Heading to the Spanish capital for your studies? At Student.com, we list a huge range of student housing in Madrid! Whether you're looking for a modern residence or traditional apartment, you’re sure to find your dream student home with us.

From Moncloa to Malasaña, you’ll find properties all over the city – conveniently placed near university campuses and metro stations. And with our filter features, it’s easy to find an apartment that fits your budget and living requirements.

Start browsing our at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Madrid, including the best areas to live and top tips for booking accommodation... 

Madrid at a glance

Spain's capital and most populous city has so much to offer. It’s at the cutting edge of culture, fashion, nightlife, sports and entertainment, but still proudly displays its rich history with one foot firmly rooted in the past and the other stepping confidently forward to the future.

Step outside and you'll discover stunning palaces, vibrant streets and quaint tapas bars that have stood unchanged for centuries. At night, the city comes alive with cocktail bars and flamenco dancing that can go on until dawn. In short, the city lives life to the fullest.

Universities in Madrid

With its mix of major public universities, smaller private institutions and top-ranking technical schools, Madrid truly has something for everyone. 

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Home to nearly 90,000 students, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Complutense University of Madrid or UCM) is comfortably Spain’s largest university. It’s also one of the oldest universities in the world, with roots dating back to 1293.

In terms of rankings, UCM is one of the top universities in Spain and regularly ranks among the top 200 in the world. The main campus is based in Madrid’s Ciudad Universitaria, just a short metro ride from the city centre.

Joining the ranks of Madrid’s biggest university? Check out our dedicated UCM accommodation! 

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

With roughly 30,000 students, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Autonomous University of Madrid or UAM) may be smaller than UCM – but it often ranks above the city’s other major university in the national and international league tables.

Based just outside Madrid in peaceful Cantablanco, UAM retains solid connections to the city centre via train. It has a stunning campus packed full of amazing facilities and surrounded by green space.

Heading here and want to live near campus? We also offer student housing near UAM!

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Founded in 1989, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (University Carlos III of Madrid or UC3M) is a young, innovative university known for its excellence in engineering, economics and social sciences. It’s home to around 20,000 students, including a large international community.

UC3M has four campuses in Madrid: Getafe serves as the main campus, Leganés is focused on engineering, Colmenarejo is dedicated to social sciences and Puerta de Toledo is for postgraduate programmes.

Going to be studying at the university? Browse our UC3M accommodation for options near all four campuses!

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Specialising in science, technology and engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Technical University of Madrid or UPM) is Spain’s leading technical university and one of the best of its kind in Europe. It’s made up of around 20 different schools, each dedicated to a different technical field.

The main campus is based in Ciudad Universitaria, just a short walk from UCM and within easy reach of the city centre. Over 35,000 students attend the university, which makes for a vibrant social scene.

Need somewhere to stay during your degree? We have a great selection of student residences near UPM!

Other universities in Madrid

Public universities aren’t your only option for studying in Madrid. The Spanish capital is also home to private institutions like Universidad Pontificia Comillas and Universidad Europea de Madrid, offering smaller class sizes and more contact time with teaching staff.

There are some great business schools, too, such as IE University, ESIC University and IESE Business School. The historic Universidad de Alcalá – another top Spanish university – is also based 35km northeast of the city.

Things for students to do in Madrid

Between the museums, tapas bars, nightclubs and outdoor spaces, you’ll never lack for things to do or places to visit in Madrid.

Arts & culture

Madrid is home to some of the world’s best museums, with the three best known ones – the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza – forming the famous “Golden Triangle”. Here you can marvel at works by Velázquez, Picasso, Goya and more.

Beyond the major museums, Madrid buzzes with contemporary art galleries, independent theatres and live music venues. For a true taste of the city’s thriving underground culture, head to neighbourhoods like Malasaña and Chueca.

History

Madrid is packed with historic gems and remains dedicated to preserving and restoring its most beloved landmarks. A simple walk through La Latina and Lavapiés – two of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – will make this apparent.

Historic treasures such as the Palacio Real de Madrid, the Teatro Real and the Biblioteca Nacional de España weave the streets and parkways of the city centre. Need a break from the sightseeing? Grab a coffee at the Plaza Mayor and watch the world go by as locals have done for years.

Food & drink

As for eating out, there’s a vast number of restaurants to enjoy in Madrid. To get a sense of the real Madrileño life, take a tapas tour in La Latina and sample classic dishes like patatas bravas and Spanish omelette.

Traditional markets like Mercado San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón have a host of vendors all under one roof and have been central to Madrid’s culinary culture for decades. Wherever you go, keep an eye out for menú del día deals and happy hour discounts!

Nightlife

At night, Madrid comes alive and doesn’t stop until dawn. Dance the night away at high-energy, people-pleasing clubs such as Shôko, Kapital, Ochoymedio and Joy Eslava, or pass the night in the youthful 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.

Outdoors

The wealth of green space available to Madrileños is yet another reason to study in Madrid. El Retiro, Madrid's green heart right in the city centre, offers 125 hectares of gardens and lakes that serve as the perfect backdrop for an outdoor study session.

