Bogota Housing Guide for Exchange Students
Welcome to Bogotá
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re getting ready for one of the most intense, messy, unforgettable chapters of your life.
This guide is here to answer a single question:
Where should I live in Bogotá, and how do I avoid the classic mistakes exchange students make?
We’ll walk you through neighborhoods, real student residences and colivings, safety, commute times, budgets, and how to actually use Studcasa + previous cohorts to land a place that fits you.
1. Bogotá in Real Life (Not on Instagram)
Bogotá is huge, high up in the mountains (2,600m), and colder than most people expect. Temperatures hover around 10–20°C all year, with rain popping in and out, so think light sweaters and a rain jacket, not Caribbean beachwear.
Students describe it like this:
“It’s always between 15–25 degrees and it rains quite a bit, so bring sweaters.” (Charlotte, Externado)
“All year between 15–20 degrees. The food isn’t crazy but there’s a food court next to the residence so it’s fine.” (Thomas, Rosario)
The city is stretched north–south. Very roughly:
- North – richer, safer, more modern (Chapinero, Zona T, Parque 93, Usaquén).
- Center / Candelaria / Santa Fe – historical, studenty, cheaper, more mixed in terms of safety.
- South – mostly a no for exchange students; locals and students consistently advise against it for safety reasons.
Most universities you care about (Rosario, Los Andes, Externado, Javeriana, CESA) sit along the hills in the center–east of the city. Your life will be a triangle of:
Home 🏠 – Uni 🎓 – Nightlife 🍹
The whole game is choosing which corner you want to be closest to.
2. The Big Housing Question: What Do You Want Most?
Before we dive into specific residences and neighborhoods, ask yourself:
- Is my #1 priority social life or comfort/quiet?
- Do I want to be surrounded by other internationals, or do I want more Colombians?
- How much commute can I tolerate? (30–40 minutes in Bogotá traffic is totally normal.)
- What’s my budget?
From the students we’ve talked to, typical rents for exchange students are:
- €250–€320 – cheaper colivings, shared houses further out (e.g., Chía near La Sabana, some casas).
- €320–€420 – popular colivings and residences in La Candelaria / central Bogotá.
- €400–€600+ – modern residences and apartments in central or northern areas (CentralX, some Airbnbs, nicer casas).
You can absolutely live cheaper if you do what Colombians do (shared rooms in less central areas), but most exchange students end up in the ranges above.
3. Neighborhoods: Where Exchange Students Actually Live
3.1 La Candelaria & Centro Histórico
Vibe: Colorful colonial streets, steep hills, museums, street art, student crowds, a bit chaotic. Who loves it: Students who want culture, walkable streets, and to be close to universities like Rosario, Los Andes, Externado. Who hesitates: Students very stressed by safety, or who want quiet, polished residential areas.
Many of the famous exchange residences are here: CentralX 18 & 21 (ex-LivinnX), R10, and other hostels / casas. CentralX 18 sits in the “Downtown and Cultural Centre” area, a short walk from classic Candelaria sites.
Students describe Candelaria like this:
“It’s a bit stressful for security, more about belongings than personal safety. You can’t walk at night, you take Ubers. But it’s incredibly lively, full of activities and history.” (Lou-Ann, Rosario)
“The neighborhood isn’t very safe, but the building has 24/7 security and reception, and the apartment itself was great.” (Valentine, Rosario)
Takeaways for you
- In the daytime, Candelaria and its surroundings are lively and full of students. At night, nearly everyone takes Uber and avoids walking alone.
- You’ll likely be closest to campus here, especially for Rosario, Externado and Los Andes; many students walk to class.
- Socially, it’s super intense: lots of exchange students, immediate access to bars like Coco Loco, and big house-style residences (see below).
3.2 Santa Fe (around CentralX / LivinnX)
Technically separate from Candelaria but right next to it, this is where CentralX 18 & 21 are located, as well as other student residences. It’s a highly urban, central district with mixed reputations: good in terms of location and services, rougher in terms of street life at night.
Students are very honest:
“The residence is really clean but the staff is bad… I would choose a residence in the north next time, between Calle 60 and 90.” (Adam, CESA (CentralX 21))
“The neighborhood is really sketchy, lots of people asking for money outside the building.” (Antonin, CESA)
“I totally recommend it: super secure, cool staff, modern apartments, gym, ping-pong, rooftop etc. The only real weak point is the neighborhood: Santa Fe is pretty sketchy so go out in groups.” (Thibault, Rosario (LivinnX))
If you choose Santa Fe / CentralX, you’re accepting:
Pros
- Walkable or short Uber to most central universities.
- Huge concentration of exchange students in the building.
- Modern, all-in-one lifestyle (gym, rooftop, study rooms, food truck).
Cons
- Streets outside feel rough at night; nearly everyone goes out in groups or by Uber.
- Less “local” integration; many French/European students end up in the same tower.
We’ll detail CentralX later, because it’s one of the main options.
3.3 Chapinero & Zona T (Zona Rosa)
Head further north and you hit Chapinero, one of Bogotá’s trendiest areas: mix of students, young professionals, LGBTQ+ community, cafes, coworking spaces, and nightlife. Inside Chapinero you find Zona T / Zona Rosa, one of the city’s classic going-out districts, and areas like Chapinero Alto, popular among students for housing.
Travel and expat guides consistently describe Chapinero / Zona T / Parque 93 / Usaquén as among the safer and more comfortable choices, with higher real-estate prices and lots of restaurants and bars.
Students back this up:
“Chapinero is a cute, calm, kind of ‘bobo’ neighborhood. Very pleasant but not where the unis are, so you’ll commute.” (Maëlle, Rosario & Estu Casa)
“The most student life and nightlife is in Zona T, Calle 85… bars like Mono Bandido, Videoclub, Bambule and many others.” (Julie, Rosario)
“The safest neighborhoods in my opinion are Chapinero and Usaquén; Santa Fe is really sketchy.” (Charlotte, Externado)
If you live here:
- You’re further from the historic center, but closer to nightlife and many safe residential options.
- Commutes to Rosario / Externado / Los Andes are usually 20–40 minutes by Uber, depending on traffic.
- Studios, Airbnbs, and residences like Estu Casa or Esstudia tend to be more expensive but also more polished.
3.4 Usaquén & Further North
Usaquén is a charming, slightly more “village” area in the far north: cobbled streets, Sunday market, restaurants, and a very residential, family–expat vibe. It’s seen as one of the safer, more upscale zones and is often recommended in expat guides.
Your trade-off: you’re far from central universities, but closer to some language schools, companies, and quiet living. Most exchange students don’t base themselves here unless they have a specific reason (internship, local family, etc.).
3.5 Chía (for Universidad de La Sabana)
If you’re going to Universidad de La Sabana, your campus isn’t in Bogotá itself but near Chía, a smaller town north of the city.
“We lived in a house in Chía, 5 minutes by bike or 25 minutes walking from La Sabana. There was also a student residence called Solar next to the school. It was perfect; I actually recommend living in Medellín rather than Bogotá if you want city life.” (Quentin, La Sabana)
Chía can be a good base if your life is 90% campus + trips and you’re okay coming into Bogotá mainly on weekends.
4. Housing Types: What Are Your Real Options?
4.1 Big Student Residences (CentralX, Esstudia, etc.)
These are modern, multi-story residences designed for students: individual rooms, shared kitchens and living rooms, often with gym, rooftop, study rooms and 24/7 security.
CentralX 18 & 21 (ex-LivinnX) Website: centralx.com.co ([Central X][8])
Students have a lot to say:
“I totally recommend it: very secure, nice staff, colocs possible, modern rooms, and great facilities (billard, gym, ping-pong, rooftop). Only negative: price a bit high for Colombia and the neighborhood is sketchy, avoid the south.” (Titouan, Externado)
“Apartments of 1–4 people; each has their own room, the flat opens with a badge. There’s a gym, laundry, rooftop with an insane view over Candelaria, events like crêpe nights. It’s 15 minutes walking from Externado and near other universities.” (Marine, Externado)
“We were four in a flat, paying about €350–€400 each. The building is amazing but outside, you have to be super careful at night; don’t even go to the minimarket alone after dark.” (several students)
Pros
- Very social: many IESEG, French and other internationals in one place. Great for first friends, before-parties, movie nights.
