Student housing in Havana

Whether you’re coming for an academic exchange, to study Spanish or for a research stay, Havana offers different accommodation options: rooms in shared flats or private houses adapted for students, private flats, and university residences. In this article you'll learn everything you need to know to find the ideal accommodation for your stay in this unique city.

Student apartments for rent in Havana

In reality, in the Cuban capital it’s quite difficult to find complete apartments to share. However, there are some options available for those who prefer this type of accommodation.

Flats usually have one or two rooms and are furnished with all the basics you need to move in (including essential furniture and appliances). Please note that many of these apartments are designed for tourists, so they can be quite basic in terms of what they offer.

Another point to keep in mind is that some flats are refurbished and in good condition, while others may be rather older and more precarious.

Student rooms for rent in Havana

It’s very common in Havana, and in Cuba in general, to stay in family homes. This is an ideal way to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, living the experience alongside Cubans. In fact, many of these families host several students each year, so you’ll probably share your stay with both your host family and other international students like yourself.

Rooms can be either single or shared (shared between students, not with family members). Most rooms have private bathrooms, although some of them might be shared.

As they’re part of family homes, the rooms usually have access to common areas such as patios, terraces and/or gardens where you can enjoy the local climate.

Student accommodation in Havana

In this section, we'll tell you some of the best areas to live in the city:

Flats for rent in Vedado

This is, without a doubt, one of the favourite neighbourhoods for students and young internationals to live in. It’s modern, safe and very well connected to the rest of the city. It has cafes, restaurants, bookstores, cultural centres and a lively nightlife.

Living in this neighbourhood is ideal, above all, for students of several faculties of the University of Havana, as it's home to many of them. Many of the student residences are also located here.

Apartments in Habana Vieja

To live in Habana Vieja is to be in the heart of history, experiencing the local culture to the fullest. This is the neighbourhood with the most available apartments, as it's also the most touristy area.

It’s the colonial heart of the city, with cobblestone streets, emblematic squares, and plenty of museums, galleries, and cultural centres. Although it's not the quietest or most modern area, it offers a very authentic environment.

Rooms for rent in Miramar

This more residential neighbourhood has a quieter atmosphere than those mentioned above, being right by the sea. In fact, it's home to many of the embassies based in the country. Although it's further from the city centres, it has several international study centres, so many students choose to live in this area.

In Miramar, private houses who rent rooms to students are very common.

Accommodation near the University of Havana

The faculties of this institution are spread across different buildings and in different neighbourhoods of the city. Many of them are in Vedado, including the central building with the administration and its famous steps.

Student residences in Havana

The university residences in the Cuban capital are rare and are usually offered by the universities themselves.That is, they are publicly managed, not privately. However, not all institutions offer this accommodation option, so you should check carefully to see if the institution you plan to attend offers it as an alternative.

International exchange and Erasmus programme in Havana

Although Erasmus+ is usually for exchanges within Europe, there’s also a part that allows mobility with other countries, including Latin America, as long as there are agreements between universities. So, if you're wondering whether you can go on an exchange or Erasmus in Havana, the answer is yes!

Some institutions such as the University of Havana, CUJAE (Universidad Tecnológica de La Habana) and the Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” of Las Villas participate in mobility projects with European universities. If you’re a European student, you can also do part of your studies or internship in these institutions through bilateral agreements or programmes such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. There are plenty of opportunities, but it's key to look for them early, as scholarships are usually competitive and have very specific deadlines.

FAQ about studying in Havana