Hey everyone! Just moved into your university dorm in Spain and, looking at your bare nails, are you itching to get a beautiful manicure? Lately, I’ve seen ads from senior students in international student groups offering manicure services right in their dorms, and the prices look pretty tempting. But are they reliable, and what are the actual costs? Today, I’m here to give you the inside scoop!
Getting your nails done in a dorm is actually quite common among international students. The main selling point is that it’s super convenient—you can just go downstairs or pop into another room to get your nails done, saving you the trouble of traveling to a faraway nail salon. Plus, the prices are usually much cheaper than professional salons, which is great for us students on a budget.
The Ultimate Guide to Manicure Prices in Spanish University Dorms
Of course, the first thing on everyone’s mind is the price! I’ve gathered some info from my friends who’ve had their nails done and compiled it for your reference. Naturally, the exact price will vary depending on the city, the nail tech’s skill, and the materials used, but this should give you a good general idea.
| Service | Dorm Price (Approx.) | Salon Price (Approx.) |
| Solid Color / Gel Polish | €15 - €25 | €25 - €40 |
| French / Ombre | €20 - €30 | €35 - €50 |
| Simple Design | €25 - €35 | €40 - €60 |
| Complex Design / Extensions | €35+ | €60+ |
As you can see from the table, dorm manicures have a clear price advantage. However, you get what you pay for. Most of these dorm-based nail techs are students doing this part-time, so the environment and tool sterilization for manicures in Spanish university dorms might not be as strict as in professional nail salons near university campuses. Also, the selection of designs and gel polishes might be more limited. Therefore, before you decide, make sure to look at their previous work, communicate clearly, and confirm that their skills and aesthetic match your style.
I just got a simple ombre design done last week by a senior student in my dorm building. It cost me €25, and I’m quite happy with the results. Here’s how it turned out! The money I saved can buy me a couple more bubble teas
!

In summary, if you just want a simple solid color or a basic design, getting it done by a student in your dorm is a great value. But if you’re looking for a complex, hand-painted design that requires a high level of skill or if you have very high standards for hygiene, it’s safer to go to a professional nail salon. Have any of you had your nails done in a dorm? Feel free to share your experiences and show off your nails in the comments!