About Madrid
Madrid is a year-round moving city, and it's for this reason that students love it. It's sun-filled, boasts world-class museums such as the Prado, has a whirlpool of tapas bars, late-night cafés, and remains incredibly connected to Spanish culture. The artistic creativity evident in Malasaña and student energy in Moncloa, the city offers a diversity of neighborhoods for everyone.
With leading institutions such as the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, IE University, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid hosts a vast number of international students. The city also houses some luxurious yet affordable student accommodations. Many options of student accommodation in Madrid for international students can be found in areas like Argüelles, Chamberí, or Ciudad Universitaria. Plus, if you get bored with the city, you are only one train ride to cities like Valencia, Salamanca, and Sevilla for a quick weekend getaway.
Best Student Accommodation in Madrid
At Alphaway, we provide some of the highest-rated Madrid student accommodation. This includes low-cost shared rooms and luxury student accommodation in Madrid for international students, complete with all the amenities. Each student's home in Madrid is checked for safety and quality, and we offer unlimited support and flexible booking options. Look at the highest-rated student housing in Madrid below:
Why Choose Madrid for Higher Education
As one of Europe's largest education centers, Madrid is the ideal destination to experience university life and rich cultural traditions. The city also offers excellent career opportunities. From technology internships to startup opportunities, students in Madrid have access to it all. Madrid's energetic social scene, extensive and colorful history, and welcoming communities of students, among other reasons, are why many international students choose to study here.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Madrid
Finding the right neighborhood is key to a great student life. Here are some of the best areas for student accommodation in Madrid for international students:
- Moncloa: Popular with students studying at UCM and UPM alike, Moncloa is near university campuses with plenty of cafés, libraries, and green space.
- Argüelles: Great value and centrally located, this area is easily accessible by metro for students who enjoy being close to shopping streets and cinemas.
- Malasaña: Fun and buzzing, Malasaña is perfect for creative student types who enjoy vintage shops, live music, and lots of trendy hangouts.
- Chamberí: A more residential area, Chamberí is still a central location, but quieter, making it favorable for students who prefer peace and quite close to the main universities.
- Lavapiés: A culturally diverse area in the city, Lavapies offers a good variety of international restaurants, independent cinemas, and student-friendly rental prices.
- Ciudad Universitaria: The ultimate student area designed for student life, Ciudad Universitaria is packed with university buildings, affordable cafes, and public transport to anywhere in the city.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Madrid
- Private Accommodation for Students (PBSA): This is accommodation for students in Madrid that is built specifically for them and is modern, safe, and fully managed. You can expect to rent student apartments in Madrid (shared rooms and shared facilities), ensuite student rooms in Madrid (private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), or student studios in Madrid (completely enclosed). All the above options are fully furnished, and all-inclusive rent includes Wi-Fi, bills, gym access, study lounges, laundry, 24/7 security, etc.
- University Halls: These are managed by the university and are usually on campus, with basic facilities. Options will vary depending on whether you're at accommodation managed by LSPU or Embry-Riddle University.
- Shared Flats: These are flats that are privately rented and shared between students. These may offer independent living, but may come with more responsibility as students will have to deal with their own bills, cleaning, etc.
Cost of Living in Madrid for International Students
The cost of living in Madrid for students is reasonable compared to other European capitals. Here’s a typical monthly breakdown:
- Rent: You can expect to pay between €400 and €900 per month, depending on the size and area of your room. Most PBSAs include bills and facilities as well.
- Groceries: Pay about €100 or €150 per month on groceries at major supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl, or Carrefour.
- Travel: Expect about €20-30 a month for unlimited travel in central zones with your youth transport card (Abono Joven).
- Eating Out: Between €8 and €20 per meal! Tapas bars and student cafés are everywhere and affordable!
- Nightlife and Shopping: On average, you should plan about €50-€100 a month for nights out such as a cinema, a conference or concert, or shopping at the Gran Vía or Fuencarral.
Transportation in Madrid
Madrid has an efficient and student-friendly public transport system:
- Metro: Quick, frequent, and connects all student areas with universities.
- Buses: 24/7 services across the city and night buses for late-night travel.
- Trains: Use a train to easily access the suburbs or weekend trips to neighboring villages.
- Airport Access: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is accessed by Metro Line 8 or bus services.
- Student Travel Cards: The Abono Joven card provides unlimited travel at a discounted rate for students under the age of 26.
Student Life in Madrid
Madrid offers a rich balance of academics and unforgettable experiences. Students from across the world thrive here thanks to its inclusive and buzzing atmosphere.
- Restaurants & Cafés: Sample churros at San Ginés or drop in for brunch at Federal Café-Madrid has many unending offers.
- Student Clubs & Events: Get involved in societies, language exchanges, and student parties around the city.
- Markets & Shopping: Check out El Rastro flea market or go shopping at Gran Vía’s stores.
- Weekend Excursions: Take the train to Toledo, Segovia, or even to the beaches of Valencia.
- Libraries & Study Spaces: Popular study spots include Retiro Park, the many cafés in Malasaña, and the university libraries.
- Live Music & Culture: Whether it’s flamenco nights or exhibitions at Reina Sofía, Madrid is bursting with culture.
Universities in Madrid
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM): One of the oldest and most recognized universities in Spain, UCM is respected for the arts, humanities, and sciences.
- IE University: A dynamic global university with programs in business, tech, and design at the forefront of innovation and a strong international community.
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM): A highly ranked Spanish public university that focuses on science and research. They have a modern campus in the north of Madrid.
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM): A popular university for engineering and architecture students that has strong connections to industry.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Madrid universities like UCM and IE offer merit-based and need-based financial aid for international students.
- Government Grants: The Spanish Ministry of Education provides grants for EU and some non-EU students.
- GCC Country-Specific Scholarships: Students from countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia may receive funding from embassies or national scholarship programs.
- External Scholarships: Investigate options like Erasmus+, Fundación Carolina, and Santander Scholarships.
Tips for International Students
- Open a Spanish Bank Account: Makes rent and tuition payments easier.
- Get a Local SIM Card: Companies like Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone offer student-friendly plans.
- Learn Key Phrases: Learn Basic Spanish phrases! It will help you with local interaction.
- Budget Smart: Use apps to track spending and make the most of student discounts.
- Alphaway Support: From airport pickups to essentials kits, we make settling in smooth and stress-free.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with a Local Health Centre: Access healthcare through Spain’s public system or private insurance.
- Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies and keep your university support contact saved.
- Stay Safe at Night: Use well-lit routes or travel with friends; Madrid’s public transport runs late.
- Mental Health Support: Most universities offer free counselling and peer support programs. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
