Flats, rooms, and residences near the UNAM

Flats and rooms for students near UNAM

First, you need to determine where the institution is located and where its campuses are, so that you can then consider the most convenient neighbourhoods to live near.

Where’s the National Autonomous University of Mexico located?

This institution is mainly located in Ciudad Universitaria (CU), an area covering more than 700 hectares in the borough of Coyoacán, south of Mexico City. Most of its faculties, research institutes and iconic spaces, such as the Central Library and the Olympic University Stadium, are concentrated there.

One noteworthy detail is that this campus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The main reason for this is its great cultural and architectural value: it features modern urban elements alongside others from Mexican tradition. Murals by artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O'Gorman integrate art into the buildings in a monumental way, turning it into a space that reflects the cultural identity of the country.

It should be noted that it also has other campuses and locations distributed throughout different parts of the city and the country, making it an institution with a significant national presence.

Best neighbourhoods to live near the UNAM

Below, we’ll tell you about some of the most popular areas among students looking to live near the Mexican institution. Remember that in Mexico, areas of the city are referred to as "colonias" and "barrios".

Copilco el Alto and Copilco Universidad

Located in Coyoacán, the neighbourhoods of Copilco el Alto and Copilco Universidad are ideal for those who want to stay near the main campus of the UNAM. In fact, it’s one of the favourite areas for students, so there’s usually a wide range of accommodation available. There are also a variety of restaurants, bars, and access to public transport.

Tizapán and Tizapán San Ángel

The two neighbourhoods are also very close to the main UNAM campus, to the north-west of it. These areas are more residential and quiet than Copilco, but there’s a shopping centre and some restaurants in the area. From Tizapán, you can reach the campus in less than ten minutes by bus.

Pedregal de Santo Domingo

This neighbourhood is very close to the campus. However, some areas may be unsafe, so we recommend looking for accommodation near the border with Copilco where there are more things to do.

Student residences near the UNAM

If you’re thinking of looking for accommodation in halls of residence, you should know that the UNAM doesn’t have its own university halls of residence. For this reason, those who prefer this type of accommodation usually look among the private student residences. There are a large number of them in the Copilco area and in Pedregal de Santo Domingo.

Erasmus in the National Autonomous University of Mexico

Here are some facts worth keeping in mind during your stay at UNAM:

• The Teaching Centre for Foreigners (CEPE) offers Spanish language and Mexican culture courses to international students. Exchange students are eligible for a 50% discount on the cost.
• Every semester, there are usually international fairs, sporting events, and arts festivals, which are a great opportunity to meet people and fully experience university life in Mexico. Some of the most notable events are the Book and Rose Festival and El Aleph (Art and Science Festival).

FAQ about the National Autonomous University of Mexico