APUNE member programs offer a variety of housing options -- from host families, to dorms, to apartments. If you would like information on how your specific program arranges accommodation, contact them directly.  With respect to apartments, you will have to wait until you get to Spain to begin your search.   Living in an apartment with other Spanish students can be a very good way to integrate yourself into the culture, make Spanish friends, and actually live the language.   Apartment hunting can often be a long and tedious process; bring your patience and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Following is information about some type of living arrangements and links to places where you can find accomodation in Spain:

Colegios mayores are residence halls: This is usually the most expensive option. The price tends to be around 600 euros per month (although there are a few cheaper) and includes meal services and, sometimes, frequent room cleaning, laundry and ironing services. Many tend to be all-male or all-female halls, and female ones are often quite restrictive compared with American residence halls (you often have to sign a form if you are to stay the night out which is sent to your family at the end of the month). Check the admission process because it may include interviews. Some colegios are run by nuns

Student apartments are in high demand and the best time to look is as early as June for the next academic year. You may have trouble if you leave it until September.  Especially in the big cities it is often much easier to find something to share (a 2-3 bedroom apartment or a room in an occupied apartment) than to look for a one bedroom apartment.  Apartment hunting can be a stressful process, but be patient.

Make sure to ask your advisor about "student-friendly" neighborhoods as well, as they will be happy to recommend places to live. Also, make sure when looking to ask important questions such as whether you will be living with students or workers, whether there is heat, whether "gastos" (utilities) are included or not, if the room is single or shared, and more. Having a list of questions ready to ask will help facilitate the process.

Looking online is probably the best way to go about finding an apartment. However, at many university campuses and bus-stops you will also be able to find flyers advertising available rooms.

Segunda Mano
Local newspaper were you can find all types of offers for living arrangements

Room for Room
Room swapping around the world

Apartments to Share
Web site where apartment seekers contact apartment offers

Craigslist

Popular website for finding things

Accommodation in Barcelona

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