Student housing in Quito

Whether you’re going for an exchange programme, a university degree or a postgraduate degree, finding student accommodation in Quito is a key step to fully enjoy your academic and personal experience in the city. In this article, we explore the best types of accommodation, areas, and other useful information to help you make the best decision.

An important fact to bear in mind, which may surprise you, is that the currency used is the US dollar.

Student apartments for rent in Quito

The most common types of apartments in the Ecuadorian capital are those with several rooms that can be shared between several students. That’s to say, it’s not very common to find private studio apartments (although there are some that are part of student residences, but their cost is much higher).

In Quito, fully furnished apartments usually have the expenses included in the rental price, but remember to confirm it to make sure you know what the total cost will be each month.

Most apartments rented to students are fully furnished, at least with the basics to move in. Keep in mind that not all of them include a washing machine, although in some cases they are available in some other part of the building. In addition, some may be part of buildings with communal spaces, which may include a pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna, coworking space, games room, among others. This will surely make the difference in your choice!

Student rooms for rent in Quito

In the Ecuadorian capital, it’s very common for rooms to be part of shared apartments and student residences, as well as family houses or apartments. It’s true that the atmosphere in the latter is usually quieter, but it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, learning more about Ecuadorian culture.

The rooms vary between single rooms and shared rooms. The latter are the most affordable per-person, but you'll need to think about whether you want to share all the spaces in the apartment with someone else. Keep in mind that the bathroom is usually shared, but in some cases, it can be private.

Student accommodation in Quito

Here are some of the areas you can consider when looking for accommodation in the Ecuadorian city:

Flats for rent in La Foresta

This neighbourhood is quiet, but it has an artistic atmosphere that makes it unique. It’s home to art galleries and cultural spaces, making it an attractive option for students looking for a creative environment. It also has restaurants that offer cuisines from different parts of the world, as well as several cafes and brunch spots.

Apartments in La Mariscal

Located in the north-central part of Quito, and next to La Floresta, this neighbourhood is known for its lively nightlife. It has plenty of bars, restaurants, and places frequented by young people, such as the Plaza Foch. It’s close to several universities and has good transport links to the historic centre.

Rooms for rent in La Carolina

La Carolina is the commercial district of the city. It has a lot of affordable eateries, as well as a variety of bars to enjoy the nightlife (including some with karaoke and live music). This neighbourhood’s also notable for its park, La Carolina Park, a large green space with a lake, botanical gardens, and a museum. There are also two shopping malls.

Student accommodation near San Francisco de Quito University

The main campus of this institution is located in Cumbayá, east of the city. It houses most of the faculties, laboratories, libraries, and student services.

An important fact to keep in mind is that this university usually offers the students free transportation to/from the Cumbayá campus and different parts of the city, so we recommend that you find out the route to see the different areas where it's best to look for accommodation to be near the campus.

Student residences in Quito

In the capital of Ecuador, you can find both residences offered by the universities themselves and private residences, usually located near the campuses of the institutions. Pay attention to their characteristics, as each one is different. For example, some are exclusively female-oriented, while others offer only shared rooms (which can be shared between two or three people).

International exchange and Erasmus programme in Quito

Although the Erasmus+ programme focuses primarily on exchanges within Europe, it also offers the possibility to study in other continents, including Latin America, provided that there are agreements between universities. In Quito, institutions such as the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) participate in international mobility programmes and have collaborated with European universities. If you’re a European student, you could take part of your studies or do an internship at these universities through the Erasmus Mundus programme or through bilateral agreements. As always, it's advisable to check the deadlines and requirements, as places are limited and competitive.

FAQ about studying in Quito