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.
You may be planning to study abroad in Granada for a semester or settle in for a full degree. Whatever you do, finding the right accommodation is crucial to making the most of your time here. The city's compact size means you're never far from university buildings, and the welcoming student community makes it easy to get stuck into Granada's student life.
Best area to stay in Granada as a student
Where you choose to stay can shape your student experience. The north of the city is popular with those looking for easy access to the main university campuses and some of the most affordable accommodation.
The southern parts of Granada tend to offer more residential, local vibes, with lower rents and a quieter pace. Right in the centre, you'll find all the historical sights, lively bars, and cultural events, making it the top pick for those wanting to be in the thick of city life, even though rents are usually higher here.
What’s the average student apartment rent in Granada?
You’ll find a decent range of prices in Granada, but most students pay around €300 per month for a private room in a shared flat. Shared rooms can be found from as low as €180, while studios in central areas start from roughly €500 a month. Overall, rents here are much lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious students.
Where to live as a student in Granada
Centro
If you want to roll out of bed straight into Plaza Bib-Rambla for morning coffee, Centro’s your spot. Right in the thick of Granada’s action, you get grand architecture, bustling shopping streets, proximity to nightlife, and the city’s famous teterías. But, prepare for some of the highest rents in Granada—flats here command a prime for their unbeatable location. Cheapest rooms for rent in the centre start at around €250.
Highlights:
- Main squares like Plaza Nueva and Plaza Isabel la Católica pulse with activity day and night.
- Grab churros at Café Fútbol, people-watch in Plaza del Carmen, or dig into cheap lunches at student favourite Taberna La Tana.
- The historic Alcaicería market sits just off the Cathedral, and you’re never far from music bars or indie boutiques.
Proximity to university:
Ideal for arts, law, and language students, with many faculties a short walk away. Even if your lectures are further out, buses and bikes make the trip easy.
Transport:
Nearly every city bus line passes through the centre, and you’re a few minutes’ stroll to the Granada Metro at Recogidas. The city’s main bike routes filter out from here—so wherever you’re headed, start in Centro and you’ll soon get your bearings.
- Rooms for rent in Granada centro
- Studio apartments in Granada centro
- Long-term rentals in Granada centro
Camino de Ronda
Located just south of the historic centre, Camino de Ronda is one of Granada’s top student arteries, humming with life year-round. Here you’ll find rows of modern, shared flats designed for students, supermarkets that won’t eat up your loan, and cafés open late for post-lecture meetups.
Highlights:
- Loads of cheap tapas bars, late-night bakeries, mini-markets, and places to grab coffee. Home to several 24-hour shops, convenience stores, and budget takeaways
- Social hub for students, thanks to its proximity to the iconic Plaza Einstein (famous for student meetups and cheap cervezas) and the open-air Parque Federico García Lorca.
- Plenty of modern, shared flats with good amenities.
Proximity to university:
The area is a sweet spot for students heading to multiple faculties of the University of Granada. Both Cartuja and Fuentenueva campuses are within a 15–20 minute walk, so you’re never far from classes or the main uni library.
Transport:
From Camino de Ronda, you’ve got the city at your feet. Direct bus and metro lines cut through the neighbourhood. There are also lots of public bike stations — handy for getting to uni or the Albaicín.
- Rooms for rent in Camino de Ronda
- Studio apartments in Camino de Ronda
- Long-term rentals in Camino de Ronda
Realejo
Once Granada’s Jewish quarter, it's now a maze of narrow lanes, whitewashed facades, and hidden plazas. Located at the foot of the Alhambra, this neighbourhood draws creative types and international students with its artsy vibe, street art murals and café culture. Realejo tends to be pricier. Expect to pay a premium for a room in one of the old townhouses.
Highlights:
- Standout spots include Plaza Campo del Príncipe and La Tetería del Bañuelo, where you can swap tapas for Moroccan mint tea and cakes.
- Vegetarian and vegan students tend to flock here for gems like Vegano Hicuri and the indie bookshop-café La Qarmita.
- Evenings see groups drifting to Bar Avila for local wines and free tapas.
Proximity to university:
While you’re not sitting directly atop a major campus, it’s only around 15–20 minutes on foot to the Fuentenueva campus. Social science and arts students especially like it here, given the quick stroll to faculty buildings and the main library.
Transport:
Buses wind through Realejo’s edges, and you’re never far from major routes along Calle San Matías or Calle Pavaneras. For most students, though, walking or cycling is the best way to get around.
Zaidín
Down in the south, Zaidín offers a more local side of Granada, perfect if you’re after cheap rent and a taste of daily Andalusian life. Known for its sprawling residential blocks, Zaidín brings a relaxed, authentic atmosphere far from the city’s tourist crowds. That said, you’ll still find a solid student population thanks to it being the cheapest area to rent in Granada.
Highlights:
- The massive Centro Comercial Serrallo Plaza provides shopping and a cinema for nights off.
- Parks like Parque Tico Medina and sports centres mean you’re never short of outdoor hangouts.
- Los Cármenes football stadium, the science museum and the Granada Health Technology Park complex are all nearby.
Proximity to university:
It’s a fair walk (25–30 minutes) or a short bus ride to the Fuentenueva and Cartuja campuses, making it a solid pick for those willing to trade commute time for lower rent and bigger flats.
Transport:
Buses whisk you north in under 20 minutes (lines SN2, SN4). Cycling is doable thanks to recent bike lane upgrades. Tapas routes and night buses connect you to the city’s best student haunts with ease.
Plaza de Toros/Cartuja
These are both magnets for students craving budget-friendly living and easy campus access. The streets near Avenida de Madrid and around the imposing circular Granada Bull Ring are packed with shared flats, cheap eateries, and student parties that spill out on weekends.
Highlights:
- The Plaza de Toros itself is hard to miss, surrounded by tapas bars like Bar Los Pescadores—legendary for free plates with your drink.
- The area is dotted with affordable cafeterías and late-night kebab shops popular after a night out.
Proximity to university:
Perfect for those at the Cartuja campus—you’re minutes from faculties like Philosophy, Education, and Sciences. The walk to the city centre faculties or Fuentenueva is about 20–25 minutes, but plenty opt for the direct bus routes.
Transport:
The city bus network (look for lines U1, U3, and N7) runs frequently, and the new Granada Metro is a brisk stroll away. For cyclists, broad avenues make the commute an easy ride.
- Rooms for rent near Plaza de Toros
- Studio apartments near Plaza de Toros
- Long-term rentals near Plaza de Toros
Online booking with idealista
Hunting for a place to live from thousands of miles away can feel daunting, especially when you're navigating a new language and trying to get your head around an unfamiliar city. Thankfully, idealista's online booking service takes the stress out of the process, letting international students lock down safe, reliable housing from home before they even pack their bags. There's also an insurance option when you book online that covers those inevitable student mishaps—think lost keys or the occasional bit of damage to your room.