What is a student residence?

Definition of student accommodation in Spain

In Spain, the term “student accommodation” is used quite broadly. There is no single legal category that covers the entire sector, so in practice, different models coexist: from colegios mayores with centuries of history to modern student accommodation managed by private operators. What almost all of them have in common is the same goal: to provide complete, safe accommodation designed around student life, without students having to worry about the day-to-day management of an apartment.

The sector has grown significantly in recent years. According to Idealista data based on figures from Savills, Spain ended 2025 with almost 119,000 operational beds in student accommodation, 62% more than a decade ago. Even so, demand far exceeds supply: an estimated 650,000 students need accommodation away from home, compared with a much smaller supply, leaving a shortage of more than half a million places. Spain’s provision rate – around 8% of university students – still falls well short of markets such as the UK, where it exceeds 30%. This helps explain why new student accommodation continues to open in university cities such as Madrid, Granada and Barcelona.

A little history: where does the concept come from?

The model as we know it today has one of its best-known roots in Madrid’s historic Residencia de Estudiantes, founded in 1910 under the direction of Alberto Jiménez Fraud and linked to the Institución Libre de Enseñanza. Its halls were once home to names such as Federico García Lorca, Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel, alongside other members of the Generation of ’27, while figures such as Albert Einstein and Marie Curie also visited. In 2014, it was awarded the European Heritage Label, reflecting the influence of this model of combining study, culture and community life. Today’s student accommodation is, of course, much more modern in terms of facilities and services, but the underlying idea – a place where studying and living in a community go hand in hand – remains the same.

Student accommodation, colegio mayor or shared apartment: what’s the difference?

These three types of accommodation are often confused, and the lines between them are not always entirely clear. In practice, the main difference tends to depend more on who manages the accommodation and what activities it organises than on a strict legal distinction.

Student accommodation: usually managed by a private company or university and often home to a mix of Spanish and international students. Rooms can be private or shared, with communal areas and services already included in the price, so you don’t have to arrange utilities yourself.

Colegio mayor: traditionally linked to a university and, in many cases, gives preference to first- or second-year students. The accommodation itself is similar to student accommodation, but there is generally a stronger focus on academic and cultural activities organised within the community.

Shared apartment: managed by the students themselves, a private landlord or an agency. You have your own bedroom and share the communal areas with your housemates. You are responsible for arranging the contract, paying utilities and managing day-to-day life together.

Generally speaking, a colegio mayor tends to place more emphasis on cultural, sporting or academic activities organised within the accommodation and often prioritises first- and second-year students. Modern student accommodation is usually more flexible in terms of who can live there – including undergraduate, master’s, exchange and PhD students – and focuses more on everyday convenience: a room ready to move into, services included and an existing student community. A shared apartment, on the other hand, offers more independence, but also comes with more responsibility.

Common services and facilities in student accommodation

While every student accommodation provider has its own offering, there are several services and facilities that you will find in many of them. These are often what sets this type of accommodation apart from renting independently:

• Private or shared rooms: with a private or shared bathroom depending on the room type and budget.

• Study areas and communal spaces: places where you can focus outside your room or work together on group projects.

• Restaurant or shared kitchen: some student accommodation offers full board or half board, while others provide equipped kitchens so students can cook for themselves.

• Cleaning and laundry: regular cleaning of communal areas, and sometimes rooms as well, plus laundry facilities or services.

• High-speed Wi-Fi: included in the price, without having to arrange a separate contract or installation.

• Organised activities: cultural, sports and social events designed to help students get to know each other, which can be especially valuable for international students.

• Security and access control: depending on the accommodation, this may include reception, controlled access or staff on site.

• Additional facilities: gyms, lounges, terraces or sports facilities at locations with more space available.

The exact range of services varies considerably between different student accommodation providers, so it is always worth checking what is included before booking. You can find a complete example of these services on the Student Experience Granada student accommodation page.

How much does student accommodation cost?

The price mainly depends on the city, the type of room – private or shared, with or without a private bathroom – and the services included, so there is no single nationwide rate. For a real-world example, you can check the current prices for our student accommodation in Granada, where costs are shown according to the available room type. Generally, the more that is included – such as meals, cleaning and activities – the easier it is to compare the true cost with the combined rent and additional expenses of a shared apartment.

How do you choose the right student accommodation?

• Location in relation to your campus: check the actual travel time to your faculty on foot, by bike or by public transport, rather than looking only at the distance on a map.

• Room type: decide whether you prefer complete privacy with your own room and bathroom or would rather save money by sharing a room or bathroom.

• Included services versus extras: check what is included in the price, such as cleaning, meals and Wi-Fi, and what you need to pay for separately.

• Contract length and flexibility: some student accommodation only offers contracts for a full academic year, while others allow stays of a few months, which can be particularly important for exchange students.

• Atmosphere and community: organised activities and the type of students living there – for example, more international, more local or focused on particular types of study – can have a big impact on your day-to-day experience.

• Reviews from other students: whenever possible, look for real experiences and testimonials before booking rather than relying only on the accommodation’s own photos.

Student Experience has student accommodation in several cities, including Granada and Madrid Pozuelo, as well as multiple locations in the Netherlands. You can explore all available locations to compare which one best suits your university and budget, or take a look at our student accommodation in Madrid if you’re heading to the Spanish capital.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation

What is the difference between student accommodation and a colegio mayor?

Does student accommodation include meals?

Can I live in student accommodation if I’m a master’s, PhD or exchange student?

How long is a student accommodation contract?

Is student accommodation only for university students?

Take the next step

Ultimately, student accommodation is a way to enjoy your academic year without having to manage an apartment yourself: your accommodation, services and student community are all in one place.

If you’re considering this option, the next step is to compare specific cities and accommodation options. You can start by exploring our student accommodation in Granada or Madrid, or browse all Student Experience locations to find the one that suits you best.