Santiago Housing Guide for Exchange Students
Welcome to Santiago 💙
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re somewhere between “super excited” and “mildly panicking” about where you’re going to live. This guide is here to remove the panic part.
We’ll walk you through:
- How the city is laid out (and where exchange students actually live)
- The real differences between casas, residences, Airbnbs & flats
- Which agencies and platforms students keep using (and which they warn about)
- Commute times to the main universities
- What to expect in terms of price, comfort, safety and daily life
And we’ll sprinkle in concrete student experiences all along the way.
Grab a coffee. Let’s plan your Santiago home.
1. First picture: what housing in Santiago feels like
Most exchange students in Santiago end up in one of three situations:
- A big “casa” / coliving (10–20 students, often in Providencia/Barrio Italia)
- A student residence like LivinnX Santiago near La Moneda
- An apartment or long-term Airbnb shared with a small group of friends
Across all options, you’ll hear the same themes:
- Social life is amazing when you live with other exchange students.
- Commutes can be long: 45–90 minutes for some universities in Las Condes / the Andes.
- Houses are often old and poorly insulated – winter inside the house can be rough.
- The city is generally safe if you stay alert, but pickpocketing and phone theft are common, especially in some central areas and at night.
“The best neighborhood for housing is Providencia, and more precisely Barrio Italia. It’s safe, lively and well connected.” (several students, UDD / UC / Mayor)
“Santiago is a great place to live as a student: affordable daily life, excellent transport, a pleasant climate, and a relaxed lifestyle.” (Victoire, UDD)
Keep that image in mind: big city, long but doable commutes, very social housing, and a lifestyle that quickly becomes addictive.
2. Understanding Santiago: where students live (and why)
Santiago is stretched east–west, with the Andes to one side and the older historical center in the middle. Most exchange students cluster in the eastern/central comunas, which are safer and better connected.
The main neighborhoods for exchange students
Providencia (incl. Barrio Italia & Bellavista side)
- Vibe: cafés, brunch places, bars, leafy streets, a lot of internationals.
- Why students love it: safe enough, walkable, lots of nightlife nearby, easy access to metro lines 1 & 5.
- Many casas and colivings are around Barrio Italia, often mentioned as the sweet spot between safety and fun.
“I lived in Providencia, near Barrio Italia. Very good mood, a 10-person shared house with a terrace and everything modern.” (Ines, UC)
“Best neighborhood to live is Providencia, especially Barrio Italia. Where you shouldn’t live is the historical center.” (Hortense, UDD)
Ñuñoa
- Vibe: residential but lively, lots of bars around Plaza Ñuñoa, many young Chileans.
- Good for: a bit calmer than Bellavista, still social, slightly cheaper than Providencia in many cases.
Bellavista
- Vibe: graffiti, nightlife, bars/clubs, next to Cerro San Cristóbal.
- Good for: going out.
- Not ideal for living: multiple students say it’s noisy and more sketchy at night. Stay alert and use Uber to get home.
Las Condes & Vitacura
- Vibe: modern, wealthy, high-rises, malls, business district.
- Pros: very safe, clean; close to UDD and UANDES campuses.
- Cons: more family / business than student; further from typical nightlife; can feel “too quiet” and is generally more expensive.
Students are split here:
“Las Condes is a really safe and nice neighborhood to live in.” (Inès, UDD)
“Avoid Las Condes and Vitacura, they’re safe and rich but too residential, not much ambiance for students.” (Hortense, UDD)
Centro / La Moneda / Barrio Brasil
- Vibe: historical center, busy, a bit chaotic.
- Pros: very central; cheap eats; close to some campuses and to LivinnX. ([LivinnX Santiago][4])
- Cons: more pickpockets, more homelessness; several students say they wouldn’t live in Estación Central or the western side of the center at all.
“I lived in a student residence in the center, close to La Moneda. It was clean and great to meet people but expensive for the neighborhood.” (Victoire, UDD)
“Don’t go to Estación Central, it’s dangerous. Safest places to live are Las Condes, Providencia, Barrio Italia.” (Coline, UANDES)
Rough rule:
- If you want social + safe + central → aim for Providencia / Barrio Italia / Ñuñoa.
- If you want super safe + close to UDD / UANDES → consider Las Condes / Vitacura.
- If you want cheaper + city center feel → some parts of Barrio Brasil / Centro can work, but choose carefully and talk to students who lived there.
