Student housing in Panama City

Panama City, the capital of Panama in Central America, is a very dynamic and multicultural city. It has a fusion of the historical with the modern, combined with beaches and nature, which makes its atmosphere unique. This is why many students (both Panamanian and international) choose to study there, at universities such as the Universidad de Panamá, the Universidad Santa María La Antigua (USMA) or the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP).

Student apartments for rent in Panama City

Looking to rent an apartment in Panama City? Student apartments available for rent in Panama City are usually studio type or one to three bedrooms —and it’s more common to share with other students due to the high prices.

Most of these flats are furnished, including beds, tables, closets, and, in many cases, basic appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and washing machine. An important consideration is whether it has air conditioning or some kind of cooling system, as it tends to be very hot and humid.

They generally have spaces such as a living room, kitchen, and shared bathroom. In addition, many modern buildings offer access to common areas such as a gym, swimming pool, laundry or services such as security.

It’s common for the rent to not include all services (water, electricity, internet, etc.), so it’s advisable to check what’s included in the contract.

A very important thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the cheapest apartments are in less-than-safe areas, far from bus stops or public transportation, or in very old buildings. Be sure to double-check all of this before confirming your rental to make sure it's the ideal place for you.

Student rooms for rent in Panama City

Would you prefer to rent a room to share your stay with more people? In this city, rooms can be individual or shared —although the most common ones are the single ones.

Something you have to take a look at is the type of apartment the room is part of, since it can be a shared apartment between students or a family apartment. The first option is the liveliest in terms of atmosphere, while the second allows you to delve deeper into the local culture.

Most of them are furnished, with a bed, wardrobe, desk, and fan or air conditioning. In addition, there’s usually access to a shared kitchen, as well as common areas such as the living room, laundry room, and terrace.

It’s important to check if the services are included in the price and if there are rules for living together, such as a curfew at night.

Student accommodation in Panama City

Below, you’ll find some of the most popular neighbourhoods for students in the capital, and where there's usually the most available accommodation. Before that, it's worth mentioning that this city is divided into “corregimientos” (kind of a district, the smallest political-administrative divisions in Panama), which in turn are divided into neighbourhoods.

Flats for rent in El Cangrejo (Bella Vista)

The neighbourhood of El Cangrejo is part of the district of Bella Vista. This is a bohemian neighbourhood with a very active and varied nightlife, with bars, breweries and proximity to several nightclubs. Thanks to that, it has a youthful and lively atmosphere, while also being safe. It also has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

El Cangrejo is very well connected on foot and by public transport (metro and bus) with several universities and other central areas. It's also common to find a variety of shared apartments and student residences.

Apartments in San Francisco

San Francisco is another area of the city that’s convenient to look for accommodation as a student. It has a lively atmosphere, with tall buildings and a variety of restaurants, shopping malls, shops, and bars. In addition, in San Francisco there’s the Parque Omar, one of the largest parks in the city, and it’s also on the Panama Bay, so you can enjoy walks along the seaside. However, take a good look at the transport connection to your university, since buses can take a long time to connect to the campuses.

Rooms for rent in El Dorado

This neighbourhood is located in the district of Betania, a little far from the neighbourhoods mentioned above, but well connected by metro and buses. This is a safe and practical area for students, as it’s close to several universities, such as the Technological University of Panama. In addition, it has access to green areas like the Metropolitan Park and shopping centres, such as El Dorado Mall.

Student accommodation near the University of Panama (UP)

This institution has two campuses in the capital:

• The Octavio Mendez Pereira Campus is the main one and is located in the University City (“Ciudad Universitaria”) located in El Cangrejo. To live nearby, the district of Bella Vista (with neighbourhoods like El Cangrejo, El Carmen, and Obarrio) are ideal. They can also be easily reached fromEl Dorado or Tumba Muerto by subway.
• The Harmodio Arias Madrid Campus is in Curundu. That district (and its surroundings) is not one of the safest areas of the city, so students often choose to live in Bella Vista and get to the campus by bus (it takes about 30 minutes depending on the area).

Student residences in Panama City

Are you thinking about looking for a student residence in the Panamanian capital? This option isn’t one of the most common to find, so students who want to live in a community setting typically choose rooms in shared apartments with other young people. This way, they can experience living with other students and sharing their daily lives.

International exchange and Erasmus programme in Panama City

Can you imagine studying for a few months in Central America with a European scholarship? Erasmus+ makes it possible if your European university has an agreement with a Panamanian university. In Panama City, the Universidad de Panama and the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) participate in academic cooperation projects with Europe. It may not be the most typical Erasmus destination, but that makes it even more special. You can combine your studies with discovering the jungle, the canal, and a city that blends the modern with the traditional. You just have to be aware of the calls and move in time.

FAQ about studying in Panama City