Students Accommodation in Spain

Cost of Living in Spain for International Students

Spain stands out as a highly coveted destination for Gen Z and Alpha, who yearn to pursue higher education in a foreign land and settle abroad. However, the cost of living matters a lot while studying abroad. Discover the cost of living in Spain for students.

A bunch of factors make Spain a sought-after destination among students. It is the country's vibrant culture, lifestyle, world-renowned universities, state-of-the-art affordable education system, cultural diversity, learning opportunities, benevolent people, beautiful climate, and much more. On top of that, Spain is one of the cheapest study destinations in Europe. With a frugal attitude, a student can manage to live in Spain between 900-1000 euros/month. It suffices for food, transportation, rent, utilities, leisure, and other miscellaneous expenses.

The tuition fee of universities and institutions in Spain ranges from 5,000 euros to 18,000 euros depending on the university and program a student chooses. Nevertheless, there are scholarship programs available to cut down this cost.

Spain has exceptional scholarship programs to make living costs in Spain for international students within budget. Many scholarships are available for all students, and some are for a selected category.

How Students Can Support Themselves

Universities in Spain do not encourage students to work part-time. However, if someone is in need, they can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week by getting written approval from their respective university and institution. It is a helpful way to reduce the cost of living in Spain for students, and most international students opt for it.

Cost of Living in Spain for International Students

A significant part of the fund plunges into accommodation after the tuition fee. But the universities and institutes help students with this as well. Many universities in Spain offer dormitories facilities to international students at low cost. It can range from 400-600 euros. The benefits of living in dormitories range from living in proximity to campus, association with fellow students, and environment to learning new cultures, languages, etc.

Other accommodations such as shared, family, and private apartments are also available for international students in Spain. The cost of the same range from 450 euros to 1000 euros depending on its size and location.

The next necessity is food. It does not contribute much to the overall cost of living in Spain, as the food is cheap here compared to other European countries. The average is approximately 200-300 euros, provided the student cooks at home. Eating outside isn’t expensive in Spain, and a decent meal can cost 15 euros per person per meal. At high-end restaurants, it can go a bit high.

Cost of Students Accommodation in Spain

Student Droms: The student’s hostel in Spain is called droms or Colegios Mayores (Spanish). It is the most in demand because of its affordability and features. Such accommodations remain within the campus proximity, which makes commuting to the university easy, fast, and cheap. Most universities in Spain have this facility and serve students on a first-come-first.
Monthly rental range: 400-500 euros.

Studio Apartment: Studio apartments are small self-contained units having a room with an attached kitchen and washroom. The rental of these apartments depends on location and level of furnishing. Furnished rooms cost more but save cost in the long run. Students can enjoy freedom and privacy while living in this apartment. Nevertheless, they need to spend more money on this.
Monthly rental range: 400-1000 euros/month.

Shared Apartment: Shared apartments are spacious accommodations where more than one individual lives on sharing basis. The members share the total incurred cost. These spaces are a little costlier than studios and dorms but offer plenty of benefits, like spacious living areas, multiple amenities, and the opportunity to be with young students or professionals.
Monthly rental range: 400-800 euros/month.

Host Family: Living with a Spanish family is another alternative for international students in Spain enrolled in short-term courses. It keeps their overall cost of living in Spain within budget. Spanish people are friendly with great rapprochement. They invite students to live with them and provide a healthy living atmosphere and all needed support. In this accommodation, students get a separate room inside the house, which may or may not include food. However, one should be extra careful while selecting such accommodation.
Monthly rental range: 600 euros/month.

Most Common Phrases and Abbreviations in Spain

Piso	An apartment or flat
Casa	House or home
Habitación	Room
Alquiler	Rental or rent
Venta	Sale or for sale
Bajo	Ground floor
Amueblado	Furnished property
Sin amueblar	Unfurnished property

Baños	Bathrooms
Ascensor	Elevator
Terraza	Mean terrace or balcony
Garaje	Garage or parking space
Gastos incluidos	Bills included
Reformado	Renovated or refurbished flat
Piscina	Swimming pool
Planta	Floor or level

Cost of Food and Groceries in Spain

Spanish food is world-renowned for its taste, presentation, aroma, and serving style. One can experience all these in Spanish restaurants. A meal in a decent restaurant can cost 10-15 euros/person. A similar order in a gourmet hotel can range between 50 euros per person to a few hundred euros.

The average monthly grocery cost for an individual in Spain ranges around 150-250 euros per month/person. It includes essentials like fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, meat, oil, dairy, and pantry.

Europe is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the world, hence, getting fresh fruits and veggies in Spain is not a problem. One can have them at supermarkets or from local vendors at low prices.

One can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine at Tapas bar, café, and coffee shops at an affordable price range. It is common among students to order multiple tapas dishes and share.

Grocery stores like Aldi and Lidl are good places to buy groceries at discounted prices. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper with local vendors

Cost of Transportation in Spain

Spain is best known for its transportation system. It offers extensive transportation options via airways, railways, sea, and roads. All transport mediums are interconnected, allowing travellers to reach any destination easily. Monthly passes are available for international students in Spain and locals that give unlimited rides on all types of transport on all radiuses for less than 70€. Upon fulfilling certain conditions, Valencia has free transportation for all individuals under 30 years of age.