Often described as a fairytale city, Granada is cosmopolitan, inexpensive, relatively small, and a great option for a wonderful student experience.

Make one of Spain’s most interesting and unique cities your home with student accommodation in Granada from Student.com.

We currently offer almost 200 student housing options in Granada. You can rent a room in a studio apartment close to campus and with the city’s historic attractions at your fingertips.

If you need help in booking one of our comfortable and safe student rooms, just call us, or send us your queries through the live chat on this page. Our helpful and knowledgeable booking consultants are always happy to help you find the ideal student home just for you!

Getting to know Granada 

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, just 70 kilometres (44 miles) from the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Known for its grand medieval architecture, dramatic history, colourful modern culture, and rich and varied landscape, the capital city of the province of Granada is a must-stop when visiting Spain.

Plenty of cultural and recreational activities, a contrasting mix of tradition and modernity, and vibrant nightlife, are just some of the reasons why millions of tourists visit and over 60,000 international students choose to study abroad in Granada every year.

This adds to the city’s already rich mix of cultures and influences, which reflects its Christian, Arabic, Romani, and Jewish roots in a mutually respectful and multicultural environment. Granada is like a melting pot where culture, art, and architecture from North Africa and Europe collide.

Exceptional Spanish food is the norm in Spanish cities, but Granada’s tapas culture is second to none. Getting a small plate of tapas with every drink you order is an efficient way to sample one of the staples in the city’s cuisine without breaking the bank.

History

Granada’s long, complex, and dramatic history, which dates to the Romans and the Moors, is also one of its main standouts and attractions. The Moorish occupation and centuries of diverse influences have shaped the city’s historic heritage, as well as its cultural and artistic makeup.

Granada’s spectacular architecture, from the majestic courtyards and mosaics of the Alhambra to the lush gardens of the Generalife, is testimony to the city’s rich history. It is a place where history comes to life, and old cobbled streets sit in the shadow of incredible Moorish palaces. 

Attractions

Speaking of palaces, the famous Alhambra is one of the city’s biggest draws. Once a Moorish palace and citadel, the Alhambra is one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Spain. The UNESCO World Heritage Site which is part fortress, part palace, and part gardens, dominates the city’s landscape and can be seen from almost everywhere.

Settle down in the old town centre and explore more monuments of the Moorish civilisation and its conquest, or wander the narrow streets of Albayzín and enjoy a great variety of tea products in the small Arabian tea rooms. View the entire city of Granada from one of the medieval Arabian district’s “miradores” (viewpoints).

Medieval architecture is not the only reason the province of Granada is beautiful to the eye though. A day of fun at one of the many stretches of the province’s gorgeous sandy beaches beckons beachgoers. Experience beauty at every turn with Costa Granadina’s clear water, rugged cliffs, and picturesque quaint villages. Take the hour-long trip down to the coast from the city and bask in the pleasant climate and stunning beaches.

Student life in Granada

Modern, vibrant, and multicultural, Granada has a lively student atmosphere. With a third of the city’s population being students, it’s easy to see why.

It’s also not hard to see why students flock to Granada. Granada provides students with a buzzing nightlife, a wide range of cultural activities, incredible scenery, and delicious tapas. Despite offering one of the highest qualities of life in Spain, it’s also one of the least expensive cities in the country. That combination makes Granada a top student destination.

Nightlife 

For those who love a good night out, there is lots going on after the sun goes down in Granada. With a multitude of bars, pubs, and nightclubs for all kinds of musical tastes, Granada has developed a reputation as a party city.

For a unique clubbing experience, check out El Camborio, a nightclub that has a terrace with magnificent views of the spectacular palace and fortress Alhambra.

To party from sundown to sunrise, head to Mae West and enjoy a buzzing complex with multiple dance floors, bars, DJ sets, and outdoor spaces. Always crowded, Mae West is open until the early hours of the morning every day and is located in the centre of Granada. 

Restaurants in Granada

Great Spanish restaurants are plenty in Granada, but the city is also home to some fantastic international food, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian.

