Madrid ranks in the top 30 of the QS Best Student Cities Index achieving a high score for desirability. 

Students frequently cite Madrid’s diversity, lifestyle, nightlife, and weather among a long list of pros. Another measure of the overall quality of life in the Spanish capital is its student accommodation and strong support for international students. 

At Student.com, we list a huge amount of student homes to choose from in Madrid. You can have an unforgettable experience in charming, fully furnished modern flats and apartments ideal for students in great locations in the heart of the city.

If you need any help or have any questions, just give us a call or talk to us via live chat. We’re always happy to help.

Get to know Madrid

It's said that "the only thing Madrid lacks is a beach.”

Besides its high-quality academic offerings, Spain's capital and most populous city has plenty to offer. It’s a leading city in culture, leisure, fashion, nightlife, business, sports, and entertainment.

Step outside your student housing in Madrid and discover the city’s stunning palaces, vibrant streets, and quaint tapas bars. Wander around this constantly evolving city after lectures, and you won’t want to rush back to your student accommodation.  

Discover spectacular medieval mansions, the picturesque Botanic Garden, the nearby Buen Retiro Park, or explore the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums by day. 

At night, the city comes alive with cocktail bars and flamenco dancing that can go on until dawn. This city lives life to the fullest.

The balance between old and new

Spain’s capital strikes a delicate balance quite well with one foot firmly rooted in the past and the other stepping confidently forward to the future. 

A simple walk through the large metropolitan city’s neighbourhoods reveals its dedication to maintaining this important balance between old and new. 

The city is devoted to the development of highly effective modern infrastructure but also committed to preserving and restoring its most beloved historical buildings and landmarks. 

Historic treasures such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Theatre, and the National Library weave Madrid’s streets and parkways. 

Modern business, art, technology, and fashion intertwine with tried, treasured, and true historic architecture, arts, and culture. This results in a city of vibrant ambiance and beautiful scenery.

Business and employment opportunities

One of the common outcomes students hope for from their studies is to get a good job in a great company or establish a potentially fruitful business venture after graduation. 

Madrid offers an excellent opportunity for a successful career path thanks to programs that are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of various industries. One of Europe’s major financial hubs, the sunny Spanish capital is a buzzing centre for business and commerce.

While it might not be quite at the level of Barcelona, Madrid’s tech startup scene has grown rapidly over the last five years hosting over 1,200 tech startups. 

Considered one of the EU’s fastest-growing economies with a well-developed infrastructure, foreign investors and developers continue to establish their businesses in the city, creating plenty of job opportunities for college graduates.

Cultural diversity

The most populated city in Spain is also arguably the most diverse. The streets are usually full of different types of people from all over the world. 

With approximately 20,000 international students studying in the capital city, you’ll meet and interact with various people of diverse origins and cultures.

The traditional Spanish culture of slower-paced days, siestas in the afternoon, a devotion to time with food, wine, and loved ones, is complemented by a more modern, faster paced culture of the big city. 

Studying in Madrid will leave you steeped in a deeply satisfying and dynamic culture. 

Student life in Madrid

Apart from cultural diversity, living and studying in Madrid is also vibrant and thriving.

From its convenient Mediterranean weather, cultural events, and recreational facilities to art galleries and famous museums, Madrid has something for everyone.

Leisure in Madrid

One of Madrid’s key differentiators is leisure.

The city is famous for its outgoing and sociable lifestyle. From a chic fashion scene, lengthy siestas, leisurely evenings socializing at the city's innumerable tapas bars, to late nights out on the weekends, you can find an infinite variety of activities to enjoy.

The city also boasts some of the world's most beloved sights such as the Prado art gallery, the Museo Reina Sofía museum, and the Puerta de Alcalá neo-classical monument.

As for eating out, there’s a vast diversity of restaurants to enjoy. To get a sense of the real Madrileño life take a tapas tour at La Latina - the best way to try traditional Spanish food. El Museo del Jamón is another great option to have a real Spanish experience.

