Barcelona Housing Guide for Exchange Students
1. Why Housing in Barcelona Matters So Much
Barcelona is one of the most popular Erasmus and exchange cities in Europe. It has the sea, the sun, crazy nightlife, mountains nearby, and students from all over the world. It’s also:
- quite touristy
- quite expensive for rent
- full of scams and pickpockets in some areas
So your housing choice will influence a lot more than just “where you sleep”. It will affect:
- how much you spend each month
- how safe you feel
- how easy it is to meet people
- how long your commute is
- how often you go out and explore
Many students say afterwards that they would change their housing choice if they could go back. The good news is: you can learn from them now instead of repeating their mistakes.
Throughout this guide, you’ll see real advice, common patterns, and concrete names: neighborhoods, agencies, websites, and even transport cards that past students used.
On top of that, you can always use Studcasa to contact previous students, read the housing reviews, and find flatmates through the WhatsApp groups. That combination is extremely powerful.
2. Understanding the Barcelona Housing Reality
In Barcelona, rent will probably be your biggest expense. Groceries, eating out and transport are often cheaper than in big cities like Paris or London, but housing is not.
Short stays (one semester) are harder and more expensive to book than a “normal” 12-month contract. Agencies often prefer longer rentals, so many exchange students end up in:
- shared apartments
- colivings
- student residences
- Airbnbs for a first month
You will also notice a big difference between tourist areas and more local neighborhoods. In the very center or near the beach, you pay more and deal with more noise and pickpockets. Slightly outside the most touristy zones, life can be calmer and cheaper but still very well connected by metro.
Another key point: sound insulation in Spain is often terrible. Several students mention that you can hear your neighbours clearly through the walls and ceiling. Be prepared for that and pay attention to this when you visit or watch video tours.
Finally, Barcelona is full of scams when it comes to housing. It’s not meant to scare you, but to make you careful. The right strategy and networks (Studcasa, agencies, trusted platforms) make a huge difference.
3. Where to Live: Best Neighborhoods (with Pros & Cons)
There is no “perfect” neighborhood for everyone. It depends on what you want: nightlife, calm, proximity to the beach, or proximity to your campus. Still, some areas come back again and again as good choices for exchange students.
Gràcia
Gràcia is one of the most recommended areas by students. It is a lively but local neighborhood, full of small squares, bars, and restaurants. It feels more “authentic” and less touristy, while still being close to the center by metro. Several students lived there and loved it. It’s ideal if you want a social life, but not right in the middle of tourist chaos.
“I was in Gracia and it was very nice, residential but still close to the beach and bars.”
Gràcia is also reasonably placed if you study at IQS or La Salle, since these campuses are further uptown.
Eixample / L’Esquerra de l’Eixample
Eixample is the big central grid-like district with wide streets and typical Barcelona buildings. It’s chic, safe, and comfortable. You pay for location, but many students say it was worth it. From there you can reach Plaça Catalunya in 15–25 minutes walking depending on the exact street, and you have tons of cafes, restaurants and shops.
One student lived in l’Esquerra de l’Eixample, 25 minutes’ walk from the center, and said it was new, well located, but a bit expensive for what it was. Another one in Eixample was 15 minutes from Plaça Catalunya and happy overall.
El Born & Gothic Quarter (El Gòtic)
These are the old, very central areas. They are beautiful, full of small streets, shops, bars and tourists. Living there is intense: everything is close, nightlife is around you, but it’s noisy and very busy. It’s ideal if you want maximum energy and don’t mind crowds or some chaos.
Several students stayed in the Gothic quarter and enjoyed it for nights out and walking everywhere, but warned that it’s:
- loud (people in the street until late)
- full of pickpockets, especially near Las Ramblas
It’s a great area if you are very social and okay with noise.
Barceloneta & Beach Area
If your dream is to live next to the sea, Barceloneta and the beach neighborhoods are attractive. Many bars and clubs for the “typical Erasmus Barcelona” experience sit around the beach.
