Granada is often described as a true college town—students shape the city’s character, rhythm, and social scene. Thanks to the University of Granada, one of Spain’s largest and most internationally connected universities, the local vibe is energetic and open-minded. Students spill into the city’s ancient streets, the atmosphere is inclusive, and there’s no shortage of options for both study and fun. Many foreigners choose to study in Granada, thanks to its wide range of courses available and affordable prices.
Is Granada a good student city?
Granada repeatedly gets top marks as one of Spain’s best cities for student living. It combines impressive historic heritage with a laid-back style, affordable living, and a thriving academic and social life. International students rate Granada highly for its friendly locals, manageable size, and endless opportunities for exploration, meeting people, and genuine cultural exchange.
Cost of living in Granada as a student
The average cost of living in Granada comes to around €800–€1,200 per month for most students, covering rent, food, local travel, and a bit of fun. That’s notably more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. Rent is where you’ll notice the savings most, especially if you share a flat or opt for a room in a student residence. For comparison, you can find more details on the latest rental prices in Granada and how they stack up against other Spanish cities
Student housing in Granada
Options range from university-managed dorms to buzzing shared apartments and quiet studios for focused study. The most popular areas include Centro, Realejo, and Cartuja—close to faculties and the city’s social life. The cheapest rooms for rent in Granada are around €200 a month. Start searching early, as demand peaks before the autumn semester.
You can rent a room in a shared flat before you even get to Granda by using idealista's online booking service. This saves lots of time and money, so you can get stuck straight into your studies when you arrive. You can also choose to rent a room via online booking with insurance, which simplifies the rental process as you don't need a deposit.
What is student life like in Granada?
Student life in Spain is all about connection—long lunches, open plazas, and making the most of local fiestas. Universities like Granada favour an interactive style: team projects, debate, and plenty of opportunities for meeting people via language exchanges or student clubs.
Laptop-friendly cafés
Granada is home to a wealth of relaxed spots for study or remote work. Top student favourites include Café 4 Gatos (spectacular views), La Finca Coffee (plenty of plugs, no pressure to move on) and Atypica Coffee (tasty Arabic desserts).
Eating out on a budget
The city is legendary for free tapas—order a drink, and you’ll get a plate of something tasty at no extra cost. A beer will cost you around €3, making this a great deal.
Classic student haunts like Bodegas Castañeda and Los Diamantes dish up generous portions for the price of a caña. Plus, La Bella Kurva and Biggie's are well-known for cheap drinks, good grub and lively crowds. You'll find plenty of tabernas serving typical Andalusian dishes, with a menu del dia costing around €15.
Student nightlife
Student nightlife in Granada is pretty legendary, and there’s a real mix of options depending on the night of the week and your mood. Most clubs in Granada won’t really get going before 1 or 2 am, but they’ll keep the party going until 5 or 6 am, especially Thursday to Saturday. Erasmus nights usually fall on Thursdays, which is hands-down the best evening for international students
The area around Pedro Antonio de Alarcón is packed with laid-back student bars which often open until 2 or 3 am. Spots like Pata Palo and Nocta Granad offer the odd live DJ or theme night, while El Eshavira is the place for live music. Flamenco nights in Granada are common, and you can even watch a live show in the Sacromonte caves.
Cheap things to do as a student in Granada
Explore the Alhambra gardens (student discounts available), wander the Albaicín’s winding lanes, or hike up into the Sierra Nevada. Free festivals, open-air concerts, and public parks make it easy to enjoy the best of Granada without spending much.
Is Granada LGBTQ+-friendly?
Granada is considered one of Andalusia’s more progressive and LGBT-friendly cities. The local scene is vibrant and visible, centred around inclusive bars and social spaces. Regular events and supportive communities mean international students can feel at ease being themselves here.
Getting around Granada
Granada is a student’s dream when it comes to getting around. Compact enough to walk almost everywhere, but with a reliable public transport system for those days when you’re running late or need to get across town in a hurry. Most university faculties are clustered fairly close to the city centre, so you’ll often find yourself strolling from your flat to lectures in under 20 minutes.
For longer distances, the city’s network of buses makes life easy. Local buses run frequently, cover every neighbourhood, and are pretty affordable, especially with the student "Bono Joven" card.
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular too, with more bike lanes popping up around the city. Granada’s system of public bikes, "Granabici," lets you rent a bike for short trips.
Living like a local in Granada
Start by making the most of the tapas tradition. Grab lunch or dinner with classmates at neighbourhood bars, and discover how each place puts its own twist on the free tapa with your drink. Don’t be shy about chatting with the bar staff or locals at the counter - Granadinos are friendly and usually happy to help you practice your Spanish.
Getting involved with university activities or city events is another great move. The University of Granada runs intercambios (language exchanges), sports clubs, music groups, and plenty of volunteer projects, which are brilliant for meeting both local and international students. Keep an eye out for city festivals like the Fiestas del Corpus or Semana Santa processions—joining in gives you a firsthand taste of Andalusian culture.
One of the most rewarding things you can do is to focus on learning Spanish while in Spain, even if it feels challenging at first. Try local language schools, tandem meetups, or apps. But nothing beats putting yourself out there in daily life—the more you speak, the more at home you'll feel.
Opening yourself to local customs—like understanding public holiday rhythms, learning when shops close for siesta, or joining the Sunday crowds for a walk up to the Mirador de San Nicolás—will help you integrate and make your time in Granada richer, more connected, and absolutely unforgettable.
Who can get a Spanish student visa?
Planning to study in Spain? Non-EU/EEA students need a long-term Spanish Student Visa for stays over 90 days. Learn who is eligible, how to apply, and the conditions for studying and living in Spain legally.
Student accommodation vs. shared flat in Spain: which is better?
University life is a special chapter that leaves a lasting impression. For many students, relocating to a different city becomes essential when their desired degree programme isn’t available locally. But before making the move, one key question often arises: Is it better to rent a shared flat or live in student accommodation? Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make the right choice for your university experience.
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Granada is one of Spain's ultimate student cities, with over 60,000 students calling it home. The student experience in Granada is legendary for good reason. It's affordable, sociable, and steeped in culture, making it a top choice for both Spanish and international students. Most students choose between university residences, private studios, or—most commonly—renting a room in a shared apartment with fellow students.
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