Student accommodation, flats, and rooms for rent in Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is one of the most important university cities in southern Brazil, with a youthful atmosphere, active cultural life and excellent educational quality. It’s home to renowned institutions such as the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), which attracts thousands of local and international students every year.

Student apartments for rent in Porto Alegre

Would you like to live in a student flat in Porto Alegre? There are two different options:

On the one hand, there are studio flats, ideal for those seeking independence and privacy during their stay. They have a bedroom, bathroom, and small kitchen in a compact space.

On the other hand, there are shared flats with between two and four bedrooms, where the bedrooms are usually single and the rest of the flat is shared between the residents. The cost is usually lower because the expenses are divided amongst everyone.

All these flats are usually located near universities and areas with good public transport connections, such as the city centre and the neighbourhoods of Cidade Baixa or Bom Fim.

Student rooms for rent in Porto Alegre

Another very popular alternative is rooms in shared flats, residences, or co-living spaces. In this type of accommodation, each student has their own room (with a private or shared bathroom) while sharing common areas, such as the kitchen and living room. It’s a more affordable and social option, perfect for those who want to meet new people as soon as they arrive in Porto Alegre.

Student residences and co-living spaces usually include all amenities: furniture, internet connection, maintenance, and access to common areas. Their monthly cost may be higher than that of a room in a shared flat, but it is worth considering the benefits.

Student accommodation in Porto Alegre

Among the neighbourhoods that students usually choose to live in during their stay in this city are:

Flats for rent in Cidade Baixa

This neighbourhood is one of the most popular among students due to its bohemian and youthful atmosphere. It has an active nightlife, with bars, cafés, and cultural venues frequented by students. In addition, Cidade Baixa is quite central, has good public transport connections and is close to the UFRGS campuses. However, bear in mind that it can also be quite noisy at night.

Apartments in Bom Fim

Living in Bom Fim is another good option, especially because of its proximity to UFRGS. It’s a quieter area but with good connections to other parts of the city. It also has cafés, restaurants, local shops, and easy access to the Parque de la Redención.

Rooms for rent in the Historic Centre

Living in the historic centre of Porto Alegre is a very convenient option for those who want to be close to everything. The area has a wide range of services, shops, cafés, and dining options, as well as excellent public transport links to the main universities. It has a dynamic atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy being on the go and cultural life. It’s also one of the most affordable areas in terms of rental prices, although it can be somewhat noisy.

Accommodation near the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

This institution has several campuses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the most central ones in Porto Alegre being the following:

• The Campus Centro: it’s located in the central area of Porto Alegre, in the neighbourhood of Farroupilha. Faculties such as Architecture, Education and Law are based here. To live nearby, Bom Fim, Cidade Baixa, and the Historic Centre are good options.
• The Campus Saúde: the health campus is in the neighbourhood of Santa Cecília, southeast of the historic centre. This campus houses the faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and the University Hospital. To find accommodation nearby, you may wish to consider neighbourhoods such as Rio Branco, Petrópolis, or Azenha.

Student residences in Porto Alegre

If you’re considering living in student accommodation, you need to know what your options are.

University residences (those that are public or managed by universities) are usually intended for students with socio-economic needs, with selection processes to obtain a place based on income, academic performance or university criteria. That’s why they aren’t usually an option for international students.

For their part, private student residences and co-living spaces usually offer single rooms or studio flats. They tend to be modern spaces and usually have air conditioning, furniture, and additional services and amenities (such as 24-hour reception, security access control, co-working areas, common rooms, lounge, terrace, social areas, shared kitchens, internet, and maintenance).

FAQ about studying in Porto Alegre