DENCANTO COMMUNITY · LIVING IN SPAIN
Choosing where to live during a Spanish course in Spain is almost as important as choosing the school or the city. Your accommodation influences your budget, your independence, the people you will meet and the opportunities you will have to practise the language outside the classroom.
Is a student residence better, or sharing a flat, or living with a Spanish family? Each option offers a different experience. The choice will depend on your preferences, your budget and what you want to make the most of during your stay.
01
Student residence: an international atmosphere and social life
If you are travelling alone and want to meet people from day one, a residence can be a good option. These accommodation facilities bring together students of different nationalities and usually have communal areas where residents can spend time together and organise activities.
Their main advantages are:
- Meeting other students and making friends.
- Enjoying shared spaces and, in some cases, services such as cleaning or a dining hall.
- Having a degree of independence and organising your own schedule.
The main drawback is that you will not always practise Spanish. If your flatmates speak other languages, you may end up using your native language for much of the day.
Ideal for: those looking for a student atmosphere, for example in the city of Granada, who want to meet people from different countries and enjoy an active social life.
02
Shared flat: independence and living together
Sharing a flat allows you to live more independently. You will normally have your own room and share spaces such as the kitchen, living room or bathroom with other students or residents.
It is an interesting option if you want the freedom to organise your meals, schedules and activities, as well as experience everyday life in a Spanish city.
Their main advantages are:
- More freedom to organise your routine.
- Living with people from different backgrounds.
- An opportunity to learn how to manage everyday situations.
In return, you will have to take on responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning and organising shared expenses. It is also important to find out in advance how many people live in the flat and what house rules are in place.
Ideal for: independent students who prefer to organise things themselves and share accommodation. Valencia is the perfect city for this kind of atmosphere.
03
Host family: cultural immersion and practising Spanish
Living with a host family can be an especially enriching experience if you want to practise Spanish beyond the classroom. Sharing meals, chatting or learning about the household’s customs allows you to get closer to everyday Spanish life.
Their main advantages are:
- Practising Spanish in everyday conversations.
- Learning about local customs, schedules and cuisine.
- Enjoying a closer, more personal living experience.
Adjusting to family life is important: you will have to respect the house rules and possibly adapt to certain schedules. Before booking, ask which meals are included, how household tasks are organised and which spaces you will be able to use.
Ideal for: those who want an authentic linguistic and cultural immersion in Madrid, sharing everyday life with a local family and adapting to its customs and routines.
04
Which accommodation should you choose to study Spanish in Spain?
| Aspect | Student residence | Shared flat | Host family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | Medium to high | High | Depends on the rules |
| Social life | High | Variable | Variable |
| Practising Spanish | Depends on the environment | Depends on your flatmates | Plenty of opportunities |
| Contact with local culture | Variable | Depends on the people you live with | High |
| Meal arrangements | Depending on the services | On your own | Depending on the booked arrangement |
There is no single option that is best for everyone. If you want to meet other students, a residence may suit you. If you value independence, you may prefer a shared flat. And if you want to practise Spanish and get closer to local customs, a host family may be the most suitable option.
Before deciding, also check the distance to the school, which expenses are included, the type of room, the house rules and availability for your course dates.
You can browse Dencanto Community’s Spanish courses in Spain and discover the possibilities in each destination. To find out more about organising your stay, also visit the Dencanto Community blog.
05
Find the accommodation that suits you
Your accommodation will be just as much a part of your experience as your classes, activities and chosen city. That is why it is worth comparing the options and thinking about the kind of living arrangement that will make you feel most comfortable.
At Dencanto Community, we help you find a Spanish programme in Spain that takes your goals, preferences and needs into account, so you can focus on learning the language and enjoying your stay.
Ready to organise your stay in Spain?
