a self contained campus in Bellaterra, that can provide a hub for students. The self contained campus is located half an hour away from the city center.
- Ramon Llull University
Ramon Llull University is a private University located in downtown Barcelona, it is accessible by the subway station Av. Tibidabo. The University's name comes from Ramon Llull, a famous writer and philosopher born in the 13th century. It used to have four educational institutions. Over the course of years 7 additional institutions were added.
- Barcelona Tech
Barcelona Tech, also called UPC, is located in Pedralbes just on the outskirts of the inner city. This University is the largest engineering University in the city and is easily accessible to city center.
- Autonomous University of Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is located just outside of the city center. Accommodation in close proximity can be found in Bellaterra. The University's location is surrounded by beautiful views, with both good train and bus connections, it is just 35 minutes from the center of Barcelona.
Jobs for Students in Barcelona
With so many people crammed into a relatively small city, it can sometimes be hard to find student jobs in Barcelona. There are options however. One of the most common jobs for students in Barcelona is working in bars, restaurants, and clubs. Knowledge of Spanish is useful for this work though some tourist bars and restaurants will actively search for English speakers. Openings are most often listed in the windows of the establishment.
Other student job options include au pair, tutoring, and freelance work in your native language. If you’re coming from outside the EU, it’s worth checking if your visa will allow you to work in Barcelona, because there are often restrictions.
Best Areas for Student Apartments & Residences for Rent in Barcelona
Eixample
Though the upmarket right side of Eixample is way too expensive for students, the left side is an option worth considering. The area is home to the Universitat de Barcelona. With university on your doorstep, it will make studying in Barcelona a breeze. Rent costs do tend to be quite expensive however. But if you have a bigger budget, there is no area in Barcelona better suited to studious student life.
Gracia
If student life is as much about nightlife as it is books, Gracia is the best area in Barcelona for students. With a huge range of hip bars, organic cafes, and clubs, Gracia is undoubtedly the coolest area in Barcelona. Rent costs tend to be a lot cheaper than Eixample, and it’s still only 20 minute metro ride away from university!
Best Bars for Students in Barcelona
- Psycho - Carrer de Piquer, 27, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
A rock and roll bar that’s one of the most popular student bars in Barcelona. Cheap beer, great music, and an amazing atmosphere. A must visit.
- La Casa de la Pradera - Carrer de les Carretes, 57, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
LGBTQ bar that has a laid-back, fun vibe. At weekends live DJs play into the early hours. Free tapa with every beer too!
Best Clubs for Students in Barcelona
Nitsa Club - Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113, 08004 Barcelona, Spain Electronic music and indie rock are both to be found in Nitsa. Upstairs, the world’s best house, techno, and minimal. Downstairs Arcade Fire and Rolling Stones.
Razzmatazz - Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122, 08018 Barcelona, Spain Like Nitsa, Razzmatazz is at the forefront of electronic music. All the big DJs do their thing here. Barcelona’s answer to Fabric or Berghain. One of the best clubs for students in Barcelona