Student housing in San José, Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica, capital of Costa Rica and cultural and economic heart of the region, is one of the most popular academic destinations for national and international students in Central America. With universities such as University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) and the Latin University, the city offers a lively student life, green spaces, museums, and a nice mix of tradition and modernity.

Student apartments for rent in San José, Costa Rica

If you're thinking about renting a student apartment in the Costa Rican capital, you should know that they come in two different formats: small studio apartments for a single person or larger apartments with several rooms. The latter are the most common among students, as sharing significantly reduces monthly costs, especially in areas close to universities.

Most of these floors come furnished, including a bed, desk, closet, equipped kitchen, and refrigerator. They also often have common areas such as a living room, shared bathroom, and laundry area. If it's a shared apartment, keep in mind that cleaning is usually done by the tenants.

Some buildings, especially the most modern or “co-living” style, offer extras such as security, controlled access, green areas, parking or even gym and study areas.

Student rooms for rent in San José, Costa Rica

Would you rather look for a room in San José? Student rooms for rent can be single or shared. Single rooms are ideal for those who prioritise privacy, while shared rooms are the best option for those looking to save on rent.

These rooms usually are part of shared student apartments or private residences. Additionally, some rooms may be within family apartments or homes, which allows for a closer experience to Costa Rican culture and local daily life.

They’re usually furnished: they have a bed, desk, chair, and closet, and access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, and common areas such as a living room or dining room. Family homes also have access to swimming pools or terraces.

Student accommodation in San José, Costa Rica

Here you’ll find some of the areas with the most student accommodations in the Costa Rican capital:

Flats for rent in San Pedro

San Pedro is the student neighbourhood par excellence of San José. This is because it houses important universities, such as the University of Costa Rica or the Latin University, and that makes it have an active, safe, and lively environment that’s full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and cultural centres. Rental prices are usually affordable. There are plenty of shared rooms and apartments available. It also has good public transport links to the city centre.

Apartments in Sabanilla

Sabanilla is an excellent option for students looking for proximity to the UCR or the Universidad Latina, but in a quieter and more residential environment. It has a good selection of cafes, shopping malls, and restaurants. The cost of apartments is usually average. It also has efficient public transport connections to downtown San José.

Rooms for rent in Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante is one of the most lively and modern from San José, ideal for students looking for a safe, cultural environment with a lot of social life. Its bohemian atmosphere, full of cafes, urban art and restaurants, makes it a meeting point for young people, so it has a very lively nightlife. It’s also very close to universities such as the UCR and the Universidad Latina.

Student accommodation in near the University of Costa Rica (UCR)

The main campus of this institution is located in San Pedro, east of downtown San José. For this very reason, San Pedro is often the area that’s most chosen by students to live in. Other nearby neighbourhoods with good access to campus include: Barrio Escalante, Roosevelt, Los Yoses, and Sabanilla.

Student residences in San José, Costa Rica

Are you considering living in a student residence in the nation's capital? There are two different options.

On the one hand there are the university residences. They’re run by universities, such as the UCR, and are usually located on or very close to campus. They tend to be affordable because they offer subsidized prices, but they also have requirements for accessing a spot, such as being a low-income student or having excellent academic performance.

On the other hand there are the private residences. They’re more flexible in requirements and open to students from different universities. They’re usually well located (in neighbourhoods like San Pedro or Escalante), furnished, and include services (internet, cleaning, laundry). This makes their price slightly higher.

International exchange and Erasmus programme in San José, Costa Rica

The Erasmus+ programme allows stays in Latin America if there are agreements between universities, and, in Costa Rica, institutions such as the University of Costa Rica (UCR) or the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC) have links with Europe. If you're pursuing a degree or master's degree in Europe, you can study or do an internship in this Central American city. The process depends largely on the agreement between universities, but if the opportunity arises, you have to seize it!

FAQ about studying in San José, Costa Rica