About Alcala de Henares, Spain
Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO World Heritage site overflowing with history, charisma, and a relaxed student quarter. Located only 35 km away from Madrid, it is an ideal combination for students, with wonderfully high standards of academia combined with a very authentic touch of Spanish culture. The cobbled streets filled with tapas bars, bookshops, and even architecture that is hundreds of years old provide an inspirational and calm place to live.
With the prestigious University of Alcalá, and easy access and proximity to the educational hubs of Madrid, Getafe, and Legañés, the city is a great option for students. Be it Whether you're enjoying a sunny afternoon in Plaza Cervantes with friends or are rushing to your lectures, you're sure to learn a lot and experience some of the best days of your life here. For great options for affordable student housing in Alcalá de Henares, try some of the nearby neighborhoods of El Val, Reyes Católicos, and Ensanche.
Best Student Accommodation in Alcala de Henares
Alphaway has the best Alcala de Henares student accommodation, whether you are looking for low-cost shared student apartments, ensuites or luxury private studios. All of our student homes in Alcala are secure, verified, and designed for comfort. We offer all amenities, 24/7 support, and access to the best student housing in Alcala de Henares. Check out our best student accommodation recommendations below:
Why Choose Alcala de Henares for Higher Education
Alcala de Henares is a great place to study, especially for international students. The city has some of the world's most respected universities, the lifestyle is much more affordable and slower in pace than Madrid, and you have more cultural exposure possibilities. With internship opportunities, academic distinction, and a welcoming community, it is no wonder that Alcala de Henares is a great destination for students across the world.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Alcala de Henares
Whether you want to be close to your classes or prefer a quiet spot to live, Alcala has great options:
- El Val: This quiet neighborhood has local shops and easy access to the bus stops for the quick bus connections to the campus. El Val is a favorite among students looking for inexpensive accommodation in Alcala.
- Reyes Católicos: This neighborhood in the city center has a lot of action with plenty of coffee shops, gyms, restaurants, and bus connections. A good location for students who want a balance of socializing and studying.
- Ensanche: A newer development and home to some new, modern student residences in Alcala de Henares. Well connected, large, and has some of the best student housing in Alcala de Henares.
- Centro Histórico: This neighborhood is great for those who want to live near historical buildings and take advantage of the walkable cultural spaces. Centro Histórico offers a distinctive boutique-style of student housing in Alcala.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Alcala de Henares
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): These are professionally managed, private student accommodations in Alcala de Henares. There are various room types available in PBSAs, including shared rooms (sleep and live with a roommate. shared kitchen and bathroom), ensuite rooms (your own bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), and studios (private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette). All PBSAs are fully furnished and contain all essential amenities, like Wi-Fi, laundry, study space, and common areas, for your convenience and comfort. Rent is all-inclusive and all PBSAs are fully secure.
- University Halls: Managed by the university, and usually on-campus or very nearby. Halls offer sedimentary accommodation and are furnished with basic items, with set rental terms.
- Shared Apartments: In shared student apartments, the entire flat is rented privately, with other students. Usually, it is a more flexible rental arrangement, but utilities and furnishings may differ from others. Rent is rarely all-inclusive, and bills have to be paid by the students.
Cost of Living in Alcala de Henares for International Students
The cost of living in Alcala for students is budget-friendly, especially compared to larger Spanish cities. Here's what your monthly student expenses might look like:
- Rent: From €350-600 / month, depending on the type of room and location. Most PBSAs include utilities in rent.
- Groceries: Around €120-180 per month if you cook Stores like Mercadona and Dia are really popular.
- Travel: €20-35 per month for buses and Cercanías trains – make use of monthly passes!
- Eating Out: Local restaurants/tapas bars €8-15 per meal.
- Entertainment & Shopping: About €50-100 depending on your lifestyle.
Transportation in Alcala de Henares
Transportation in Alcala de Henares helps the students to travel efficiently and provides great connectivity.
- Train: Direct services on the Cercanías train system, Alcala to Madrid, is a 40-minute journey. Reliable and safe.
- Bus Network: There are many local routes; students receive discounts.
- By Bike: The city is flat and bike-friendly with a number of cycle lanes available.
- Airport: You are less than an hour away from Madrid-Barajas Airport.
- Student Travel Pass: Consider the Abono pass for discounts for anyone under 26 across transit modes.
Student Life in Alcala de Henares
Alcala offers a calm and enriching student life with a touch of Spanish flair:
- Dining & Coffee: Enjoy some authentic tapas at Calle Mayor or find a relaxing cafe near Plaza Cervantes to get some studying done.
- Clubs & Events: Lots of university-run societies and annual events will keep you entertained throughout the year.
- Markets & Malls: Explore Mercado de Alcala or check out small shops in the center of town.
- Long Weekend trips: For a weekend trip, hop on a train to either Madrid, Segovia, or Toledo.
- Library & Work Spots: University libraries and public reading rooms are nice spots to get some quiet working time.
- Arts & Culture: You have plenty of museums, Roman ruins, and Cervantes to explore in this city.
Universities in Alcala de Henares
- University of Alcalá (UAH): The University of Alcalá is among the oldest and most highly regarded universities in Spain. It has a long-standing reputation in the fields of humanities, sciences, health, and education, for which students come from all over the world. UAH combines heritage with innovation, delivering excellence in academic standards and research facilities.
- CIS University: Located near Madrid, the CIS University offers international students a US-style college experience in an intimate environment. It has various English-language programs and provides a flexible American English language university curriculum with transfer opportunities to a university in the US.
- UAH Business School: The UAH Business School is a modern and international branch of the University of Alcalá delivering programmes in Business Administration and Management, Economics, and International Studies. Some things that stand out about the UAH Business School include a strong international perspective, English-language courses in all areas, and direct links to companies, institutions, and alumni around the world.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University-Based Scholarships: The University of Alcala administers merit-based and need-based financial support for both national and international students.
- Government-Based Financial Aid: Some subsidized grants working with organizations like MEFP or Erasmus+ if students qualify.
- Country-specific GCC Scholarships: apply via government embassies in Gulf areas.
- Private & International Scholarships: check globally through scholarships like the Santander or Fulbright grants etc.
Tips for International Students
- Set up a Spanish Bank Account: This will make your rent payment and utilizing other payment services easier.
- Buy a Local SIM Card: local providers such as Vodafone, Orange and Movistar have reasonable student data plans.
- Brush up on your Spanish: Knowing basic Spanish phrases will help you enjoy shopping, transport and your social life.
- Get Student Discount: Always check if your student ID or Youth Card will give you discounts on transport or recreation.
- Alphaway Extras: We also provide Airport pickup, city tours and welcome kits to help you transition smoothly.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with a Local Doctor: Sign up with a Centro de Salud to access public healthcare.
- Know Emergency Numbers: Call 112 for urgent help in Spain.
- Stay Safe: Alcala is very safe but always travel in groups late at night.
- Mental Health Support: The University of Alcala offers free counselling and wellness workshops.
