Hello future IE classmates! Seeing a new batch of students stressing about finding a place to live reminds me of how frantic I was back in the day. So, I decided to write a post to share some personal experience, hoping it can help you all. Whether you’re in Madrid or Segovia, when it comes to apartment hunting, the sooner, the better! I generally recommend starting your search around June or July.
Madrid Campus
Madrid offers a huge range of options, and your choice will mainly depend on your budget and lifestyle. Most students tend to live in a few key neighborhoods:
- Salamanca District: The absolute center of things and closest to the María de Molina 31 campus—you can easily walk there. The area is beautiful and safe, but the prices are the highest. A single room, a common setup for University student rentals in Spain, can go for €600-€800.
- Chamberí / Chamartín Districts: Great value for money. They are just a few metro stops from the campus and have a vibrant local atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars. If your classes are in the IE Tower, living further north near Chamartín or Plaza de Castilla is more convenient.
Segovia Campus
The Segovia campus is much more relaxed! The city is small, and you can pretty much walk to the university, so you don’t need to stress too much about the neighborhood. Rent is significantly cheaper than in Madrid. Many students choose to rent a small house (‘chalet’) with friends, which can bring the cost down to just €300-€400 per person—an amazing experience. The downside is that there are fewer listings, and it gets quite cold in the winter, so make sure your apartment has good heating!
Rental Platforms and Key Tips
There are a few main channels for finding a place, each with its pros and cons. I’ve made a simple table for your reference:
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Idealista/Fotocasa | Most listings, wide variety of choices | High competition (good places go fast), often involves agency fees |
| Student Residences | Hassle-free, fully equipped | More expensive, more rules, and some options for renting for university study in Spain might not include a kitchen |
| Student Forums / Upperclassmen | No agency fees, direct communication | Fewer options, need to verify the authenticity of listings yourself |
Key Takeaways! When viewing an apartment, always ask exactly what’s included in the rent, especially utilities (water, electricity, internet, and heating). When signing the contract, read all the clauses carefully. The security deposit is usually one month’s rent, and so is the agency fee. Never rely on a verbal agreement—getting everything in writing is the safest bet! Also, confirm with the landlord beforehand if they can provide the necessary documents for your ‘empadronamiento’ (city registration), which you’ll need for your residency permit.
Renting is the first, and a very important, step of your study abroad journey. View multiple places, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid of the hassle. I wish you all the best in finding your perfect home in Spain! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer!
