Student halls of residence in Malaga

Are you in search of a student residence in Malaga? Then this article is for you! Here you can find everything about them: their advantages and disadvantages, information on private and university residences, how to find cheap residences and we answer frequently asked questions that arise from students. Let's go!

In this city on the Andalusian coast you will find different types of residences. They can be private residences, university residences and colegios mayores (student halls). The main difference between them is that the last two are part of or are attached to a specific University. On the other hand, private residences can host students from different institutions in the Spanish city, which will expand your circle of friends.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Malaga

Here are some of the most notable pros and cons:

Pros of living in student dorms in Malaga

One of the most notable advantages is the possibility of living in a multicultural and fun environment. Furthermore, it allows you to meet people as soon as you arrive in Malaga, even students who are in the same situation as you.
Do you feel like taking a dip during a break from the studio to cool off in the hot season? Many residences have an outdoor pool! You will also be able to spend time with your friends in other leisure areas, including terraces, rooms with televisions, game rooms (table football, billiards, ping pong, among others), gardens, Andalusian patios, etc.
Some residences have storage rooms. The rooms have limited spaces for storing belongings, so a storage room can come in handy for things you don't use every day, even to store your empty suitcase!
If you prefer to focus on your studies and avoid cooking, you may have the option of hiring half-board (breakfast and one meal) or full board (breakfast and two meals) services. Of course, keep in mind that this causes the price to increase considerably.
They usually offer services that you can hire if you want, such as weekly cleaning of rooms, change of bed linen and towels, among others.

Cons of living in student dorms in Malaga

They usually have stricter rules than in private apartments, especially university residences and colegios mayores. For example, you are required to be silent between 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m., both in the common areas and in your room. They also have limitations regarding receiving visitors (in some you can only receive them in the common areas, not in your room).
In some university residences, celebrations, loudspeaker music and alcohol consumption are not permitted. This can be done in private apartments, as long as you reach an agreement with your roommates.
There are limitations regarding the room decoration. For example, in some university residences you cannot post photographs or posters. Besides, you cannot connect a heater or stove that you carry on your own if you are cold.
It could be difficult to concentrate on studies, since if a lot of people live there, there is always something going on that you can be a part of.
You have to share all common spaces with numerous people. Sometimes this can make areas crowded and you can't use a space when you want.

Private student residences in Malaga

There are a large number of private student residences in this coastal city in Andalusia! You will be able to choose the one that has all the important characteristics for you, including a convenient location according to the University where you are going to study. For example, there are some private residences that are near the campuses of institutions that are in central areas, as in the historic centre and El Ejido. Some are located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the centre, in neighbourhoods like Teatinos and El Romeral, near the campuses that are in those areas.

Private student residences have several types of accommodation available. Depending on what you prefer, you can pick between shared rooms, single rooms and studio flats. The rooms can be part of the residence itself or shared flats within the building. Additionally, in some private residences, all rooms have their own bathroom and sometimes also come with a small kitchen.

The facilities that private residences have can be very varied. Among the most common are the gyms, dining rooms, study rooms and living rooms. They can also come with a garden, Andalusian patio, outdoor pool, karaoke room, cinema space, and games room. You have plenty of opportunities to enjoy with your friends! In addition, some residences organise activities, both inside and outside the residence.

University student halls of residence in Malaga

With the term “university residence” we refer to this type of accommodation offered by the same universities. As we indicated previously, they may be residences or colegios mayores.

Especially if they are on or near a campus that is on the outskirts of the city, disconnecting from student life is usually a bit complicated when living in a university residence. Furthermore, some of them (such as those near the Teatinos Campus of the University of Malaga) are far from the beach, something that surely attracts you to study in Malaga.

Keep in mind that, in this Andalusian city, these residences not only welcome students, but they can also house faculty members and researchers. This makes the atmosphere in the residence change quite a bit. Living among young people is not the same as living with older people!

The university residences in Malaga often have more basic common spaces compared to private residences. Normally they only offer a laundry room, cafeteria and dining room, reading room and a multipurpose room.

Another fact to keep in mind is that, on some occasions, utility bills are not included in the monthly payment. In these cases, the expenses are divided when the bill arrives among everyone who lives in the flat you are part of in the residence. Likewise, in some university residences cleaning of the kitchen of each floor is not included.

In the colegios mayores and university residences hazing (“novatadas”) has been prohibited, which are rituals or behaviours directed towards new students to humiliate them before they fully integrate into the group. Although these practices have been legally prohibited due to cases of abuse, they are known to still be carried out in some places.

University Residences of the University of Malaga

The UMA has its residence, called Alberto Jiménez Fraud, which is located about 20 minutes by metro from the city centre, in Portada Alta. It also has agreements with other residences in the city.

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

Rent cheap student residences in Malaga

If you want to rent a cheap student residence in Malaga, search on Erasmus Play! In our comparator you can filter between your preferred features, different prices and locations. Once you find the ideal residence for you, you can make the booking online and totally securely. This way you can focus on preparing your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses so you can enjoy the climate and beaches of this incredible city on the coast of Andalusia!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Malaga

What’s the difference between student residence and Colegios Mayores (residence hall)?
The main difference is that private residences welcome students from different institutions, while university residences and colegios mayores are aimed at young people who go to a specific university, to which they are attached or to which they are a part.
How much does a student residence in Malaga cost?
The price of a shared room in a residence usually ranges from €400 onwards, while that of a single room starts at €600 per month.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Malaga?
The cost of a room in a private flat is usually cheaper than that of a room in a residence. However, residences usually offer more amenities. Of course, in both cases, you have to check if service costs are included or if you have to add an extra at the end of each month to pay for them.
When to apply for a student residence in Malaga?
We recommend that you do it as soon as you can, so that you can choose the residence that meets all your preferred characteristics, a convenient location for you, and a good price. Keep in mind that university residences usually have specific deadlines for applying for a place, so you have to make sure you do it on time.
Are there female university residences in Malaga?
Yes, there are female and male residences in Malaga, and there are also mixed ones. Furthermore, within the same residence, you can find an area designated for women and another for men, setting a division in the same building.