Student housing in Bogotá

Student apartments for rent in Bogotá

Do you want to live in a student apartment during your stay in the Colombian capital? In Bogotá there are usually two main options: studio apartments, known as “apartaestudios” in Colombia, or shared apartments with single rooms. Studio apartments are ideal for those seeking more privacy, including a kitchen, bathroom, and living room in a compact space. Shared apartments, on the other hand, offer single rooms (sometimes with private bathrooms) and common areas such as a living room and kitchen.

An important detail to keep in mind is that these accommodations are not always furnished, and it's important to ask if bed, desk, and wardrobe are included.

Some buildings offer additional spaces such as laundry, terrace or gym, especially in areas such as Chapinero or Cedritos. A common feature is that the contracts are flexible and often include services such as water, electricity, and internet within the monthly price.

Rooms for rent in Bogotá

Would you rather look for a student room in Bogotá? The most common are single rooms, although there are also shared rooms in some cases.

These rooms may be within shared apartments with other students, family homes, or private residences or “co-livings”. Most are furnished, including a bed, desk, wardrobe, and sometimes a private bathroom.

Normally students have access to the shared kitchen and common spaces such as a living room or laundry room. In family homes and residences, meals are sometimes included in the rent.

It's important to check if the services (water, electricity, internet) are included in the price and confirm the rules of coexistence, since some residences have stricter schedules and rules.

Student accommodation in Bogotá

Here you’ll find the districts and neighbourhoods that are most popular with international students and young people to live in the Colombian capital:

Flats for rent in Chapinero

Chapinero is one of the most sought-after districts by students in Bogotá for its fun atmosphere and for being a safe area. It's surrounded by universities, cafes, bars, and cultural venues that bring life to the neighbourhood. Some of Chapinero's liveliest areas are the Parque de la 93, the restaurants of the Zona G (Zona Gourmet) and the nightclubs and bars of the Zona Rosa. It also has good connections to public transportation, including the TransMilenio, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.

Apartments in La Candelaria

La Candelaria is the historic and cultural centre of Bogotá, ideal for those who want to be in an environment steeped in history, with cobblestone streets, and colonial buildings. There are plenty of libraries, museums, and bohemian-style cafes here. Plus, it's home to several universities (like the Universidad La Gran Colombia or the Universidad Externado de Colombia) and it has good connections to others in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The cost of rent in La Candelaria is usually cheaper than in other neighbourhoods, such as Chapinero, although it's also usually full of tourists and a little more unsafe.

Rooms for rent in Teusaquillo

This district combines a quiet residential area and a multicultural atmosphere with wide avenues, a varied restaurant offering and plenty of green spaces to enjoy, such as the large Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar. Several institutions are based in Teusaquillo, including the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and the Universidad ECCI. It's also very well connected to the rest of the city through bus lines and the TransMilenio.

There’s usually a variety of rooms for rent, both in old and modern buildings. The cost of rent in Teusaquillo tends to be a little higher than in La Candelaria, but cheaper than in Chapinero.

Student accommodation near the Universidad Nacional de Colombia

The main campus in Bogotá is located in the district of Teusaquillo, in the University City (“Ciudad Universitaria”). For this reason, this would be the most convenient district if you want to live nearby. Likewise, other districts with good transport connections are Chapinero, Santa Fe, and the most central areas of Usaquén.

Student residences in Bogotá

Are you looking for student accommodations in the Colombian capital? The first thing you need to know is that University residences, those offered by institutions, are not as common as in other countries. Furthermore, places are often limited, and priority is usually given to students with financial difficulties.

Many students prefer to look for alternatives, such as private student residences. These usually offer single or shared rooms, with basic services and, in some cases, full board or access to a shared kitchen.

On the other hand, the “co-livings” are increasingly popular among students and young professionals. They offer more modern and flexible spaces, with private rooms and common areas such as kitchens, living rooms, coworking spaces, gyms, and community-building activities. Co-living spaces often have shorter contracts, slightly higher prices, and a more active social experience.

International exchange and Erasmus programme in Bogotá

It's true that the Erasmus+ programme is mostly oriented towards exchanges between European countries, but it also includes mobility options to Colombia, provided there are agreements between universities (as with the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme). If you’re a European student, in Bogotá you have the possibility of completing part of your studies or doing internships in institutions such as the Universidad de los Andes, the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. There are several alternatives, but it's best to plan ahead, as demand is usually high.

FAQ about studying in Bogotá