There’s a lot more to enjoy in Madrid outside of the food though.

The Madrid nightlife

Envied by the autonomous communities and Spanish provinces, the legendary Madrid nightlife is a can’t-miss for international students. 

Dance the night away at high-energy, people-pleasing clubs such as Shôko, Kapital, Ochoymedio, and Joy Eslava, or spend the night at the youthful and lively Barrio de La Latina – a maze of narrow lanes filled with tapas bars and cantinas on the site of a medieval islamic fort.

Enjoy funk and rock music in the student-friendly Malasaña and its streets of coffee shops, bakeries, and vintage clothing stores. Or, if you’re into more commercial music, visit Chueca, one of the most pleasant districts of the city with a lot to see and do. 

Cost of living in Madrid

The cost of studying and living is usually a major concern for most students. 

If you’re considering the Spanish capital as your study location, you would be happy to know that Madrid is considerably less expensive than many other cities in developed countries. As a matter of fact, it has been ranked as one of the world's most affordable cities for young people.

There are many discounts on offer to students in Madrid. Two of the most useful are the Carné Joven (youth card) and the Abono Joven transport pass. 

The youth card is a free card for residents between 14 and 30 years old. With the card, students are eligible for discounts at restaurants, free or discounted entry to museums and attractions, as well as reduced gym membership fees and travel discounts. 

The steeply discounted travel pass costs only €20 per month and is valid on all metro and bus lines across all zones in Madrid's public transport network. 

The famous Prado Reina museum and Thyssen gallery offer cheap entry fees and occasional discounts to students.

Though some clubs have a pricey cover charge, promoters advertise discounts on entry or drinks outside their venues

Universities in Madrid

Studying in Madrid will give you a quality education that will put you on the path to establishing a successful career.

The largest concentration of leading Spanish universities can be found in Madrid. The city offers some of the world’s best training in research, technology, and innovation.

Several of the over 80 universities and colleges in Madrid have ISO certification that guarantees a high level of quality education. 

Institutions such as the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, have a worldwide reputation in excellence ranking among the top universities in Europe and the world. 

This is primarily due to the continuous grading and scrutiny by the government, professional bodies and other stakeholders. 

Moreover, the city’s education system is also flexible. 

Universities and colleges in Madrid offer a wide range of subjects for different levels of study allowing students to choose to combine internships or part-time jobs with academic study.

The city’s highest-ranked university is the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Spain’s 2nd best educational institution is ranked 200th in the QS 2021 World University Rankings. 

Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid also rank in the top 500 universities in the world.

Frequently asked questions about student homes in Madrid

How to rent student housing in Madrid?

Booking a student apartment in Madrid is easy and free with Student.com. 

Find your ideal student residence by using our search filters to compare properties by price, amenities, etc. You can also check the map function to see if a property is in close enough proximity to your university or in a part of Madrid you’re interested in living in.

After you’ve chosen your property, go to the property page and choose your preferred room type. Then click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now.’ One of our booking consultants will then contact you to take you through the next steps of the booking process or to answer any further questions you may have before you’re ready to book. 

What are the different types of student residences you offer in Madrid?

There are three different types of student rooms to choose from:

In Shared Rooms, two or more people share a bedroom. Additional living spaces are all shared with other tenants from other rooms.

In Private Rooms you’ll have a private bedroom and, in some properties, a private bathroom as well. All other living spaces are shared with other tenants.

The Entire Place option provides you with a fully self-contained studio property with all living spaces being private. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette for cooking meals. The perfect option if you love your own space!

Is it safe to rent private student rooms? 

We always want to make sure you can rent through Student.com with total peace of mind. Our very strict vetting process ensures we only list properties from trusted landlords.

Can you arrange a viewing of the apartment before I book?

Yes. If you’d like to see a property before booking it, you can contact us and one of our booking consultants will gladly set up a viewing for you.