Granada is quite a small city located in Andalusia, which is the most southern autonomous community of Spain. It is a culturally rich city that combines traditional Andalucian culture (such as flamenco) with the most modern styles. The city is blessed with a series of unique characteristics that will definitely make you fall in love with it at the first sight and will make you always want to come back.
Although it’s a small city, Granada has a lot of things to offer and is definitely worth visiting at least once in life. It is also a great choice for studying abroad as it is totally adapted to students’ life. Here at Casita, we understand that you might find it difficult as an international student to secure suitable student accommodation you can call home in such an amazing city. That is why our multilingual accommodation experts are here to walk you through everything till you have the room that fits you the best.
Why Book Student Accommodation in Granada?
Students form the biggest part of Granada’s population during the school year, although the city only houses one university. The University of Granada is quite big and its faculties are placed over different parts of the city. It is also the university that admits the biggest number of international students every year so you will never have to worry about feeling alone or out of place.
On Fridays and Saturdays, and even on Thursday evenings - because some faculties have no classes on Fridays - you will notice how the streets get filled with people going out for “tapas”. The most famous street for these activities is called Pedro Antonio; however, you will find a lot of restaurants and cafes all over the city centre. You can get Granada’s “tapas” for a price of around €2. This includes a drink and a small portion of food. The amount of food normally differs from one place to another, but this is usually one of the best and cheapest ways to have dinner outside while socializing with your friends or classmates.
As an international student, all that will make you feel that Granada is the perfect place for you to stay.
Universities in Granada
The University of Granada
Casita has 2 accommodation options within walking distance of the university.
Around three bus stops are close to the university; Acceso Haza Grande V is just a 14-minute walk away.
Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte is just a 14-minute car ride away from campus. Alhambra is 26 minutes away by car.
Student Life
Is Grenada a good place to study?
The answer is “of course, Grenada is an exotic haven”. The city’s beautiful climate, laid-back lifestyle, and pretty scenery make it a perfect study destination. Grenadians openly embrace diversity, you will find many ethnicities, languages, and cultures peacefully coexist in the country. Granada is the perfect destination for students who dream of learning at a well-respected institution on a fabulous tropical landscape that is steeped in rich history.
Is Grenada safe?
Grenada enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the western hemisphere. It is a fairly safe city and there are hardly any worries of violent or major crime. Petty theft is the general problem, if we can consider there is one. The Royal Grenada Police Force is responsible for civilian protection and defense. The city is also a member of the Regional Security System of the Eastern Caribbean.
Is Granada expensive to visit?
The cost of living in Granada is fairly low. In general, living there will cost you 10% less than living in Madrid, thanks to things like lack of major tourism and high student population.
You could live quite comfortably in Granada on the minimum amount needed for a Spanish visa, which is €2,259. Compared to London, the cost of living in Granada is 34% lower.
Must-Visit Places in Granada
Although now predominantly Christian, Granada has inherited rich Islamic, Jewish, and Gypsy influences. The Renaissance Catholic cathedral was once a mosque. The Albaicín (old Moorish town) and the Alcaicería (spice market) have an authentic Arabic flavour. Colourful Gypsy culture and fabulous flamenco dancing are found in the caves of the Sacromonte quarter.
The Alhambra stands majestically on a fortified hilltop with the snow-peaked Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop. An absolute must-see attraction in Granada, this UNESCO-listed World Heritage site was the residence of the Moorish rulers of the Nasrid Dynasty for 250 glorious years from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
Another one of the most enchanting things to do in Granada is to get lost in the hillside neighbourhood of the Albaicín, another UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. The Albaicín, Granada's medieval Arabic quarter, was once surrounded by defensive walls and has retained an authentic Moorish character thanks to its picturesque narrow streets and simple whitewashed houses.
The grandeur of Spain's Catholic Monarchs is best seen at the Capilla Real de Granada which houses the royal tombs. This impressive 47-meter-high domed chapel is attached to the Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación but has a separate entrance, it was an addition to the cathedral built from 1506 to 1521 in Late Gothic style.
Other must-visit places include The Gypsy Quarter of Sacromonte, the traditional Arab baths of the Bañuelo, and Parque de las Ciencias, which is Spanish for “Science Park”.
Transportation in Granada
The city of Granada does not disappoint in terms of public transportation. Granada's bus station is at Avenida de Juan Pablo II, 3 km northwest of the centre. All services operate from there except for a few nearby destinations such as Fuente Vaqueros and Viznar. Services run from the bus station into the city, and there are buses frequently travelling around the city to the suburbs. There is also the option of sightseeing bus tours. A number of companies operate within Granada city centre and take you to all the main sights in the area. Some even give the option of getting on and off the bus to look at the monuments.
Getting in a taxi is also an option. You can hail a taxi in the street or find them in one of the many taxi ranks around the city. Depending on different days and times, the fare can differ. The initial price, however, fluctuates between €1.40 to €1.76.
Nearby Student Accommodation In Andalusia
Besides having facilities for student accommodation in Granada, Casita also offers student accommodation in other Andalusia cities. Two of these cities are: