About Valencia
Valencia is an exciting coastal city; it boasts warm weather, historical buildings, and a buzzing student population, making it an ideal environment for student life. The rich variety of social and cultural activities one can take part in means that you'll always have something on your to-do list! Valencia is known for its colorful local markets, endless paella by the beach, and, without a shadow of a doubt, year-round sunny weather. It is home to inspiring universities such as the University of Valencia, Polytechnic University of Valencia, and CEU Cardenal Herrera and, attracts students from around the world every year.
As a student in Valencia, your life will be a mix of quality education and a laid-back vibe. Whether you prefer working on assignments at a café in El Carmen or want to get on a bike and cycle through the Turia Gardens, Valencia offers the perfect balance of academics, culture, and coastal lifestyle. Valencia is well connected to other coastal cities so, taking a weekend break in Alicante, Castellón, or Barcelona is going to be super easy!
Best Student Accommodation in Valencia
There are plenty of options of student housing in Valencia at Alphaway. Whether you prefer shared student apartments in Valencia, mid-range ensuites, or a luxury studio, Alphaway has it all! We only work with listed/verified, secure, and trusted accommodation in Valencia for international students to trust every month. We offer support 24/7 and enable students to book single and group student rooms in Valencia. Find your new Valencia student accommodation here:
Why Choose Valencia for Higher Education
Valencia is one of the best places to study in Spain as it offers high-quality education in a fantastic environment. With solid connections to international enterprises, research opportunities for innovative thinking, and broad exposure to wide-ranging cultures, Valencia is not just about degrees. It offers affordable living, accessible communities of students from all over the world, and wonderful beaches, making it a great city for students.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Valencia
Valencia has various student-friendly areas that are just minutes away from major campuses or have great connections to them. Here are some of the best areas to look for Valencia student accommodation:
- Benimaclet: A favored student area with a relaxed vibe and local markets, with easy access to the University of Valencia and UPV.
- Algirós: A popular student area, Algirós has lots of cafés, is closer to the campus, has great nightlife, and cheap rent.
- El Carmen: Located in the heart of the old town, El Carmen is dynamic with lots of history and culture, and unique bars to socialize with other students and make friends.
- Camins al Grau: Close to the City of Arts and Sciences, this neighborhood is quiet with lots of transport links. It allows students to have easy access to universities and other parts of the city.
- Ayora: A residential area in the quieter part of Valencia, Ayora is cheap and has good metro links, and is close to the beach and major university campuses.
- Ruzafa: A trendy area with lots of boutiques, food markets, and live music, Ruzafa offers students the opportunity to be in the middle of the city and enjoy the sunny climate of Valencia.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Valencia
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): These fully managed student residences are designed to provide comfort and ease to every resident. You can select from shared student apartments in Valencia, ensuite student rooms (with a private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen), or private student studios in Valencia (fully private living). All PBSAs are fully furnished and include rent, Wi-Fi, utility bills, and amenities (gym, study lounge, laundry, 24x7 security). A PBSA is the best option for a completely modern, secure, and community-style of living.
- University Halls: Offered by universities and typically on or near the university campus, these shared living arrangements tend to offer basic and communal amenities.
- Shared apartments: Students can rent their own private flat, with roommates. With a shared apartment, you may be responsible for utilities and lease arrangements separately, as you have less institutional support.
Cost of Living in Valencia for International Students
Valencia is a relatively affordable city to be a student in Spain. Here's a summary of the cost of living in Valencia for students
- Rent: €350-€750/month depending on the area and type (single, shared, etc.). Most PBSAs have utility bills and internet access included.
- Groceries: €120-€180/month using local markets and stores such as Mercadona and Lidl.
- Transport: €30-€50/month with a student's metro/bus card, and students can even bike around.
- Eating out: €8-€15 per meal at casual cafés and student-friendly establishments.
- Entertainment & Shopping: €50-€100/month to do some cinema, gigs, or spend time in Ruzafa or the city center.
Transportation in Valencia
Valencia has very good transport links that connect the whole city and major university campuses. Here’s everything you need to know about transport in Valencia:
- Metro: The Valencia Metro is a fast and reliable mode of transport connecting key student neighborhoods and the university campuses.
- Buses: EMT buses run routes all over the city and have night service; great for returning from campus late or after a night out.
- Trams: Trams are nice for routes to the coast and for connecting farther neighborhoods back to beach zones and university campuses.
- Bikes: Valencia is a bike-friendly city, with bike lanes and a Valenbisi bike-sharing service.
- Trains to other cities: Valencia Nord and Joaquín Sorolla train stations are major terminals for high-speed trains to cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
- Student travel passes: Valencia offers monthly metro/bus cards to students to help alleviate the cost-of-living stress on students.
Student Life in Valencia
Valencia has an energetic student scene with something for everyone from sun-soaked beach days to academic deep dives. Here's the best of Valencia:
- Restaurants & Cafés: There is a wide range of affordable options for food in Valencia, including tapas bars in Ruzafa and vegan cafés in El Carmen.
- Student Clubs and Events: Valencia universities offer academic and cultural societies, and the city is full of student nights and events throughout the year.
- Markets and Malls: There are lots of local markets, such as Mercado Central, to explore or visit Aqua Multiespacio mall to shop.
- Weekend Off: Being close to cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, or Alicante is an easy weekend getaway.
- Libraries and Libraries: There are many places to study in and around Valencia, such as at the Biblioteca Pública, or in one of the nice cafés around the old town.
- Live Music and Art: Watch an indie gig at one of the local bars or visit an exhibition at the IVAM or City of Arts and Sciences.
Universities in Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia (UV): One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain, it is known for its focus on humanities, science, and law.
- Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV): UPV is top-ranked in the world for engineering, architecture, and technology, and it has a great reputation.
- Universitat CEU Cardenal Herrera: A private university, CEU Cardenal Herrera has strengths in health sciences, business, and design, and is popular with international students.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Many universities in Valencia offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
- Government Grants: EU and Spanish government scholarships are available for eligible students.
- GCC-Specific Funding: Students from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia can apply for funding via embassies and cultural bureaus.
- External Scholarships: International students can explore options like Erasmus+, Santander Scholarships, and Fundación Carolina.
Tips for International Students
- Open a Bank Account: A local Spanish bank account is essential for paying rent and managing day-to-day expenses.
- Get a Spanish SIM Card: Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar offer affordable student plans.
- Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: It helps with daily life-even a simple “Gracias” or “Dónde está la biblioteca?” goes a long way.
- Use Student Discounts: UNiDAYS, ISIC cards, and local offers to help stretch your budget.
- Alphaway Support: From airport pickup to room essentials and travel advice, we’re here to support your new start in Valencia.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Register with a Doctor: Use Spain’s public healthcare system by registering with a local health center.
- Emergency Contacts: Save 112 for emergencies and your university’s local support hotline.
- Stay Safe at Night: Use well-lit roads and public transport or taxis after dark. Many areas also offer student night buses.
- Mental Health Support: Universities in Valencia provide free counselling, wellbeing services, and peer support programs.
