Student halls of residence in Zaragoza

If you’re looking for accommodation and are considering the student residences in Zaragoza, keep reading! In this article, we tell you the most important information to know about them. From the advantages and disadvantages to information about private and university residences, including how to find cheap residences and the most frequently asked questions among students. Let's go!

The first thing we want to tell you is that in Zaragoza, like in many Spanish cities, you will find many private residences as well as university residences and colegios mayores (student halls). The main difference is that the latter are linked to university institutions, while residences can be part of a University or be private.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Zaragoza

Below we mention the most notable characteristics of this type of accommodation in the Aragonese city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Zaragoza

Among the common areas are: terrace, gym, study room, television room, games area and music rooms.
It’s an easy way to meet people when you just arrive in Zaragoza, since they house a large number of students. Furthermore, different nationalities usually coexist, so you will be able to enrich your experience by getting to know their cultures and ways of life.
Some residences may have storage rooms, which is very good since the rooms do not have much storage space. Even if it's just to leave your empty suitcase, a storage room will be great for you!
Some residences have services included such as cleaning and changing sheets and towels. In others, you have to pay an extra monthly fee to hire it, but we believe that it’s still an advantage to have the option.
Most have the option of hiring catering so they don't have to think so much about food. Generally, you can choose between half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and some have other options, such as only one meal a day during weekdays. Of course, remember that all this is going to increase the cost of your rental.
Usually, the rooms are well conditioned, both for cold and heat.
The rooms are furnished, at least with the basics, ready to move into. Please note that some apartments or private rooms do not have a bed or wardrobe.

Cons of living in student dorms in Zaragoza

Some don’t include bed linen, towels, hangers or kitchen utensils, and others ask for a single payment upon entering to live there (which can exceed €100 if you want to hire all that).
They have more rules, and they are often stricter than private flats. Some residences impose limits on the hours of use of common areas, while others may limit the entry of visitors, for example.
Living in such a dynamic environment can make it difficult to concentrate on studies when necessary. You're going to have to fight the FOMO and focus on your books.
Sometimes the residences close during some periods, such as the Christmas or Easter holidays. This may affect you if you are going to stay in Zaragoza during those days.
It’s normal for university residences and colegios mayores to have waiting lists. It’s very difficult to get a place there.

Private student residences in Zaragoza

Most of the private residences in this Aragonese city are located in central neighbourhoods, with good connections on foot or by public transport with the different university campuses in Zaragoza. Other residences are in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city, but next to a specific campus. This happens, for example, with those near the Río Ebro Campus of the University of Zaragoza.

The type of accommodation offered in residences can vary greatly. Some of them have single or two-person studio apartments, others have only single or shared rooms (between two and three people), while in some residences you can choose between all these types of accommodation.

Normally private residences are renovated and have modern furniture. Furthermore, they are usually well-conditioned to spend both summer and winter. Among the common spaces they have you can find gyms, terraces, television, music or study rooms, and games area.

Among the most common services they can offer are: cleaning of sheets and towels, cleaning of the rooms and homemade food. Of course, you have to pay extra per month to be able to hire these services.

University student halls of residence in Zaragoza

When we talk about university residences we are referring to those that are part of the same universities and the colegios mayores that are subscribed to them. These accommodations are frequently located next to the campuses of the institutions, or even within them. This can make it difficult to disconnect from university life, since you are immersed in it.

Something important to keep in mind is that, normally, to access a place in a university residence or a colegio mayor in Zaragoza you have to request it within a certain period. Furthermore, in several of them there are waiting lists, so they cannot ensure that everyone gets a place.

Sometimes the university residences in Zaragoza do not have bedding, towels, kitchen utensils and/or hangers. Pay close attention to this, because if not, you have the option of bringing them from home or buying them as soon as you arrive in the Aragonese city.

It’s important to highlight that the student residences have a prohibition regarding hazing (“novatadas”), which are rituals or practices aimed at new students to humiliate them before they can join the group. However, despite this prohibition, in certain places they continue to occur.

University Residences of the University of Zaragoza

This institution has three colegios mayores (student halls) of its own that are close to their campuses. Remember that it can be difficult to be assigned a place in one of them, as they usually receive a large number of applications every year. Additionally, you have to look at the period in which you can sign up.

If you want to know about the accommodation near the University of Zaragoza, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Zaragoza

Finding a residence at an affordable price can be challenging, but at Erasmus Play we simplify the process for you! On our platform, you can explore all the options of verified private residences in this Spanish city. This way, you can easily compare and choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you have made the reservation, which you can make completely online, you will only have to focus on choosing the best tapas bar in El Tubo!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Zaragoza

What are the requirements to apply for a place in a student residence in Zaragoza?
Among the few requirements that are usually requested are: presenting proof of enrollment at a University in Zaragoza and a valid ID or passport. In addition, payment of a deposit is requested in advance (the amount of which depends on each residence) which is returned upon leaving if everything is in good condition.
How much does a student residence in Zaragoza cost?
The price of a residence ranges from €380 per month onwards, although this can be for a shared room between three people or a single room depending on the residence they are in.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Zaragoza?
As in most Spanish cities, living in a residence usually entails a higher cost than living in a private shared flat. Keep in mind that this is because they offer several services and have many more amenities, so you have to see if it’s what you want or if you prefer to spend less on the monthly rent.
When to book in a student residence in Zaragoza?
Book as soon as you can! The city welcomes many students every year. Some university residences have waiting lists, so they can’t guarantee that everyone who applies for a place will receive one.
Are there female and male university residences in Zaragoza?
There are more female colegios mayores than male, but you’ll find both options. However, the majority of residences are mixed. It should be noted that, when it comes to shared rooms in residences, the most common thing is that they are all men or all women.