How do I find accommodation in Spain?

Are you there yet? You’ve finally landed your internship and you’re getting ready to live in Spain for the next 6 months? Then the question of accommodation naturally arises. Don’t panic, Stud&Globe is here and has put together all the best tips to help you find your apartment. Here’s our guide to finding accommodation in Spain.

The state of the rental market in Spain

First and foremost, you should be aware that rental prices in major cities have been rising sharply in recent years. For a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Barcelona or Madrid, prices start at around €600. For a shared room in major cities, you’ll need to pay at least €300. Outside the major conurbations, rental prices in Spain remain very affordable and much lower than in France.

Rent an apartment in Spain

In addition to sharing a flat or staying with a family, you can also choose to rent an apartment. Be aware, however, that renting will inevitably be more expensive. To help you find your accommodation, we’ve put together a list of the best Spanish real estate websites. Here are some useful real estate websites to help you in your search:

Finding a flat-share in Spain

Sharing a flat is still the best way to find accommodation when you’re a student, especially when you’re doing an internship abroad! First and foremost, sharing a flat is financially attractive, thanks to the shared rent. It’s also a perfect opportunity to live with foreigners and practice one or more foreign languages.

We recommend that you travel to Spain at least one week before the start of your internship. Indeed, finding a place in a shared apartment can easily take between a week and 10 days. In the meantime, a youth hostel is undoubtedly the least expensive option, and will probably give you the chance to meet people for the first time!

The best way to find a roommate is by word of mouth. So don’t hesitate to spread the word, even in France. The other solution is to use social networks, especially Facebook!

Facebook groups

Depending on your location in Spain, you can easily request membership of Facebook groups. Often private, these communities allow you to post your ad and view those of others. We invite you to join the French or Francophone community in your city and inSpain in general. Don’t forget to look for Erasmus or student groups in your internship city. Finally, there are now Facebook groups entirely dedicated to finding apartments or rooms in shared flats.

Real estate websites

Some websites specialize in housing assistance for students. Here are a few to help you find a place in an apartment or house:

Roomlala: This site is a reference for finding a shared room.
Easy Piso: This is a Spanish site. It also allows you to post your ad or find your room. There are ads all over Spain!
Colocation search: You’ll also find a number of offers on this interface.
Convivey Estudia: A very useful site if you want to stay in a student residence during your internship in Spain.

Stay with a local family

As an alternative to sharing a flat during your internship, staying with a Spanish family is also a very good idea! You’ll be able to practice your Spanish to the full, and experience the country’s traditions and culture at first hand. As with sharing, Facebook groups and specialized real estate websites will help you find a room in an apartment or family home.