What is the best way to find a place to live in Spain as an Erasmus student? / Gtres
What is the best way to find a place to live in Spain as an Erasmus student? / Gtres

Your Erasmus exchange is coming closer, but you still have no idea where you’ll be staying. Don’t worry, you are not alone! We are here to help you and after this article you’ll be more than ready to find your place in sunny Spain.

You really should arrange your housing before arriving. There are several housing options available, each with their own perks and cons. It is a good idea to investigate all the housing options to figure out the best one for you. Here are the most common ones:

  • Host families: You can choose to live with a host family. This is a great option for learning the language, feeling less homesick and getting to know the local culture and the Spanish way of living. If you’re lucky you might even learn to cook traditional Spanish dishes with your host mama’s recipes!
  • Dorm housing: Many Erasmus students choose to live in dormitories and houses of residences on campus. This is a good way to meet other students, live affordably close to where you’re studying and save money on commuting.
  • Flat sharing: Having roommates is one of the most popular way to live abroad. By renting a room, your rent will be more affordable, but you will also be able to socialise, which is very important considering you are alone in a new country. If you manage to find a flat with locals, you will also be improving your Spanish skills!
  • Apartments/flats: If you prefer your own space and the more expensive rents don’t scare you, renting a flat just for yourself might be the way to go. But you must be aware that it isn’t always easy to get your own place and you should be prepared to pay an estate agency fee as well as a deposit of the rent.

How to find a place?

You should start looking for a place to live as soon as you get the confirmation of the school where you will be studying during the Erasmus exchange. Don’t be scared to ask other people who have done their year abroad for suggestions and use local real estate websites like idealista.com when looking for the right place.

Once you’ve found the perfect place online, the landlord is likely to ask for a deposit. Try to visit the place or ask a friend to do it for you before giving away any money. A good way to avoid scams is to get an idea of the area’s typical flats. If the place looks too good for its price, it probably isn’t real.

It is also better to not rush into things – many students stay in a hotel or airBnB when they first arrive. Staying in a cheap hotel may save you from a fast accommodation decision that could become a disaster in the long run. Once you do find a place, make sure you know all about Spain’s rental policies and what mistakes to avoid. Now you are ready to find your home in Spain and enjoy your Erasmus exchange to the fullest!