3. How much does housing cost?
Prices in the student feedback and online platforms are surprisingly consistent.
From students:
- Coliving / casas: ~€250–€450 per month (often 10–20 people in older houses)
- Student residence (LivinnX, etc.): around €500–€600 per month
- Shared apartment / Airbnb: often €350–€500 per month per person, depending on area and number of roommates
Online platforms for Santiago show similar ranges:
- Room in shared flat: roughly CLP 234,000–375,000 (~€210–340).
- Studio or 1-bed apartment: usually CLP 400,000–600,000 (~€360–550).
- Student residence: roughly CLP 300,000–500,000 (~€270–450) depending on amenities.
Compared to France or other Western European countries:
- Rent: often similar or slightly cheaper than a big French city.
- Groceries: many students say “same price as France, sometimes more for imported goods.”
- Eating/drinking out: often cheaper than Europe.
- Transport: clearly cheaper (metro/bus around 770–870 CLP per ride, under €1).
4. Housing types: what you’re really choosing between
4.1. Big coliving “casas”
These are the classic Santiago exchange experience: big houses with 10–20 students, sometimes a pool or garden, often in Providencia / Barrio Italia / Las Condes.
Students mention:
- Casas via Santiago Exchange
- Casas via Rumi / Rumistudent Housing
- Independent casas found on Instagram (e.g.
PortalExchange.cl,Casa Froebel, etc.)
Pros
- Super social: instant friend group, easy to travel and go out together.
- Often the cheapest option per month.
- Locations usually excellent (Providencia, Barrio Italia, Las Condes).
“I recommend living in a shared casa; it’s EXCEPTIONAL. 100 times better than living in an apartment.” (Solène, UDP)
“The house really has a ‘vacation’ vibe and it’s great to live in, even if it’s not modern.” (Inès, UDD)
Cons
- Houses are often old, poorly insulated, and can have issues: water infiltration, heating problems, bathrooms that suffer with 15 people using them.
- Some agencies/owners impose very strict rules and cameras.
Several students are very critical of Santiago Exchange:
“I don’t recommend Santiago Exchange: cameras in the kitchen, fines when you leave a glass, lots of rules, house not isolated, problems with water and heating.” (multiple students in Providencia / Barrio Italia casas)
Our take as Studcasa:
- If you like freedom and house parties → avoid casas with heavy surveillance and fines.
- Ask current/previous tenants (via Studcasa Feedback tab or Instagram) about the rules, not just the location.
Who it’s for
- You want the full social experience and don’t mind sharing bathrooms, some chaos, and chilly winter nights.
- You want to spend your money on travel rather than rent.
4.2. Student residences (LivinnX & others)
The name that comes up constantly: LivinnX Santiago, a modern student residence near La Moneda. It has:
- Rooftop with pool and BBQ
- Gym, study spaces, lounge areas
- Mix of international and Latin American students
“The residence was clean and cool to meet people from different countries. But it’s expensive for the neighborhood.” (Victoire, UDD)
“LivinnX is incredible. Not the best area, but pool, gym, BBQ, reductions for student parties… just take it in colocation to make it cheaper.” (several FEN/UNAB students)
Pros
- Modern, safe, 24/7 reception.
- Easy to meet people; lots of other exchange students.
- Super central + close to metro lines.
Cons
- More expensive than casas or shared flats.
- Area around La Moneda is central but not the cutest and can be more chaotic at night.
Who it’s for
- You want a residence vibe with amenities.
- You prefer predictable comfort and security over “old house charm”.
- Your budget is a bit higher OR you share a flat within the residence.
4.3. Apartments & long-term Airbnbs
Some students book:
- Classic apartments via agencies (e.g. Rumi Student Housing, Flatmaters).
- Airbnbs for the full semester.
“We ended up in an Airbnb flatshare of 4 in Nueva Providencia. Great area, 20 minutes’ walk from the UNAB campus. It was about €400/person/month.” (Chloé, UNAB)
“I recommend Rumi Student Housing, it’s reliable and the location near Barrio Italia was perfect.” (Alban, UNAB)
“Airbnb isn’t ideal in terms of price and it’s harder to meet people if you don’t already have a group.” (several students)
Pros
- You choose exactly who you live with.
- You can go for something more modern / better insulated.
- Good if you value privacy and a calmer home base.
Cons
- Typically more expensive per person if you’re 2–3 and want a nice area.
- Less “built-in” community; you need to be social elsewhere.
