How To Find Housing in Barcelona as an International Student

Barcelona is one of Europe‘s most vibrant cities. Every year, more than 40,000 international students flock to the city in northeast Spain, famed for its sunny weather, artistic legacy, and progressive culture.

Set between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has everything you could want from a modern city. World-leading businesses, a buzzing startup ecosystem, incredible outdoor beauty, and a unique culture offer endless opportunities. The city’s food scene is a feast for the senses, offering everything from Michelin-starred sensations to humble tapas bars and international eateries. 

With increasing international influence, Barcelona offers many English-speaking career opportunities. The city is also home to some of the best universities in Spain. All of which makes for a very competitive housing market. 

Finding suitable accommodation in Barcelona can indeed be challenging. However, with the right strategy, you can find suitable student accommodation in the city. Here are five essential tips.

5 Key Tips for Finding Student Housing in Barcelona

1. Start Early: Timing is Everything

Barcelona’s housing market moves very fast. This means acting early is essential, as places are often taken down within hours of being listed. 

Begin your search 2-4 months in advance of your master’s program. The ideal months to begin your search are April to May for the fall semester (beginning in September). 

Create profiles for housing search websites and student accommodation platforms. Sign up for Barcelona accommodation newsletters and turn on notification alerts to make sure you’re the first to know when something becomes available.

Remember, sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find your dream Barcelona student accommodation. So, if you know anybody living in the city, be sure to ask if they know of any available apartments and to keep you informed.

2. Check What Your University Offers

The University of Barcelona (UB) is the only public university in Catalonia that offers its own halls of residence for students. They also have a network of partners that offer private residences at discounted rates for University of Barcelona students.

TBS Education offers a range of accommodation options, from partner residences close to campus to student halls and private apartments.

Many of Barcelona’s best universities offer accommodation to their international students through external partners. These often use first-come, first-served bookings or lottery systems, and space can be limited. Be sure to check your university’s website page and social media pages for housing information.

3. Make Use of Reliable Housing Platforms

Several websites, platforms, and apps cater specifically to students in Barcelona. Here are some of the most well-known:

  • Idealista is the most popular platform for finding an apartment in Barcelona. The platform features whole apartments, and shared student housing. You can draw an outline on a map of Barcelona to pinpoint your favored location in the city to create your search.
  • Spotahome is one of the best portals for finding shared student accommodation in Barcelona. The site features listings for shared rooms in the city’s best student neighborhoods. Customizable filters, including ‘perfect for students’ or ‘perfect for women’, make it easy to tailor your search.
  • Badi is a Barcelona-based app that enables you to tailor your share house search beyond typical parameters. As well as the usual filters like location and price, you can set your search to find your ideal flatmate, by searching for male, female, or non-binary, for example. You can also specify characteristics such as natural light.

Other useful rental housing providers include:

These housing platforms are generally respected. That said, it’s always important to do your own research and use your own judgment when searching for university accommodation in Barcelona.

4. Networking is Key: Join the Right Groups and Communities

Social media is an excellent resource for finding a shared or private apartment in Barcelona. Facebook groups are particularly valuable. You can also join WhatsApp channels for Barcelona or check online Reddit threads and communities.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

Online platforms give you real insights from the experiences of international students. They are valuable for finding tips, offers, and insider knowledge, the kind of things you don’t always find on traditional housing websites. 

5. Safety First: Know What You’re Renting

It’s important to be aware of scams when looking for student housing in Barcelona. Whether you’re searching on popular housing platforms or social media, here’s what to keep an eye out for.

Typical Red Flags When Renting in Barcelona

  • The building doesn’t appear on Google Maps
  • The price seems too good to be true (check similar apartment prices in the area to compare)
  • Refusal to show DNI/NIE identification
  • Reluctance to provide a proper lease agreement
  • Requests for payment before seeing the apartment
  • A landlord who is reluctant to meet
  • Pressure to make an immediate bank transfer
  • Paying to a foreign bank account – most landlords use a Spanish bank account
  • Requests for cash-only transactions
  • Requests for more than two months’ rent in advance 

See the Barcelona Housing page from the Barcelona City Council for information and to seek confidential, free advice.

Finding Your Home Away from Home in Beautiful Barcelona

Finding international student housing in Barcelona takes a mix of determination and knowledge. You need the persistence to keep going while knowing the right places to look. Start early and set yourself goals, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of finding the right apartment for you.

By following our advice above, you’ll be able to secure student accommodation in Barcelona and make the most of a unique experience studying in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Get real insight into studying a master’s in Spain, explore schools, and read previous articles.

You might also like…

Top 5 Universities for a Master’s Degree in Spain

Top 5 Universities for a Master’s Degree in Spain

Dreaming of a master’s degree in Spain? Find out how to apply, where to study, what it costs, and why international students love life there.


Read more