Student halls of residence in Madrid

There are numerous student residences in the Spanish capital, so you will surely be able to find the one that has the features that are important to you. To make your search simpler and your decision faster, in this article, we bring together the most important characteristics to take into account about student residences in Madrid: the advantages and disadvantages of living in a hall of residence, the characteristics of private student residences, the different university residences available and the possibility of renting cheap student residences in the Spanish capital. In addition, we answer the most frequently asked questions among young people. ¡Vamos allá!

An important fact to keep in mind is that in Madrid, like in many other Spanish cities, you can choose between residences and colegios mayores (residence halls). The main difference between these accommodations is that the colegios mayores are subscribed to a specific University, while residences can be private or part of a University, and host students of different courses or training.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Madrid

We tell you what are some of the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the Spanish capital:

Pros of living in student dorms in Madrid

Coexistence in a multicultural and fun environment. This allows you to learn to interact with other people, learn about different cultures and make friends as soon as you arrive in the capital.
The cleaning of common areas is included, which prevents problems from arising between roommates.
Regarding documentation to present to apply for a place, it’s usually much more enjoyable. It’s normal that they only ask for proof of enrollment at a University of Madrid, but not documents such as payroll.
Some residences offer the possibility of hiring food service, which will be very positive if you don't have much time to shop and cook, or if you simply prefer not to. You can choose between half board (breakfast and dinner) and full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Another advantage is that, sometimes, residences can have agreements with gyms, shops or clubs so that those who live there can enter for free or at a discount. This sometimes includes a ticket to the most emblematic nightclub in Madrid, Teatro Kapital!
Normally service costs such as Internet, heating, ventilation, water, electricity, etc., are included in the price.
Student residences in Madrid are usually strategically located near university campuses, both in the central area and in the metropolitan area of Madrid. In addition, it is common for them to be located in areas well connected with public transportation.

Cons of living in student dorms in Madrid

In residences, there are usually many rules to follow regarding schedules, the possibility of having guests and other aspects of coexistence. This is even more intensified if it’s a colegio mayor, where, sometimes, you will also have the obligation to take part in certain activities or services.
The cost of student residences in Madrid is very high, many times higher than renting a private shared apartment. This is because they usually include in their cost expenses such as cleaning or maintenance of common areas, such as a swimming pool and a gym, among others.
The common areas are shared between many people. This may affect, for example, having to wait to cook because the kitchen is full, or the leisure areas are occupied when you want to use them.
Most residences are renovated and have modern furniture, but this may not be the case. For example, it is common for colegios mayores to have older facilities, since they depend on the university’s budget.
Some residences have a requirement to stay there for the entire course, that is, the stay is not so flexible.
In some cases (especially in colegios mayores) food is included in the price and there is no kitchen in which to prepare your own dishes when you need it.

Private student residences in Madrid

Thanks to the numerous private student residences in the Spanish capital, you will find options in different parts of the city. Many of them are located in the central area, having good access to the most fun leisure and entertainment sites, and being close to the institutions that are based in neighbourhoods such as Chamberí, Lavapiés, Malasaña and Chueca. Others are located in the outskirts of Madrid, near the campuses that are on the outskirts of the city, in areas like Vicálvaro, Somosaguas, Cantoblanco and Alcobendas. These usually offer cheaper prices than residences in the centre.

Regarding the type of accommodation offered by private residences, we tell you that you have everything to choose from: single rooms, shared rooms, studio apartments and flats with several rooms to share. Please note that students typically choose to live in individual rooms, which provides privacy while allowing you to share common areas with other young people. Furthermore, in Madrid, many of these rooms may have their own bathroom, although this causes the price to increase a little.

The decoration of the rooms is frequently basic so, to make it a little more welcoming, Students normally go to the Rastro to buy different decorative objects (like small pictures and illustrations). You're sure to find something to your liking!

Other features that this type of accommodation may include are: spaces such as a games room or for watching TV, a television in each room, a gym and even an outdoor pool.

An important fact to keep in mind is that there are some residences that only accept people of the same sex. This is a positive thing if you are looking to live only among women or men.

University student halls of residence in Madrid

When we talk about university residences we are referring to those offered by the same universities. In the Spanish capital, some institutions have their own residences, others that have agreements with residences or colegios mayores and some that do not offer accommodation services.

Most of the University residences are on or near the institutions' campuses, so they usually have very easy access to classes. This is interesting, especially considering that many of the university campuses located in Madrid are on the outskirts of the city.

An important fact is that residence halls (“colegios mayores”) have prohibited the performance of “hazing”. In case you don't know what that is, we tell you that it includes certain rituals or attitudes that are held towards rookies (the new ones), to humiliate them before they can become part of the group. For various reasons of abuse, they have been prohibited by law, although it is known that in some places they continue to be carried out.

Some examples of accommodation offered by institutions:

University residences of the Complutense University of Madrid

This prestigious institution is attached to five colegios mayores, which are located in or near the Moncloa Campus, which is in the University City of the city.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Complutense University of Madrid, read this article.

Residences of the King Juan Carlos University

It has five campuses in the metropolitan area of Madrid, with only a residence on the Vicálvaro Campus. In it, you have to choose between half board or full board on a mandatory basis.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Rey Juan Carlos University, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Carlos III University of Madrid

The University Foundation manages some residences and colegios mayores (the latter being in Getafe and Leganés). There are usually waiting lists to get a place in this type of accommodation, which is why many students choose private residences.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Carlos III University of Madrid, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Madrid

The cost of the residences depends a lot on the area in which you search, the characteristics it has and how far in advance you do it. In the Erasmus Play search engine, you have the possibility of seeing the student residences available for the season in which you are going to be in Madrid, being able to compare their characteristics in a simple and quick way. That's how easy you will be able to make the reservation (100% online) to forget about it and start looking for the best place to go for tapas in the capital!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Madrid

What are the requirements to apply for a place in a student residence in Madrid?
Documents such as enrolment in a University and a valid ID, passport or Foreigner’s Identity Number are required, as well as the payment of a deposit that is returned at the end of the contract if everything is in good condition.
What is the difference between student residences and Colegios Mayores?
The main difference is that the colegios mayores are subscribed to universities and the residences can be part of the Universities or be private. Another distinction is that colegios mayores tend to have even more rules than residences, especially regarding schedules and guests.
How much does a student residence cost in Madrid?
The average cost of a single room is usually around €800-1000 per month, while shared rooms can range from €400 onwards.
What is cheaper, a flat or a student residence in Madrid?
In Madrid, the cost of residences is normally quite high, as it offers several amenities. However, the cost of rooms can be similar in a residence and in a private shared flat.
When to book a student residence in Madrid?
As soon as you can! The Spanish capital welcomes many students every year, so the market is usually quite competitive, which becomes even more accentuated as the start of classes approaches.