- Some landlords / Airbnbs can be slow to help when things break.
Who it’s for
- You’re arriving with a ready-made group of friends.
- You want your own kitchen/living room vibe, less chaos.
- You’re okay spending a bit more for comfort.
4.4. Homestays / living with a Chilean owner
A few students stayed in a house with a Chilean “host mom” style owner:
“I lived with other exchange students and the owner who was like our grandma. We shared dinners and could practice Chilean Spanish with her.” (Emma, UANDES)
Pros
- Cultural immersion, language practice.
- Often more stable and calmer.
- Very supportive if you get along with the owner.
Cons
- More rules, less freedom for late nights and parties.
- House may feel “old school” in terms of comfort.
Who it’s for
- You really want to work on your Spanish and integrate more locally.
- You prefer a calmer, family-style home.
5. Where to live for your university
Very broad rules (commute times are approximate using metro/bus + student experience):
UDD (Universidad del Desarrollo)
- Campus area: Las Condes (east)
- Commute from Providencia / Barrio Italia: 1–1.5h door-to-door
- Notes: Amazing, modern campus but far. Many students still choose Providencia for social life.
UANDES (Universidad de los Andes)
- Campus area: San Carlos de Apoquindo / Las Condes
- Commute from Providencia / Barrio Italia: ~1–1.5h
- Notes: Campus in the Andes, beautiful but remote. Uber from Providencia ~25–35 min without traffic.
UC / PUC (San Joaquín)
- Campus area: South-east
- Commute from Providencia / Barrio Italia: ~20–30 min by metro + short walk
- Notes: Huge, green campus. Good combo with Providencia / Ñuñoa.
FEN (Universidad de Chile – Economics)
- Campus area: Near Ñuñoa / central
- Commute from Providencia / Barrio Italia: 10–25 min
- Notes: Very popular with exchange students; closer to center.
UNAB / UDP / Mayor / UAI (city campuses)
- Campus area: Multiple campuses
- Commute from Providencia / Barrio Italia: 10–40 min depending on exact campus
- Notes: Many have central campuses accessible by metro.
How students actually decide
Most students clearly prioritize lifestyle over commute.
“UDD campus is incredible but far from the center (1h30). I still recommend it, and we put all classes on 2 days.” (Hortense, UDD)
“Campus is so cool but far from the center (around 1 hour).” (Marine, UDD)
So the pattern is:
- Live in Providencia / Barrio Italia / Ñuñoa for social life.
- Accept a long commute once or twice a week by clustering classes on 2–3 days.
- Use Uber or buses when metro is too crowded.
If you hate long commutes and you’re at UDD / UANDES, consider:
- Las Condes / Vitacura: closer, quieter, very safe.
- But plan to Uber to nightlife areas (Bellavista, Barrio Italia, MiercolesPo…).
6. Getting around: metro, buses, Uber, safety
Santiago’s public transport is one of the best in South America:
- Metro: fast, modern, with several lines covering most of the city.
- Buses (Red): fill the gaps where metro doesn’t go.
- Bip! card: rechargeable card used across metro + buses; one ride costs roughly CLP 770–870, depending on the time of day.
- If you combine bus + metro within 2 hours, the system gives you integrated fares.
Students’ version of this:
“Transport in Santiago is extremely easy to use and very affordable. Metro is clean, efficient, well connected. Uber works very well and is convenient at night.” (Victoire, UDD)
“Uber isn’t expensive and becomes the daily transport for many people. Just always take Uber at night, especially from parties.” (several students)
Safety basics
Reality check:
- Eastern comunas (Providencia, Ñuñoa, Las Condes, Vitacura) are considered safer.
- Downtown & Bellavista are fine by day but several guides and students recommend Uber at night and extra caution with phones.
- Areas like Estación Central, Franklin, Cumming and some western/southern comunas are often mentioned as “avoid, especially at night” by both locals and students.
“You mustn’t go to Estación Central, it’s dangerous.” (Coline, UANDES)
“Don’t go alone in Bellavista at night and especially don’t stay around Estación Central more than the bus station. It’s super dangerous even for Chileans.” (Gabriel, UDD)
General rule we share with students:
- Don’t wave your phone around near streets or bus doors.
- Use a small cross-body bag you keep in front of you.
- At night, Uber/Cabify/Didi > walking, even for 5–10 minutes, especially in central areas.
7. Climate & what it means for your room
Santiago has Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild but chilly winters, with very little rain.
