As an international student in Spain, having adequate accommodation while in there is a must. It is something that you have to prepare for, even before traveling to Spain.
Fortunately, there are several housing options available for students, from on-campus accommodations, including dorms and halls of residences, to private rentals.
If you want to stay at an off-campus accommodation, here are some of the things you should consider when renting in Spain.
Types of Private Accommodations
Before you can start looking for rentals, you must have an idea of the types of private rentals in the UK, so you can choose which one’s the best for you.
Studio Apartments
Studio apartments are a single room space which combines the following functions of a house: bedroom, kitchen, and living room.
Thus, expect the lack of walls or decision separating each function.
Studio apartments are available throughout Spain, and are also known as “extended-stay hotels.” They allow students to rent from as short as 1 month, to 1 year. You can easily book online through the “hotel’s” official website or accommodation booking websites.
Flats
If you want a house-kind of arrangement, you can rent a flat or an apartment. They are usually handled by private owners. Thus, if you need help, you can go through real estate agents to help you, or do all the paperwork and research on your own.
Shared Rooms and Shared Houses
If you think renting a house or a room on your own is expensive, you can opt for a shared room or shared house. Aside from being practical, it also divides the responsibility of maintaining a house, plus, it makes it easier to meet new friends while in another country.
Things to Consider When Looking for Private Rentals
Housing Expenses
Before you agree to sign a lease on the house, check how much you should pay for a rental. In most cases, owners of rentals would only post how much you should pay for rent. However, it is important that you also know if the rent already includes the bills, or if it is separate for it, plus, if there are other hidden costs you need to know of. This way, you will know if it is feasible for you to rent that place, and if it is beyond your budget for accommodation.
Furnished or Unfurnished
When choosing a house do you want to be furnished or unfurnished? Furnished places are usually more expensive than unfurnished. If you will only be staying for a short time, and you don’t have enough time to buy things for the house, you can choose furnished spaces. However, if you think you can save more money if you buy only the things that you need inside the house, then opt for unfurnished ones.
Location
You must make sure that your place is near your institution or near transportation to commute easily to your school. Aside from that, other essential services/buildings such as hospitals or supermarkets must be accessible from your rental.
The location should also be secured and safe. The best way to know is by asking around, doing your research online, and checking public records or news about the place.
Moreover, the location of the place can also affect the cost of your rent. Those that are in city centers usually cost more than the ones outside of it. For example, per Numbeo, the average cost of rentals outside city centers is only EUR 497, while those inside city centers cost around EUR 644.71.
Can you Live with Other People or Not
The last thing you should consider should be your preference. Can you live with other people or not? If you can, then shared houses or rooms might work for you, especially if you want to save money. If not, renting your own apartment studio or flat may be better. If you want to save money but don’t want to live with other people, go for unfurnished rentals, or rentals outside the city center, to get a place with lower rent.
Renting in Spain is easy as long as you know what you want, and your needs as a student. To know more useful tips and information about staying in Spain, check out our articles on MSM Unify.