Casa de Campo, Europe's largest urban park, is conveniently placed near Ciudad Universitaria and boasts hiking trails, sports facilities and even a cable car. The nearby Sierra de Guadarrama mountains also make for an amazing day trip or weekend away.

Best student areas in Madrid

If you’re unsure where to look for student housing in Madrid, you’ll be glad to hear there are a few key areas near the universities and the city centre where you’ll find lots of fellow students.

Moncloa

Based northwest of the city centre, Moncloa is one of Madrid’s main student hotspots. It’s home to Ciudad Universitaria, which is where the main campuses of UCM and UPM are located – so you’ll find lots of students from these two universities living here.

The neighbourhood has a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere, but it’s still easy to get to the city centre and there’s good nightlife in neighbouring Chamberí. Housing ranges from purpose-built student residences to shared apartments, typically priced lower than central locations.

Malasaña

The heart of hipster culture in Madrid, Malasaña has long been a favourite of students and young professionals. Picture narrow streets packed with vintage stores, record shops, quirky cafes and independent bookstores.

The nightlife here is legendary, with numerous bars, clubs and live music venues open throughout the week. Another benefit is the central location, which makes travel to other parts of the city easy. 

La Latina

La Latina, Madrid’s oldest neighbourhood, is another trendy student hangout with a mix of culture, nightlife and historic charm. Here you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by dining at countless tapas bars and heading to El Rastro flea market on Sundays.

In terms of student housing, this mainly consists of traditional apartments with a mix of private and shared options available. The rental market is competitive, but overall the area offers excellent value. 

Student cost of living in Madrid

If you’re considering Madrid for your studies, you’ll be pleased to know the city is considerably less expensive than many other major European capitals. As a matter of fact, it has been ranked as one of the world's most affordable cities for young people.

Monthly student budgets in Madrid typically range from €800–€1,200. However, this may be slightly more if you opt for pricier accommodation, such as a private residence in an area like Malasaña or La Latina. 

Free things to do in Madrid

When you need to stretch your budget, Madrid offers a wealth of free things to do. Several famous museums offer free entry during specific hours – the Prado opens its doors daily from 6–8pm, while Reina Sofía offers free access on certain weekday evenings.

You can also soak up Madrid’s famous sunshine in El Retiro and Casa de Campo, people-watch at the city’s bustling markets or take yourself on a walking tour of historic neighbourhoods like La Latina.

Student discounts in Madrid

There are many discounts on offer to students in Madrid, with two of the most useful being the European Youth Card and the Abono Joven transport pass. The latter costs €20 per month and unlocks unlimited travel on all metro and bus lines in Madrid's public transport network.

The European Youth Card costs only a few euros per year and provides access to discounts at restaurants, free or discounted entry to museums and attractions, as well as reduced gym membership fees.

Public transport in Madrid

Madrid’s public transport system makes navigating the city a breeze. Metro, bus and train services cover the full breadth of the city, connecting the main student areas with university campuses and the city centre.

Metro

The metro is your go-to method of transport in Madrid. It consists of 12 main lines covering over 290km, making it one of Europe’s most extensive systems. Services run frequently from 6am–1.30am, with extended hours on weekends. 

Bus

The EMT bus network operates over 200 routes and covers outlying areas and university campuses not directly served by the metro. Night buses (búhos) run from midnight until 6am – ideal for getting home after a night out! 

Train

Commuter trains (cercanías) serve Madrid’s surrounding metropolitan area and are another option for getting around – particularly if you live near the city’s two main stations in Atocha and Chamartín.

Frequently asked questions

Is Madrid a safe place for students to live?

Madrid is exceptionally safe for students, with crime rates significantly lower than most major European cities. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and public transport, but simple measures like securing your belongings and staying alert will prevent most incidents.

When should I start looking for student housing in Madrid?

Madrid experiences strong demand for student housing – particularly in popular neighbourhoods and near university campuses. Demand peaks in late summer as the new academic years begin, with the most desirable properties typically reserved by June or July. As such, it’s best to start your search 3–4 months before arrival. 

How much does student housing in Madrid cost?

Student housing costs in Madrid vary widely depending on the neighbourhood. A shared apartment in the suburbs may only cost €300 per month, while a private studio near the city centre may be as much as €1,500. The accommodation we list in Madrid typically ranges from €600–€800 per month.

Where are the best areas for students in Madrid?

Madrid has several student areas – Moncloa is a standout choice for students commuting to Ciudad Universitaria, while Malasaña and La Latina are both buzzing with energy and closer to the city centre for sightseeing, eating out and nightlife. Elsewhere, Chueca, Lavapiés and Chamberí are all popular.

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Madrid?

EU citizens enjoy freedom of movement and can study in Madrid without visas, requiring only valid documentation and confirmation of acceptance from the university. Non-EU students will need a student visa for programmes lasting longer than 90 days. You can find more information here.

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!