But the key thing students say is:
- Houses are often poorly insulated and don’t have central heating.
- Winter (July–August) can feel much colder inside than outside.
“Bring warm clothes for July and August, it’s really winter and most houses don’t have heating.” (Lola, UDD)
“Even in winter it’s super sunny but in the mornings it went down to 2°C. The houses stay cold.” (several students)
Practical tips
- Pack a good hoodie / fleece / warm pyjamas.
- A sleeping bag liner or extra blanket can be gold in casas.
- Ask ahead: Is there any heating? Are electricity costs shared?
8. How to actually find a place (and avoid the traps)
8.1. Start with other students (using Studcasa)
Before you type “room Santiago” into Google for the 100th time, do this:
- Go to the Feedback tab on Studcasa for Santiago / your university.
- Read a handful of reviews of students whose experience resembles what you want (same uni, same semester, similar budget).
- Use the “Talk to” / message feature to DM 2–3 of them.
Ask them:
- Where did you live and would you choose it again?
- How was the agency / landlord?
- Would you recommend your neighborhood?
Very often, you can:
- Take over someone’s room or contract
- Get added to WhatsApp groups for casas and residences
- Avoid agencies everyone now knows are a headache
At the same time, be active in your Studcasa group:
- Ask who’s still looking for flatmates.
- Share listings you’re considering and ask what others think.
- Offer to build a group for a casa / apartment.
Most “legendary casas” in Santiago start because 1–2 people in groups say: “We’re 3, looking for 3 more for a house in Providencia, who’s in?”
8.2. Popular platforms & agencies students mention
Use these as starting points (always combine with student opinions):
Student residences / coliving
- LivinnX Santiago – big student residence near La Moneda with pool, gym, study rooms.
- Santiago Exchange – manages several big casas. Many students love the locations but complain about rules, cameras, fines and old houses. Read recent opinions carefully.
- Instagram accounts like
PortalExchange,Rumi Student Housing,Santiago Exchange,Casa Froebel,Casona Tarapaca,La Casa de Beatrizare often used to recruit students for casas.
Rooms / apartments
- Rumi / Rumistudent (IG and websites) – several positive mentions for casas and flatshares.
- Flat-sharing agencies like Flatmaters (some mixed feedback but generally okay).
- Platforms such as Homeurbano or Erasmus-style sites show typical rents and options.
- Homestay.com – for rooms in families or with local hosts.
Short-term / flexible
- Airbnb – many students use it for the first 2–4 weeks to search calmly on the spot.
- Once you’re there, join Facebook groups like “Français au Chili / Santiago”, “Expats in Santiago”, etc., where many local casas and rooms are posted.
8.3. Red flags and how to avoid scams
Things to be careful about:
- Huge deposits requested before you’ve even seen the place (especially if they push Western Union or bank transfers with no contract).
- No contract at all and no proof that the person owns or rents the property.
- Very strict rules that would ruin your exchange: cameras in common spaces, fines for leaving dishes for 20 minutes, no guests after 10 p.m., etc. Ask current tenants!
- “Too cheap for Providencia” listings: if a room is half the normal price, ask why.
Basic checklist before sending money:
Video tour (live if possible), including bathrooms, kitchen and street outside.
Ask: How many people live here? How many bathrooms? Who cleans and how often?
Ask for a simple contract with:
- Monthly rent + what’s included
- Deposit amount and refund conditions
- Notice period to leave
Whenever possible, send money only to an official agency account or via Airbnb / trusted platform, not to a random personal account.
9. Should you book from home or wait to arrive?
There’s no single right answer, but here’s how it usually goes:
Option A – Book long-term from home
Good if:
- You need security before you fly.
- You got a strong recommendation from 2–3 previous students about the exact place / residence.
- You’re okay paying slightly more to avoid “first weeks housing stress”.
Risks:
- Harder to judge the real state of the house and roommates.
- If you hate it, moving later can be complicated with contracts.
Option B – Book 2–3 weeks on Airbnb and search on the ground
Good if:
- You’re flexible and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty.
- You want to visit several casas / flats and choose your vibe.
- You’re active in the Studcasa / WhatsApp groups.
This is exactly what some students did:
“I arrived without housing, stayed with friends in an Airbnb the first weeks, then we moved Airbnb to Airbnb until we found a ‘final’ one for the exchange.” (Chloé, UNAB)
Hybrid strategy we recommend often:
- Use Studcasa + previous students to shortlist 2–3 serious options before you arrive.