One student said that for a classic Erasmus vibe, starting near the beach is great, especially during the first weeks, because you meet lots of other internationals. Another recommended La Barceloneta area for bars.
However, locals and students also warn that Barceloneta beach is very touristy and full of pickpockets, and not the nicest beach for swimming. Often, for good beaches, students prefer going out of Barcelona to places like Sitges, Castelldefels or Blanes.
Sarrià – Sant Gervasi / Tres Torres
This is an upper, residential area in the north of Barcelona. It’s calmer, safer and often more “family” oriented. If you study at La Salle or IQS, this area is closer to campus. One student in Sarrià paid low rent (they had a special deal) and liked being 15 minutes from school and about 20 minutes by metro from Plaça Catalunya.
The downside is that you are far from the beach and nightlife zones, and you often need 30–45 minutes by metro to reach the very center.
Poble Sec
Students describe Poble Sec as a good compromise: 15 minutes from the center, lots of local bars and restaurants, parks, and fewer tourists than in the Gothic quarter. One student strongly recommended it and said they would choose it again.
La Sagrera
La Sagrera is further out, more residential and cheaper, but clearly far from the center. One student lived there in coliving and said it was fine, but far from nightlife and from many friends.
Sants / Sants–Montjuïc
Sants is a more local, non-touristy area with the main train station. It’s not super “Erasmus party” but practical and cheaper. One student stayed there in an Airbnb with several roommates and found it a good value, with direct bus to IQS.
Areas to Be Cautious With
Some zones are mentioned repeatedly by students as either unsafe at night, very far, or unpleasant:
- El Raval – many say it “can be sketchy”, especially at night.
- L’Hospitalet de Llobregat – often described as far, poorly connected and not very safe; students recommend avoiding it if possible.
- Overly south/excentré suburbs – especially if you like going out, living too far means long trips home at night.
This doesn’t mean “never live there”, but if you have the choice and you’re coming for a social exchange, central or semi-central areas usually make you happier.
4. Types of Housing You’ll See
Barcelona has the full spectrum: from high-end residence to questionable shared flats. Understanding the main types helps you compare.
Classic Apartment (Shared)
This is the most common option: a normal flat where each person rents a bedroom and shares kitchen and bathroom. Sometimes it’s via an agency, sometimes via a private landlord.
Students like it because:
- it feels “real life”
- it’s cheaper than a studio
- you can choose to live with friends or other exchange students
However, quality varies a lot. Several students had great apartments with big terraces and good equipment. Others ended up in dark, cold flats with mould on the walls and low-quality beds. So checking photos and reviews, and asking former students who used the same agency, is very important.
Coliving / Shared Houses
Coliving usually means a company manages a building or big flat and rents rooms to individual people, often students and young professionals. Places like EnterColiving, Houses for You, and similar companies operate this way.
Pros:
- easier and safer to book from abroad
- often well located (Gràcia, Eixample, etc.)
- usually fully furnished and somewhat modern
Cons:
- price can be higher than private shared flats
- sometimes no real living room, which makes it harder to bond with roommates
- still no guarantee about sound insulation or neighbours
One student in Gràcia with “Houses for You” was very happy with the flat and the price, but said that having no living room made it harder to create friendships inside the flat, and that Spanish sound insulation is terrible (you hear people several floors above).
Student Residences
Residences like The Social Hub Barcelona, Youniq Barcelona, or Tagaste Barcelona are popular with international students.
They typically offer:
- private room with bathroom
- shared or common kitchens
- cleaning service
- on-site staff
- shared areas: gym, cinema room, rooftop, pool, study rooms
As an example: The Social Hub Barcelona has renovated rooms (~17m²) with private bathroom, AC, Wi-Fi, community kitchens, coworking, gym, pools, monthly cleaning, + student discounts and community events.
This gives you a very comfortable and social start, but the price is above average. Most students say it’s worth it if you have the budget and want a “plug-and-play” experience.
