APUNE member programs offer a variety of housing options -- from service providing host families and residences to independent apartments. If you would like information on how your specific program arranges accommodation, contact them directly. Many programs will provide housing placements prior to arrival. Students living in apartments must usually find these once the come to Spain. Each option offers different advantages and disadvantages and if given the option, the student should choose that which is best for him/her. Keep in mind your priorities (such as meals, using Spanish, meeting young people, location, non-smoking, and cost).
Host families:
These vary from full families to single adults who lodge students. Meals are usually included, though sometimes kitchen rights can be requested (especially suited for people with dietary restrictions). It is the best way to learn about Spanish food, and social aspects such as the family, religion and recent history. Families normally do not impose curfews and offer students much flexibility with their schedules. They also tend to spend much time talking to students and are helpful tending to them in case of illness or other need.
Here is a student account of what it is like to live with a Spanish family:
"I really like the family that I am living with here in Spain. They are really sweet and laidback. They have two children. We live in a 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment, and I have my own room that comes equipped with a computer! I have plenty of space for my belongings. By metro, I am only three stops from the International Institute, where I am taking my classes."
Kimberly Harris
Swarthmore College
Hamilton College Academic Year in Spain
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Madrid Sal y Ven con nosotros: Company specializing in housing for young students of different nationalities in Madrid, with a wide range of apartments to share, for families, and residences in all neighborhoods of Madrid. We offer you a complete service, specialized to fit your needs, and quality. Madrid, Sal y Ven con Nosotros, truely links students and apartments, entrusting ourselves with the organization of your stay before you arrive in Madrid. |
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Accomadrid- Accommadrid is specialised in looking for accommodation in Madrid and have 20 years of experience in the sector. We have personally selected all the housing, so we can guarantee a high standard at a reasonable price. All our housing are completely equipped with television, washing machine, dishwasher etc and we provide cutlery and bedding. Whilst we normally provide towels, we recommend however that you bring some with you as well. All the utilities such as electricity, water, heating... are included in the price unless otherwise stated (Internet is not included in some of the housing). |
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Apartments:
For young college students, initially it seems to be the most attractive and the cheapest option. Ideally, finding a shared apartment with Spaniards would give you a great opportunity to integrate to Spanish culture. Although it may be difficult to find these placements and often foreign students end up sharing apartments with other foreigners, thus loosing out on the learning process, there are some agencies that can help them find shared apartments online. These agencies make sure that health and safety issues are met, as well as guarantee controlled expenses.
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ALUNI manages housing for students and young professionals in SPAIN (Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Barcelona). It works closely with the International Relations Office of major universities, both public and private. All the apartments offered to students by ALUNI boast certain common services/features (such a cleaning, repairs,…), as well as adequate household goods and furniture, as is outlined in the ALUNI Room and Board Contract. Also, the apartments have Internet connection in each bedroom. |
Residences and dorms:
Residence halls vary in size and in services, but over all, abound with young people from Spain and other countries. Colegio mayors are more similar to sororities and fraternities and are directly linked to universities. Some colegio mayores and residences have curfews or strict visitation rules. There are both co-ed and single-sexed places. The positive aspect is that it is easy to meet young people. However the negative aspect is that they are usually noisy and the food is mediocre (definitely not representative of Spanish cuisine). Furthermore, they usually require a deposit that is lost if a student chooses to move out.