- Safe inside: 24/7 security, cameras, reception, controlled access.
- Comfortable: gym, rooftop, study spaces, often a food truck downstairs with complete cheap meals.
- Short commute to Rosario, Externado, Javeriana, Los Andes (usually 10–20 minutes by foot or Uber).
Cons
- Neighborhood: Santa Fe / central area is busy and can feel rough; nearly everyone relies on Uber at night.
- Price vs local market: often around €350–€450/month, which is high compared to local rents.
- Bubble risk: lots of Europeans; several students said they barely met Colombians in their building.
If you like the idea of a “student village in the sky” and you’re okay with being smart about safety outside, CentralX is one of the easiest landings.
Esstudia & other residences
Residences like Esstudia place students in Chapinero, often literally across the street from universities like Javeriana, with private rooms, common areas, and strong security.
These are less present in our student feedback but worth checking if your uni is nearby and you want a quieter, more “local + international mix”.
4.2 Colivings & Shared Houses (R10, Estu Casa, casas in Candelaria)
In Bogotá, colivings are big houses divided into private rooms with shared kitchens and social spaces. They’re especially popular among exchange students who want a family-style atmosphere.
R10 – The exchange-student casa in La Candelaria
Website: r10colombia.com
R10 is a legendary coliving in La Candelaria created for exchange students. It hosts 30+ people, mostly internationals, in a historic building with big shared spaces.
Students say:
“Great vibe, but quite expensive for what it is compared to Bogota’s average rent. And because of the price, almost everyone was European: 18 of my 20 flatmates were French. Amazing socially, but not ideal to learn Spanish or Colombian culture.” (Judith, Externado & R10)
“Nice place, a bit cold, and lots of French people, not a real integration into the culture.” (Léo, Los Andes & R10)
Pros
- Super social, easy to make friends from day one.
- Located in the historic center, walking distance from Rosario / Los Andes.
- Feels more like a big house than a tower.
Cons
- Many Europeans; you’ll need to make a conscious effort to meet Colombians elsewhere.
- Several students felt the price (around €300–€350) was high for Bogotá standards.
- House can be cold and a bit basic.
If you want the “I live with 20 people and there’s always someone to do something with” feeling, R10 delivers.
Estu Casa – Student houses in Chapinero
Instagram: @estucasabogota ([Instagram][7])
Estu Casa runs several houses in Chapinero Alto, marketed as safe, social student housing. Think medium-sized casas (10–20 students), international mix, and a chill-but-social vibe.
Students who lived there say:
“The house is super comfortable and well equipped. The neighborhood is cute and calm, it’s kind of the bobo area of Bogotá. But you don’t choose your flatmates, so it’s a bit of a gamble.” (Maëlle, Rosario)
“Super comfortable casa, ideal to meet international students.” (Maelle, Rosario)
Pros
- Good balance: social but not a 30-person mega-casa.
- Located in a safer, more comfortable neighborhood (Chapinero) with good cafes, restaurants and nightlife.
- Easy to reach Zona T and the north for going out.
Cons
- Commute to central campuses is longer (often 25–40 minutes by Uber).
- Still mostly exchange students; for full local immersion, you’ll need to go beyond the casa.
Other colivings & shared houses
Several students found housing through:
- University housing teams (Los Andes, Rosario)
- Airbnb (often shared with friends)
- Smaller casas recommended by universities or previous cohorts
“I lived in a big coliving in Candelaria thanks to a university recommendation, it was great to meet people, and the neighborhood is beautiful.” (Charlotte, EAN)
“We were in a shared house in Chía, 5 minutes by bike from La Sabana. Perfect for campus life.” (Quentin, La Sabana)
If your group of friends is already formed, renting an entire apartment or house via Airbnb or a local agency can be a great option, just double check the safety of the area with locals and previous students.
4.3 Classic Apartments
This is the “normal” option: renting an apartment in a residential building.