- Book a temporary place for 2–3 weeks.
- Visit your shortlist, talk to people, then commit.
10. Daily life from your house: what to expect
10.1. Groceries & food
Students widely agree:
- Supermarkets: Jumbo = big, lots of choice, similar or higher prices than France. Lider / Express de Lider often cheaper.
- Markets: La Vega Central is a huge fresh market where fruits/veggies are much cheaper (around CLP 1,000/kg for many products).
- Street food: cheap and filling (completos, empanadas, big plates of chicken & fries).
You’ll hear a lot of:
“Food isn’t amazing but you get used to it; good restaurants are reasonably priced. Don’t expect Mexican tacos; you’ll get completos instead.” (several students)
10.2. Social life from where you live
Certain addresses almost guarantee you a social life:
- Casas in Barrio Italia / Providencia / Ñuñoa
- Residences like LivinnX
- Big shared houses (15–20 people) from agencies like Rumi or Santiago Exchange (if you accept the rules)
Students constantly mention:
- MiercolesPo – the legendary Wednesday exchange party.
- Barrio Italia – bars, brunch spots.
- Bellavista – clubs and bars (take Uber back).
- Rooftop events like Sunday Funday or festivals like Lollapalooza Chile.
From a housing perspective: being close to Providencia / Barrio Italia / Bellavista / Ñuñoa makes spontaneous nights out (and late-night food runs) easy.
11. Quick housing strategy by profile
“I want maximum social life”
Look for a casa of 10–20 people in Providencia / Barrio Italia / Ñuñoa.
Accept that:
- The house may be old.
- Bathrooms might be chaotic.
- Winter will feel cold inside.
Check rules carefully (we’d be cautious with very strict Santiago Exchange houses).
“I want comfort + community”
- Consider LivinnX or other student residences.
- Or a smaller shared apartment (4–6 people) via Rumi / Flatmaters / Homeurbano in Providencia / Ñuñoa.
“I hate commuting”
If you’re at UDD / UANDES / far-east campuses, look at:
- Las Condes / Vitacura for shorter commutes and high safety.
Accept that you’ll Uber more to parties.
“I’m on a tight budget”
- Aim for a big casa in Providencia / Barrio Italia with rent around €250–350.
- Share a room if needed, but think about your sleep and sanity.
“I want Spanish immersion”
- Look for a homestay (Homestay.com, local Facebook groups or university housing suggestions).
- Or a smaller shared flat with Chilean students instead of only Europeans.
12. Housing checklists
Before you book (online or by video)
Ask about:
Exact address / neighborhood
Total number of people in the house / apartment
Number of bathrooms
What’s included in rent:
- Internet
- Water / electricity / gas
- Cleaning of common spaces
Heating: any? portable heaters allowed?
Rules:
- Guests? Parties? Quiet hours?
- Cameras in common spaces?
- Fines (for what)?
Request:
Live or recorded video tour, including:
- Kitchen, bathrooms, your room
- Street / building entrance
Basic written agreement, even if simple.
When you arrive in Santiago
Buy / recharge your Bip! card at a metro station.
Add local emergency contacts and your embassy to your phone.
Walk your neighborhood by day to learn:
- Nearest metro / bus stops
- Supermarket + cheap fruit/veg shop
- Pharmacies, ATMs
And, very importantly:
Be active in the Studcasa group from day 1.
- Say where you live.
- Invite people for a drink in Barrio Italia or a trek to San Cristóbal.
- Join the existing WhatsApp groups for your uni / residence / casa.
The first week is when most friendships are made. Your housing is your base, but your social life will extend far beyond that front door.
13. A last word from the Studcasa team
If you remember only a few things from this guide, make them these:
- Providencia / Barrio Italia / Ñuñoa are usually the best mix of safety, fun and access.
- Most students put classes on 2–3 days and accept a long commute in exchange for a better lifestyle.
- Casas = social & cheap but old and sometimes strict; residences = modern & easy but more expensive.
- Don’t search alone: use the Feedback tab, message previous students, and be talkative in your Studcasa group.
- Trust your gut when something feels off with an agency or landlord.
You’re not just choosing a bed. You’re choosing the backdrop for some of the most intense months of your life.
If you want, you can send us a couple of options you’re hesitating between (screenshots or links), and we’ll help you compare them with what other students experienced.
Made with ❤️ by the Studcasa Team