If you’re vegan, you will enjoy Wild Food’s globally inspired menu of plant-based dishes and desserts. The airy, cosmopolitan restaurant offers excellent vegan food with raw and gluten-free options.

For an authentic taste of Lebanese food, Samarcanda is perhaps the best place in all of Spain. Tasty and affordable, the restaurant focuses on delicious homemade Lebanese food made to perfection. 

For a good selection of tapas, wines, and food, the Bodegas Castañeda is the place to go. The storied, warmly decorated traditional pub & bar features a bohemian ambiance and outdoor seating. Another great tapas option is Bar Los Diamantes. 

Student discounts

With all that Granada offers, one would think it would come at a heavy cost. But the city provides many budget-friendly experiences for students. Take advantage of student discounts at many of the city’s museums, including Palacio de los Olvidados or Parque de las Ciencias.

Students can enjoy the nightlife without spending lots of money, with many of the city’s bars hosting students’ nights. While out, enjoy free tapas whenever you order a drink at any of the authentic tapas bars.

Where to study in Granada?

A public university founded in 1531, the University of Granada (Universidad de Granada, UGR) is the fourth largest university in Spain. It comprises five schools (Building Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Information, and Telecommunications) across 22 faculties and 116 departments.

UGR caters to approximately 60,000 students offering around 75 different qualifications, including 68 master’s courses and 116 doctorate programmes across its five campuses in Granada. The institution also has campuses in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa.

UGR is a member of several prestigious university networks, including the Coimbra Group, an association of long-established multidisciplinary European universities of high international standing. 

International makeup

An international university, UGR enrols the most international students of any European university. The institution welcomes 2,000 overseas students every year through the Erasmus programme and over 10,000 through its Centre for Modern Languages.

Established in 1992, the Centre maintains partnerships with over 20 universities and study-abroad organisations in the US and Canada, as well as many European institutions. 

Research-driven

With 12 separate research institutes and support of over 150 research projects, UGR prides itself on providing quality research. An active participant in the Spanish Research Programme, the country’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Business, has awarded financial support to 78 of its Projects of Excellence.

Frequently asked questions about student residences in Granada

How do I apply for student housing in Granada on Student.com? 

Applying for student accommodation in Granada is super simple and can be done with just a few clicks. You can use the filters and the map feature on this page to find the student property that suits you the best, based on things like room types, amenities and location. Once you’ve chosen, go to your favourite property’s property page by clicking on ‘View rooms’.

On the property page you’ll need to choose the actual room you want to stay in, as well as the dates when you’ll be living there. Once you’ve done that, click on ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’ and leave your contact details. One of our booking consultants will soon contact you to answer any questions you may still have and to help you through the next steps of the booking process once you’re ready to book. 

Do you offer studio apartments for rent? 

Yes we do. We offer three different types of student rooms in Granada.

Shared Rooms: A shared bedroom with a roommate. Other living facilities such as bathrooms and kitchenettes are also shared.

Private Rooms: A private bedroom for just one person. Depending on the property you choose, you might get a private bathroom as well. Other living spaces, such as kitchens, are shared.

Entire Place: A fully self-contained studio apartment with fully private living facilities. You’ll have the flat all for yourself, with a private bedroom, bathroom and a kitchenette for cooking meals. 

Can I live with a roommate when I book accommodation in Granada? 

Yes. When you book a Shared Room you can share that accommodation with one or more roommates. If you have a friend who will also be studying in Granada, you can ask to share with them. Just mention this to your booking consultant when making your booking and make sure your friend does the same.

Do you offer accommodation to international students and Erasmus students?

Yes, absolutely! As long as you are a full-time student, you can book any accommodation you want on Student.com. 

Are bills included in the rent?

This depends on the property. Currently about half the properties we list in Granada have at least some bills included. You can find these with the filters on this page.

Are the apartments fully furnished?

Most of our listings in Granada are rented unfurnished, but we do list some furnished options as well. You can find these by choosing the filter ‘Furnished Available’.