“Our apartment in La Candelaria was big for four people and not very expensive. Huge plus: 24/24 security, food truck, gym, workspace, pool table in the building. Minus: there’s nothing in the flat when you arrive; you have to buy all the basics.” (Valentine, Rosario)
Apartments are great if:
- You’re already coming with 2–4 friends and know you’ll get along.
- You’re okay dealing with contracts, deposits, and buying things (dishes, bedding, etc.).
- You want more control over your environment (noise, cleanliness).
Websites like Vico, Student.com, or local portals can also help you find rooms in shared apartments with Colombians and other internationals.
5. Safety & Transport: The Non-Negotiables
Almost every student mentions safety. Bogotá can be totally fine if you play the game with the right rules, but those rules are strict.
5.1 Golden rules students repeat
Uber, Uber, Uber
“Always take Uber, never yellow taxis.” (Adam, CESA) “Uber is cheap, we used it for everything.” (Charlotte, Externado)
Many local and travel sources suggest ride-hailing or official taxis ordered by app rather than hailing cabs in the street, especially at night.
No phone in hand in the street
“Don’t walk with your phone in your hand. We saw lots of thefts.” (multiple students)
Don’t walk alone late at night
“Center is ok in the day, but at night we never walked even to the shop 1 minute away; always in groups.” (Marine, Externado)
North > Center > South Guides and locals generally consider the north safer than the south, with central areas mixed and some neighborhoods (esp. south of Candelaria) strongly discouraged.
Students’ short version:
“North: ok. Center: ok but be careful at night. South: no.” (Marine, Externado)
5.2 Commuting reality
- Heavy traffic means 30–60 minutes for many Ubers, even over modest distances.
- From CentralX / Candelaria to Chapinero or Zona T, count 20–40min depending on the time.
- From Chía / La Sabana into Bogotá, 1–1.5 hours is normal.
- There is public transport (TransMilenio buses, local buses) and some students use it a few times “for the experience”, but most eventually default to Uber for safety & convenience.
“I didn’t live in Bogota but in Chía, because Sabana is there, 40–60 minutes from Bogotá. Life in Bogotá is not amazing; I recommend living in Medellin more.” (Quentin, La Sabana)
“We did everything with Uber, honestly, to not complicate our lives. Buses are cheap but there are a lot of pickpockets.” (several students)
5.3 Weather & what that means for housing
Because it’s cool and can be damp:
- Many older houses are cold inside. Students at R10 or colivings often talk about sleeping in hoodies.
- Having good blankets and a small heater can be life-changing.
- Rooftops are amazing on clear evenings, but don’t expect Mediterranean terraces, bring a jacket.
6. Budget: How Much Will You Really Spend?
Prices obviously change, but combining students’ experiences with recent housing and cost-of-living info, here’s a realistic range for monthly living costs (excluding flights & big trips):
Rent
- Colivings & casas: €250–€405
- Big residences (CentralX, R10, Estu Casa, Esstudia): €300–€500+ depending on room type and building.
Utilities & internet
- Often included in rent in residences and casas. In apartments, expect €20–€40 equivalent split between roommates.
Food
- Groceries are cheaper than in Europe, but imported brands can be more expensive.
- Local lunch “menu del día” near universities or student housing often costs €3–€5.
- Students report full grocery carts for three people around €60.
“A complete meal at the foodtruck under CentralX is about 3€ with soup, meat, sides, drink.” (Marine, Externado)
Going out
- Beer in a bar: ~€1–2
- Club entry: usually €3–€10, with clubs like Theatron sometimes charging more on Saturdays.
- Cocktails are closer to European prices in more upscale places (Zona T, Bambule, etc.).
Overall, many students estimate that cost of living (excluding flights and big trips) is about 60–70% of France, but nights out and frequent travel can quickly push the total up.
7. Popular Places, Honestly Reviewed
Let’s put it all together in a quick “cheat sheet”.
