Student residence vs shared apartment: which is best for students in Granada?

Things to consider when choosing your accommodation 

• Budget: Compare the all-inclusive cost of studios with the combined expenses of rent, utilities and food in a shared flat. Don’t forget to factor in deposits and initial fees. 
• Independence:  Do you thrive with structure, or do you prefer complete freedom? Be honest about your comfort level with rules, routines, and responsibilities. 
• Social style: Do you enjoy an instant, built-in social community or do you prefer forming connections at your own pace? With student residences you get the best of both worlds. 
• Privacy: If you need quiet time to recharge, private studios offer a lot of personal space and privacy, while still being able to enjoy socializing at your own pace. A shared apartment can get busy and noisy at times.
• Goals: If immersing yourself in Spanish language and culture is a priority, living in a shared flat with local roommates could make a big difference. In a student residence, like Student Experience, you also get this opportunity through monthly events and a diverse community. 
• Location: Would you rather live close to campus or in a lively neighborhood with easy access to city life? 

What is a student residence?

This type of accommodation is specially designed for students and is conveniently located near universities or educational institutions. Student residences, like Student Experience, offer single or shared rooms alongside shared spaces such as dining rooms, study areas, and recreational facilities. This creates a welcoming living environment that encourages learning, social connection, and a strong sense of community. 

Pros and cons of living alone in a student residence in Granada 

Pros 

Location 
Most residences are conveniently located near universities, which reduces commuting time and makes daily schedules easier to manage.  

Responsibilities 
Student residences offer all-inclusive rates, meaning rent, utilities, and sometimes services like cleaning are included, helping you avoid unexpected costs.  
Another advantage is the limited responsibility for maintenance: in most residences, repairs are handled quickly. All these factors make student housing an ideal option for students who want to minimize stress and focus fully on their studies. 

Facilities

Student residences also provide access to a wide range of facilities, depending on the location. These may include gyms, sports fields, laundromats, game corners and dining rooms, perfect for hosting large dinners with friends, or enjoying social activities. 

Privacy 
Privacy is often greater than expected, especially in private studios, yet making friends can be easy thanks to the many shared spaces and organized events. For outgoing students, this environment offers endless opportunities to connect. However, for more introverted individuals, shared studios may feel more comfortable and make social interactions less overwhelming. 

Despite the convenience and independence that student residences offer, there are a few drawbacks to consider. 

Cons 

Price 
Prices can be higher than those of shared flats; however, you get all the services included and no unexpected costs during your stay. In addition, you benefit from the facilities included and in our Granada complex, you can add a meal plan to your monthly fee, so you don't have to worry about cooking. 
While residents usually have limited freedom to personalize their rooms, particularly when it comes to decorating walls or rearranging furniture, there is no hassle when moving in or out. You get new bedroom and bathroom essential packages, as well as useful items for your kitchen, saving yourself time and money for a trip to Ikea that always gets more expensive than planned. Check out our price overview for Granada.

Noise 
Finally, the lively community atmosphere may lead to more noise and distractions, especially during social events. While this can be exciting for some, others may prefer a quieter living environment. In any case, in a student residence, you can always go back to your private studio and enjoy a quiet time, while being able to join the events whenever you feel like it again.  

Rent and accommodation  

Shared housing 
What you need to consider with a shared apartment are the service costs such as monthly utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) and unexpected maintenance costs.  

Private studio 
At  Student Experience Granada, your accommodation includes your own studio with bathroom and kitchen, VAT & utilities, Wi-Fi. Also you get access to study and social spaces, all designed for a modern student lifestyle.  

Shared studio 
With a shared studio at Student Experience Granada, your accommodation includes a shared studio (2 pax) with bathroom and kitchen, VAT & utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to study and social spaces, all designed for a modern student lifestyle. You need to share the space with one other person, either a friend or a new buddy, and it can get cheaper than a room in a shared apartment! 
Note: In all cases, one last aspect to consider is the deposit, which is usually slightly higher for a shared apartment depending on how big and modern it is. 

Safety and community: living alone vs with roommates

Safety 
Student residences generally offer security 24/7, whereas shared apartments can vary depending on the neighborhood and the security measures in place, so it’s important to check the area carefully before committing. 

Community and social life 
Finding friends will always come easy in student residences due to the built-in community. The layout, social areas, and organized events make it easy to meet new people, whether in the laundromat, elevator, or common spaces.  
Shared apartments, on the other hand, provide a more limited social circle. You’ll mainly interact with your roommates, which can be wonderful if you get along, but may feel isolating if not. Making new friends often requires extra effort and initiative. 

Academic focus 
In a student complex, quiet rooms and dedicated study areas allow students to concentrate while also providing opportunities to study with peers, motivating each other in a focused environment. In shared apartments, distractions can be more frequent and unsuitable study spaces may make it harder to focus. Students living in shared flats may need to plan trips to libraries or other quiet spaces to maintain academic focus. 

Finding roommates in Granada as an international student

Finding roommates can be challenging, especially as an international student with no local knowledge. Luckily, there are platforms that can help your search.   

• Erasmusu is an online platform that helps international students find housing, connect with roommates, and access city specific student guides and community tips. 
• Join Facebook groups focused on Granada students, Erasmus life or local housing; these often have roommate posts or people directly looking for housemates.  
• Many associations like ESN Granada run WhatsApp groups and events where you can meet others also searching for accommodation and potential roommates. 
• Student Experience Granada gets you matched immediately with someone with the same gender/approx. age or lifestyle for your comfort, if you decide to book a shared studio. Even better, you can also book with a friend and have the time of your life with someone you already know.  

What should I look out for when choosing student accommodation options in Granada?  

When choosing student accommodation in Granada, it’s important to consider your budget, location, lifestyle, and personal priorities. Think about whether you prefer the convenience of all-inclusive rent or the flexibility of managing your own expenses, how close you want to live to campus or city life, and how much privacy and independence you need. Safety, study environment, social opportunities, and facilities should also play a key role in your decision. Choosing the right option depends on your priorities! 

For many students, a private studio in a student residence offers the ideal balance: a quiet and private space to focus and recharge, combined with modern facilities, built-in security, and a vibrant community just outside your door. This option allows you to enjoy independence without giving up comfort, convenience, or social connection, making it a smart and stress-free choice for student life in Granada.