Choosing the right student accommodation in Spain is one of the most important decisions when planning your study abroad experience. It affects your comfort, independence, social life, and even how quickly you improve your Spanish.

In this guide, we compare the three main options available at Españolé: shared apartments, student residences, and host families. You’ll learn the advantages, disadvantages, and which option best suits your lifestyle and learning goals.

How to choose the right student accommodation in Spain

Before deciding, it’s worth thinking about what matters most to you:

Independence vs. structure. Choosing your accommodation depends on whether you prefer total independence or a more structured, supported living environment.
Budget. Your budget will play a key role in deciding between a more affordable shared apartment or a service-inclusive residence or host family.
Social life. Some options offer a highly international social environment, while others provide a closer, more family-oriented experience.
Cultural immersion. The level of cultural immersion varies greatly, from independent living with peers to full integration into a Spanish household.
Language learning speed. Your accommodation choice can significantly influence how quickly you improve your Spanish through daily exposure and real-life practice.

Each accommodation type offers a completely different experience. Let’s explore them in detail.

Shared apartments in Spain: independence and international student life

Living in a shared apartment is one of the most popular choices among international students. At Españolé, this option is offered through shared apartments in Valencia, designed for students who want flexibility and independence.

In a shared apartment, you live with other international students, sharing common spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, while having your own private bedroom.

Advantages of shared apartments

Shared living is ideal if you value freedom and social interaction.

Key benefits include:.

Greater independence in your daily routine.
More affordable option compared to other types of accommodation.
International environment, meeting students from around the world.
Flexibility in lifestyle and schedules.
Opportunity to practise English and Spanish in a natural way

Considerations of shared apartments

It is also important to consider the challenges:

Less structure compared to residences or host families.
Responsibility for cleaning and organising shared spaces.
Possible differences in lifestyle or habits between flatmates.

Despite this, many students find shared apartments the perfect balance between freedom and social life.

Student residences in Spain: comfort, services and community living

Student residences offer a more structured and comfortable environment, ideal for students who prefer convenience and organised living.

At Españolé, you can stay in carefully selected residences such as Resiolé Boutique Residence, Resiolé La Nave or Resiolé Mercado, all designed to provide a safe and modern student experience.

Student residences usually include:

Private or shared rooms
Weekly cleaning services
Self catering
Study areas and common rooms
Onsite school staff

This option is perfect for students who want a stress-free experience while focusing fully on their studies.

Advantages of student residences

High level of comfort and convenience.
All-inclusive services (cleaning, utilities).
Safe and supervised environment.
Strong student community and social activities.

Considerations of student residences

Level of independence may vary. Student residences offer a comfortable balance between independence and support, although some students may prefer the full flexibility of a shared apartment.
Structured living environment. Residences are designed to provide an organised and well-maintained experience, which can be ideal for some students, while others may prefer a more flexible routine.
Slightly higher cost in some cases.

Host families in Spain: full cultural and linguistic immersion

Living with a host family in Spain is the most immersive way to experience Spanish culture and improve your language skills quickly.

Through Españolé’s host families programme, students live with local families carefully selected to ensure a safe, welcoming, and authentic experience.

You become part of a Spanish household, sharing daily routines such as meals, conversations, and cultural traditions. This creates a natural environment for learning the language.

Advantages of host families

Full linguistic immersion in Spanish
Daily practice of real-life communication
Authentic cultural experience
Supportive and family-oriented environment
Ideal for beginners or short-term students

Who should choose a host family in Spain

A host family is especially suitable for:

Students who want to improve their Spanish quickly. Daily exposure and real conversations help you progress faster and gain confidence in speaking.
Beginners who need constant language exposure. Being surrounded by Spanish all day makes it easier to understand and start using the language naturally.
Short-term study abroad participants. If you only have a few weeks, this option maximises your learning through full immersion and continuous practice.
Students interested in cultural integration. Living with a host family allows you to experience local traditions, routines, and social customs in a natural and authentic way.

Staying with a host family helped me improve my Spanish faster than I expected. I now feel comfortable speaking in real situations. – Jonas from Sweden

Quick comparison of shared apartments, student residences and host families

Choosing the right accommodation can be much easier when you see all options side by side. Use it as a guide to find the option that best matches your lifestyle and learning goals:

Feature	Shared Apartment	Student Residence	Host Family
Independence	High	Medium	Low
Social life	High	High	Medium
Cultural immersion	Medium	Medium	Very high
Structure	Low	High	High
Ideal for	Independent students	Comfort seekers	Language learners

Common questions from students searching for accommodation in Spain

What is included in Españolé shared apartments?