CentralX 18 / 21
Where
Santa Fe / near Candelaria
Rough Price (per month)
~€350–€450
Best For
Big social residence, near Externado/Rosario, gym & rooftop
Watch Out For
Sketchy streets at night, lots of Europeans, higher rent
R10
Where
La Candelaria
Rough Price (per month)
~€300–€350
Best For
Huge coliving, very social, walk to uni
Watch Out For
Mostly Europeans, cold/basic setup, price compared to local rents
Estu Casa
Where
Chapinero Alto
Rough Price (per month)
~€350–€400
Best For
Medium-size colivings, calmer safe area, good balance
Watch Out For
Longer commute to central universities, still mostly internationals
Esstudia / Other Residences
Where
Chapinero / near Javeriana
Rough Price (per month)
€350–€500
Best For
Private rooms, modern buildings, close to some universities
Watch Out For
Higher prices, need to check exact location and vibe carefully
Classic Apartment
Where
Anywhere
Rough Price (per month)
Highly variable
Best For
Groups of friends wanting independence
Watch Out For
Contracts, furnishing everything yourself, safety & area reliability
House in Chía
Where
Chía (La Sabana)
Rough Price (per month)
~€250–€300
Best For
Sabana students wanting a 5–10 min commute
Watch Out For
Far from Bogotá city life
8. Using Studcasa to Actually Choose & Book
You don’t need to figure all this out alone.
On Studcasa, you already have dozens of students who lived exactly where you’re about to go. The fastest way to great housing is to quietly copy what worked for them, with your own twist.
Step 1, Hunt in the Feedback tab
Go to the Feedback tab on Studcasa for Bogotá + your university.
Read reviews from students at your exact uni and semester if possible.
Spot patterns:
- Is everyone at CentralX?
- Are there multiple people in Estu Casa or R10?
- Who seems to have a lifestyle you’d like (lots of trips? lots of locals? quieter life?)
Then DM 2–3 of them.
You can literally write:
“Hey! I’m going to Rosario next semester and saw you lived at CentralX / R10 / Estu Casa. Would you recommend it? Anything you’d do differently? I’m choosing housing now and would love a 5-minute voice note if you have time 🙏”
Hearing a two-minute rant about noise, staff, or neighbors will tell you more than any website.
Step 2, Use the group, don’t be a ghost
In your Studcasa group, drop a message:
“Hi! I’m going to Externado and I’m hesitating between CentralX and a casa in Chapinero (Estu Casa / R10 etc.). Where are you all booking? Anyone still looking for flatmates?”
Every time someone posts a message like that, ten private DMs happen afterwards. That’s how so many flatshares start.
Ask:
- Who wants to live walking distance from campus?
- Who prefers Chapinero & nightlife?
- Who’s trying to live with locals or Spanish speakers?
Once you see clusters, you can join one.
Step 3, Ask the right questions before booking
Whether you’re talking to a residence, landlord, or previous student, here’s a mini checklist:
Safety
- How do you get home at night from Zona T or from uni?
- Any streets or hours everyone avoids nearby?
Noise
- Are there parties inside the residence every day or is it quiet?
- What’s the policy for noise after midnight?
Flatmates
- Will I know my roommates before arriving?
- Is there a mix of nationalities / Colombians?
Money & paperwork
- What exactly is included in the rent (bills, Wi-Fi, gym, cleaning…)?
- How do I pay, monthly, upfront, deposit? Is there a contract?
Equipment
- Is the apartment/casa fully equipped (dishes, pans, bedding), or do you need to buy everything? (CentralX, for example, has minimal equipment; many students buy or inherit things from previous cohorts.)
9. Matching Housing to Your Personality
Scenario A, “I want maximum social life and minimal brain-load”
You’ll love:
- CentralX 18 or 21
- R10
- Big casas recommended by your uni
You’ll be surrounded by internationals, never short of plans, and most logistics (security, bills, Wi-Fi) are handled for you.
Trade-offs: less contact with Colombians in daily life, higher rent, more noise.
Scenario B, “I want a balance: social, but also a real neighborhood”
You’ll probably prefer:
- Estu Casa or similar colivings in Chapinero
- Esstudia / other residences near Javeriana
- A shared apartment in Chapinero or around Calle 60–90
You’ll commute to central campuses but have great access to restaurants, nightlife and slightly safer, nicer streets.
Scenario C, “I want to integrate and speak Spanish”
Try to:
- Find a shared apartment with Colombians (through local listings or Studcasa connections).