Airbnb (Medium-Term)
Several students chose Airbnb for the whole stay, or at least for the first month. It’s often more expensive than a local rental but:
- you see real photos and reviews
- payment is safe through the platform
- you avoid scams
- you can search more calmly from inside Barcelona
Some paid 750–850€ per month per person in groups of four in Sants or Gràcia with good amenities but occasional issues like mould.
Airbnb is a good Plan B if you feel stuck or if you want to arrive and then look for a “better value” long-term place locally.
5. What Budget Should You Expect?
Based on the data and reviews:
- cheapest coliving rooms: ~500–650€
- decent shared flats central-ish: 650–900€
- student residences: 900–1,200€+
- studio / private apartment alone: 1,100–1,400€+
Many students highlight:
- groceries can be cheap (especially at Mercadona)
- restaurants can be affordable if you avoid tourist traps
- nightlife + rent can add up fast
Be realistic when planning your monthly budget.
6. Where to Search (Concrete Platforms & Agencies)
Best Platforms
- Idealista
- Spotahome
- Airbnb
- HousingAnywhere
Agencies & Coliving Brands Mentioned by Students
- SHBarcelona / ShBarcelona
- Equinox UH
- Locabarcelona
- EnterColiving
- Houses for You
- Youniq Barcelona
- Tagaste Barcelona
Whenever a previous student recommends a name, that’s powerful data.
Platforms help you find flats. Studcasa helps you choose correctly.
7. How to Avoid Scams (Barcelona-Specific Reality)
In practice:
- Never pay a stranger directly by transfer without a contract.
- Avoid “too good to be true” flats.
- Prefer agency / verified listings.
- Ask for video tours.
- Confirm what bills are included and what aren’t.
And most importantly:
Post listings you’re considering in the Studcasa group
and ask past students what they think.
This gives you instant validation or warning signals.
8. Transport, Distance & the Famous “T-Jove” Card
Barcelona transport runs very well. The metro + bus + tram combination covers the whole city and nearby towns.
Most students use the T-jove (youth subscription) which gives unlimited travel for 90 days for roughly 45€ (depending on zone & year).
This makes it realistic to live 30–45 minutes from school without problems.
Going to the beach or the center is cheap and easy.
Try to be no more than 10 minutes from a metro station.
9. What Students Wish They Knew Before Choosing
- central = easier social life
- central = sometimes loud
- insulation sucks
- pickpockets are real
- your first weeks define your social circle
- coliving helps if you're arriving alone
- sharing with other Erasmus = big win
One more pattern:
students who were flexible + socially active early had a much better semester.
10. Using Studcasa to “Cheat” the System (In a Good Way)
Your unfair advantage = the previous cohort.
Use:
- Feedback tab
- student reviews
- direct messages
- WhatsApp group
Ask:
- where did you live?
- price?
- agency experience?
- would you recommend your neighborhood?
- what would you change?
This is how you shortcut the overwhelming part.
11. Step-by-Step Strategy to Find Housing
Step 1, define your priorities
cheap?
central?
quiet?
social?
near campus?
Step 2, choose your neighborhoods shortlist
Gràcia / Eixample / Poble Sec
or Gothic / Born
or Sarrià / Sant Gervasi
Step 3, shortlist 10–15 listings
across Idealista / Spotahome / Airbnb / agencies.
Step 4, validate with Studcasa
share links in the group
ask past students
ask for feedback
Step 5, secure something safe
don’t wait too long
semesters start fast
Airbnb first month = perfectly valid strategy.
12. Common Mistakes
- booking too late
- choosing only by price
- ignoring commute times
- ignoring past students’ reviews
- staying passive in the group
- not checking scams
13. Final Words
Barcelona is incredible when:
- your housing is safe and comfortable
- your area matches your lifestyle
- you meet people fast
- your budget is realistic
You don’t need the perfect flat.
You just need the right setup.
Stay active, ask questions, meet people.
You’ll remember this semester forever.