Españolé shared apartments include a private bedroom and access to fully equipped common areas such as the kitchen and living room. Utilities like Wi-Fi and basic services are usually included, making it a convenient and independent option.

Do all Españolé apartments include a private bathroom?

Not all apartments include a private bathroom. This option is only available in San Dionisio. In shared apartments and central shared apartments, common areas are cleaned every two weeks, while in San Dionisio both the room and shared spaces are cleaned weekly.

What can I expect from Españolé student residences?

Student residences offered by Españolé provide a comfortable, all-inclusive experience with services such as cleaning, cooking facilities, and communal spaces. They are ideal for students who want a structured and hassle-free stay.

What is it like to stay with an Españolé host family?

Staying with an Españolé host family means living in a local Spanish home and sharing daily routines such as meals and conversations. This option offers full cultural immersion and helps students improve their Spanish naturally.

Are Españolé accommodations located near the school?

Of course. All Españolé accommodation options are carefully selected to ensure convenient access to the school, either within walking distance or via public transport. This allows students to enjoy both comfort and a well-connected location.

Can Españolé help me choose the right accommodation?

Yes! The Españolé team provides personalised guidance to help you choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences. They consider factors such as your budget, lifestyle, and learning goals.

Is it possible to change accommodation with Españolé?

In many cases, Españolé can assist with accommodation changes, depending on availability and timing. It is recommended to contact the team as early as possible to explore the available options.

Are Españolé accommodations suitable for international students?

For sure! All Españolé accommodation options are specifically designed for international students, offering a safe, welcoming, and multicultural environment. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience while studying in Spain.

Why Valencia and Españolé are the perfect choice to learn Spanish

Now that you know how to choose the right accommodation, it’s time for the most important decision: where to live and study in Spain.

Valencia and Españolé offer the perfect combination of quality education, lifestyle, and cultural immersion, making your Spanish learning experience both effective and unforgettable.

Valencia: affordable, welcoming, and full of life

Valencia is one of the best destinations in Spain for international students looking to learn Spanish in a relaxed and authentic environment.

With its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, the city offers the perfect balance between study and lifestyle. You can practise Spanish every day while enjoying a safe, welcoming, and easy-going atmosphere.

Compared to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia is more affordable, making it easier to manage your budget without compromising on quality of life. At the same time, it offers everything you need: culture, gastronomy, history, and a dynamic international community.

The Españolé experience: built around you

At Españolé, everything is designed to help you learn Spanish effectively while enjoying your time in Spain. Our methodology and support services combine practical learning, personal support, and real-life immersion:

Study in the heart of Valencia. Our school is located in the historic centre, surrounded by culture, cafés, and local life. The learning environment combines traditional character with modern, comfortable facilities, creating a space where students feel motivated and connected.
Practical Spanish for real-life situations. Lessons focus on communication, helping you use Spanish confidently in everyday contexts such as ordering food, travelling, or socialising. The goal is simple: to help you speak and understand Spanish from the very beginning.
Cultural immersion beyond the classroom. Learning does not stop after class. We organise regular cultural activities such as city tours, cooking sessions, language exchanges, and social events. These experiences allow you to practise Spanish naturally while discovering the city.
Personalised support at every step. From choosing your course to organising your stay, our team supports you throughout your journey. We help you find the right programme, select accommodation, and adapt your experience to your personal goals.
Flexible learning adapted to you. Small groups and a personalised approach ensure that you receive the attention you need to progress at your own pace. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your level, your learning path is tailored to you.
Recognised quality and trusted experience. Españolé is accredited by leading institutions and known for its high teaching standards and student satisfaction. Our students consistently highlight their progress, confidence, and the positive atmosphere of the school.

Ready to start your Spanish journey?

Studying Spanish in Spain is much more than choosing a course or accommodation. To truly make the most of your experience, you need practical language skills, confidence, and the ability to communicate in real-life situations from day one.

That’s where Españolé makes the difference. Our programmes are designed to combine high-quality Spanish lessons with carefully selected accommodation options, so you can learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Whether you choose a shared apartment, a student residence, or a host family, your experience will be fully integrated into your learning journey.

From helping you choose the right course and accommodation to supporting you throughout your stay, our team is here to make everything simple and stress-free. You will not only improve your Spanish, but also live the language every day through cultural activities, social interactions, and life in Valencia.

Not sure which accommodation or Spanish course is right for you? — get in touch with us!