In this article, we tell you everything about the student residences in Pamplona. From the pros and cons to information about private and university options, tips for finding affordable accommodations and answers to common questions. ¡Comenzamos!
One of the first things you need to know is that, in Pamplona, you’ll find both student residences and “Colegios Mayores”. You don't know the difference? Residences focus on providing accommodation and practical services for students, which promotes a good living environment. “Colegios Mayores”, on the other hand, offer a more comprehensive education, with cultural and academic activities, fostering personal and sometimes religious growth. Furthermore, they’re usually linked to universities and have more demanding admissions processes.
In this section, we'll tell you about the most notable advantages and disadvantages of this type of accommodation in this Spanish city:
In Pamplona, private student residences are located in Iturrama, Milagrosa, Ermitagaña-Mendebaldea, and near the University of Navarra. This means residents can be close to classes and the most popular student spots.
There are diverse accommodation options in these private residences, which allows each student to choose the best option for their needs and preferences. For example, students can choose between single rooms, shared rooms between two people, small studios and shared apartments. In some cases, the rooms may have a private bathroom. All of them are fully equipped, ready to move in. However, we advise bringing some decorative items to make the space more welcoming for you.
The common facilities are designed to promote community and the well-being of residents. These may include free gyms, study rooms, libraries, movie theatres, play areas, a pool, and outdoor terraces. In addition, some residences have exclusive coworking spaces for those who like to study or work in a group.
The services usually include Wi-Fi, room cleaning, linen and towel changes, and laundry facilities. Some residences offer meal plans for an additional fee, either half-board —breakfast and one meal— or full-board —breakfast and two meals— and organise social and sports activities to create a community feeling.
In this section, we refer to the residences and Colegios Mayores offered by the institutions in this Spanish city. Universities in Pamplona —the University of Navarra and the Public University of Navarra— don’t have their own residences. However, they have many affiliated ones. This way, students can look for places to stay in them, although they run on their own, separate from the university.
Regarding the location, they’re normally found off campus but close to it, in neighbourhoods such as Iturrama and San Juan. However, in some cases there are residences on campus, as in the Public University of Navarra, which hosts a Resa residence.
It’s important to highlight that very few affiliated Colegios Mayores are mixed. That is to say, most of the ones you’ll find are divided between female and male. Additionally, many of them are religious, although you don't have to be part of it to apply for a spot. In the case of university residences, they are usually co-ed.
These residences have various types of housing, including single and rooms shared between two students, some with private bathrooms, and shared flats with common areas as a kitchen and a living room.
In both of them, common facilities usually include study rooms, libraries, gyms, recreation rooms, and outdoor spaces, and they sometimes include a swimming pool and garden. They also offer services like room cleaning, laundry and, in some cases, dining service with half-board —breakfast and one meal— or full-board —breakfast and two meals— options.
This prestigious institution doesn’t have its own residences or Colegios Mayores, but it has several affiliated ones. That’s, students from this institution can apply for places in some of them, such as the Colegio Mayor Universitario Larraona or the Colegio Mayor Universitario Mendaur.
In the Erasmus Play search engine, you can find all the private and verified residences in Pamplona, with the option to filter by price to find the most affordable options. You can also adjust the filters based on important features and view the location on the map. Thus facilitating the search for your ideal residence in the Navarrese city.
To be enrolled in a higher education institution is required. Some residences may request additional documentation, such as a letter of admission or a study certificate. Also, in-person interviews are often conducted to assess compatibility with the residential community.
The main difference lies in the educational experience. Residences offer accommodation and basic services focused toward comfort and coexistence. Colegios Mayores, on the other hand, tend to have a more comprehensive educational approach, offering cultural, academic, and personal development activities. These are often affiliated with universities and may require more rigorous admissions interviews.
In Pamplona, the cost of a student residence varies depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan. Single rooms typically range from 480€ to 650€ per month, while double rooms can cost from 480€ and up. Half-board —breakfast and one meal— can increase the price by approximately 200€ per month, and full-board —three meals— by 300€ per month. However, keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on the residence and the additional services that are offered.
Renting a room in a shared flat is usually cheaper than renting a room in a student residence. Room prices in shared apartments start at around 270€ per month, while student residences typically range from 590€ with half board included. However, residences include additional services like cleaning, security and common areas, which causes the price difference depending on the student's needs and preferences.
It's advisable to book several months in advance, especially if you're looking to secure a spot for the start of the course in September! There’s usually a high demand, and many residences open their registration process early in the year —around March or April—. Booking early allows you to access a wider variety of options and, in some cases, promotional prices.