Student Housing in Barcelona: Dorms vs. Mid-Term Rentals
02/06/2025 11:02:51
Accommodation
Choosing Where to Live as a Student in Barcelona
Barcelona is a dream city for thousands of international students every year — offering world-class universities, a vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm. But before the beach days and tapas nights begin, there’s a crucial decision to make: where are you going to live?
Two of the most common housing options for students are:
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Traditional student dormitories (residencias)
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Private mid-term rentals in shared flats
Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how long you’re staying. In this guide, we’ll compare the two — so you can confidently pick the best student housing option for your time in Barcelona.
Traditional Dorms: Community Living With Limitations
Dorms (residencias estudiantiles) are often affiliated with universities or private companies. They typically offer private or shared rooms with communal kitchens and social spaces.
Pros:
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Built-in student community
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Meal plans or dining halls
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On-site facilities (gyms, laundry, study rooms)
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Structured environment for first-time movers
Cons:
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More expensive (can cost €900–€2,400/month with meals)
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Less independence or flexibility
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Limited availability, especially during the academic year and for Erasmus students
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May feel isolating for international students outside Spanish-speaking circles
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Often require semester-long commitments and they prioritize old residents
Best for:
Students who want a controlled and social environment with less worries about groceries and daily housing tasks.
Mid-Term Rentals: Independence, Flexibility, and Comfort
Mid-term rentals (1–11 months) are fully furnished private rooms in shared flats, perfect for students staying a semester or academic year. These are increasingly popular for Erasmus students, master’s students, interns, and remote learners.
Pros:
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More affordable (rooms from €450–€900/month)
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Greater independence and privacy
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Live with other international students or young professionals
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Choose your neighborhood, style, and vibe
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Contracts available in English, designed for 1–11 month stays
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Bills often included and move-in ready
Cons:
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No meal service or front desk
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You’ll need to manage your own groceries, cleaning, and daily routine
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Less of a built-in student support structure
Best for:
Erasmus students, master’s students, interns, digital nomads, or anyone who prefers independence.
IMPORTANT: In Live Further, we acknowledge that is important to create a community in your city abroad, so we also organise social events for our tenants to provide them with a community an social network in the city!
✅ Explore now our fully furnished, mid-term rental rooms for students in Barcelona
Where Are the Best Mid-Term Flats for Students in Barcelona?
LiveFurther offers mid-term student rentals in Barcelona’s most student-friendly neighborhoods:
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🎓 Les Corts – Near ESADE, IESE, UB Zona Universitària
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🏙️ Eixample – Central, elegant, and well connected
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🎨 Gràcia – Bohemian, local, popular with Erasmus students
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🌊 Barceloneta & Poblenou – For beach lovers
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🍷 Sant Antoni – Trendy, walkable, full of young professionals
Which Option Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
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Are you staying for 1–11 months? → Mid-term rentals offer better value.
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Do you want freedom and flexibility? → Go with a shared flat.
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Prefer structure and student life? → Dorms might suit you better.
In our experience, mid-term rentals give international students the best mix of independence, affordability, and real local life.
Ready to Find Your Student Room in Barcelona?
LiveFurther makes mid-term housing easy: all-inclusive rooms, flexible contracts, and locations across Barcelona’s best neighborhoods.