- Choose neighborhoods where locals live too: areas of Chapinero, Teusaquillo, Usaquén.
You can still party in Zona T or go to Gringo Tuesday, but your daily life will force you to speak Spanish and understand the culture.
Scenario D, “My main goal is an easy commute to campus”
- Rosario / Los Andes / Externado: Candelaria / Central (CentralX, R10, LivinnX-style places, or apartments nearby).
- Javeriana: Chapinero residences.
- La Sabana: Chía houses or residences next to campus.
10. Red Flags & Common Mistakes
Red flags in housing offers
- Very cheap rent in southern neighborhoods or vaguely described “near Candelaria” without exact address.
- Landlords refusing any form of contract or receipt, or pressuring you to send a big transfer immediately.
- Places with no clear security (broken lock, no guard, no building access control) in central areas.
Classic exchange-student mistakes in Bogotá housing
Living too far from your own social circle A dreamy apartment in Usaquén can feel lonely if all your friends are in CentralX or Candelaria.
Underestimating traffic “It’s only 7km” is meaningless. Forty minutes in a car is normal.
Ignoring safety for a slightly cheaper room Nearly every student who had issues did so when walking alone at night, showing their phone, or taking random taxis.
Booking without talking to actual students first Two DMs on Studcasa would have avoided a lot of “staff is horrible / neighborhood is sketchy / house is freezing” moments.
11. Your First Week in Your New Place
The first week sets the tone, both for housing and friendships.
In the residence / casa
- Knock on doors, introduce yourself, suggest a first group dinner.
- Ask where people are going out that week: Gringo Tuesday is often a classic starter for exchange students, even if everyone later moves on to more local spots.
- Collect practical tips: where to buy sheets cheaply, which supermarkets are best nearby (Oxxo, Éxito, Olímpica, etc.), how to use the laundry system.
In the Studcasa group
Share where you ended up living:
“Hey, I’m in CentralX 18 in a 4-person flat, if anyone’s here too, let’s grab a coffee.”
Suggest a housewarming or rooftop meet-up if your residence allows it.
When you make one or two “allies” in the first days, everything becomes easier: finding good areas, splitting Ubers, learning where not to go.
12. Quick Checklists
Before You Book
- I’ve talked to at least 2–3 previous students who lived in that building/area.
- I know how long my commute will be and at what times I’d travel.
- I understand what’s included in the rent.
- I checked that the address is in a reasonable neighborhood (north / center, not deep south).
- I’m clear on the cancellation or exit conditions (if I want to leave early).
Before You Fly
- I saved some addresses of safe cafes / coworks near my housing.
- I installed Uber, Rappi and maybe a currency converter app.
- I packed at least one warm blanket / hoodie and a rain jacket.
- I printed or saved photos of my building entrance to recognize it when I arrive late at night.
When You Arrive
- Walk around your block in daytime to map supermarkets, ATMs, cafes.
- Ask locals / reception staff: “Which streets should I avoid at night?”
- Add your flatmates and a couple of exchange friends to a WhatsApp group for shared Ubers and “I got home safe” messages.
13. Final Word from the Studcasa Team
Bogotá isn’t the easiest city in the world to navigate, but that’s also why the memories are so strong.
Students rate their overall exchange here extremely highly, even when they complain about the food, the cold casas, or the traffic, they talk about:
- insane trips to Salento, Tayrona, Medellín, San Andrés
- four-day weekends thanks to smart timetables
- living in towers or casas where you can knock on twenty doors and always find someone to go out with
Your housing choice is the foundation of all that.
So:
- Decide what you want most (social / comfort / immersion / commute).
- Use the Feedback tab to stalk past cohorts and DM them.
- Be active in your Studcasa group, housing is often found in the group chat before it ever hits a website.
- Don’t be afraid to change if it really doesn’t suit you. Many students move after a month and end up much happier.
If you do those four things, you’re already way ahead of where most of us were on our first exchange.
We’re here with you all the way. If you’re hesitating between two options, drop the details in your Studcasa group, or message a couple of alumni, and we’ll help you think it through.
See you soon in Bogotá 🇨🇴
Made with ❤️ by the Studcasa Team