In this article, we will focus on seven key cities for students: Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada, Murcia, Seville and Valencia.
Studying in Spain and living in a student residence sounds like an unforgettable experience: new cities, new friends, lively halls of residence and the feeling of starting afresh. But between what you see on social media, what people tell you and what you imagine, it’s easy to get filled with ideas that don’t always match up with reality.
So, rather than talking in abstract terms, let’s debunk some myths using five cities where Bravo Students is currently active or will be in the future: Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada, Murcia, Valencia or Seville. You’ll see what’s true and what isn’t in what’s said about studying in each type of city and living in halls of residence.
Myth 1: “In Madrid you get lost; in smaller cities you get bored”
What is said:
In Madrid, you feel like just another face in the crowd and everything feels too big. In Zaragoza, Salamanca or Murcia, ‘there’s nothing to do’ and you’ll find yourself short of things to do.
Reality:
Madrid is a huge capital city, with a vast number of universities, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and specialist schools, as well as a never-ending cultural calendar: concerts, theatres, museums, events and neighbourhood life at all hours. If you live in halls of residence, your world revolves around three main areas: your campus, your halls of residence and a few key parts of the city. You don’t need to ‘master’ the whole of Madrid to feel at home.
Zaragoza, Salamanca and Murcia are in a league of their own: that of cities closely linked to universities and student life.
- In Salamanca, the university atmosphere is literally on every corner.
- In Zaragoza and Murcia, you have a manageable city, the amenities of a capital city, and a size that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
In conclusion, small cities are far from boring; in fact, the problem is usually the opposite: having more things to do than you can possibly fit in whilst you’re studying.
Myth 2: “In cities like Murcia or Salamanca, everything is cheap; in Madrid, it’s impossible”
What is said:
If you don’t have much money, your only option is to move to a small town. Madrid is “mission impossible” for a student.
Reality:
It’s true that the cost of living is usually lower in university towns than in Madrid, particularly when it comes to accommodation and everyday leisure activities. You can walk almost everywhere, go out for a drink without breaking the bank, and find things to do that are well suited to a student’s budget.
But that doesn’t mean Madrid is off-limits. The key lies in how you organise your life: where you live, how you get around, how much time you spend travelling from one place to another, and what sort of accommodation you choose. A well-located student residence can save you a lot of travel time and headaches in a big city, whilst in smaller towns it allows you to make the most of a budget that’s already tighter to begin with.
In all cases, the most honest approach is to look at the actual figures for each city rather than simply relying on labels such as ‘expensive’ or ‘cheap’. To do this, you can read our blog post ‘How much does it cost to live as a student in Spain: a comparison of cities’.
Myth 3: “A hall of residence is always more expensive than sharing a flat”
What is said:
If you move into a hall of residence, you’ll pay a lot more than you would for a flat, no matter which city you’re in.
Reality:
Whether or not a student residence seems more expensive depends very much on the city… and on what’s included. In Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada, Murcia, Valencia and Seville, the fee for a student residence isn’t just for the room: it usually includes utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, security, use of communal areas, study rooms, a gym, a swimming pool and more. You’re paying for convenience and for having your university life organised from day one.
When it comes to flats, the basic rent almost never tells the whole story. You have to factor in the deposit, electricity, water and heating bills, internet, perhaps furniture, transport and the time spent managing the tenancy. What’s more, the experience can vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood and the flatmates you end up with. In cities where everything is close by, such as Salamanca or Granada, a flat might be a more attractive option. In a big city like Madrid, a well-located hall of residence can save you a great deal of time and energy.
Myth 4: “You don’t study in halls of residence: it’s all noise, partying and chaos”
What is said:
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada, Murcia, Valencia, Seville or any other city in Spain: if you’re living in halls of residence, you won’t get a wink of sleep or pass any exams.
Reality:
Of course there’s life and activity, especially in cities with a strong university atmosphere. But halls of residence are designed for students, not to be a non-stop party. Bravo Students’ halls of residence have study rooms, house rules, quiet hours and separate areas for studying, socialising and resting.
Most residents eventually find a balance: they know when to make the most of the atmosphere and when to shut themselves away in the study.
Myth 5: “If you don’t know anyone, it’s best not to move to a big city”
What is said:
If you don’t know anyone and you’re off to Madrid or Zaragoza, you’re going to feel lonely. “It’s better to start out in a small town.”
Reality:
Arriving on your own can be daunting, but student accommodation really makes a difference, whether in big cities or smaller towns. In Madrid and Zaragoza, your student accommodation is your base in the middle of a huge city: a place where everyone is more or less in the same situation as you, and where you meet people in the dining hall, the study rooms, the gym or the swimming pool.
In Salamanca, Granada or Murcia, this effect is amplified because you also bump into fellow students all over the city: at university, in cafés, in libraries, at university parties. It’s very hard not to find your group if you’re open to talking to people and getting involved, even just a little.
What makes the difference is not so much the size of the city, but the environment you find yourself in. And a well-designed student residence makes that transition much smoother.
Myth 6: “Choosing Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada or Murcia marks you for life”
What is said:
The city you choose “shapes you for life”: if you get it wrong, you’ve ruined your experience.
Reality:
The city matters, of course, but it’s not a deal-breaker. Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada and Murcia are all good options for studying: each has its own style, atmosphere and cost of living. Madrid and Zaragoza offer a more big-city experience with plenty of transport links; Salamanca and Granada offer a lifestyle centred more on university life; and Murcia offers a very comfortable balance between size, climate and cost.
The important thing is to understand what your priorities are:
- If you’re looking for a great capital city with endless opportunities, Madrid might be a better fit for you.
- If you’re keen on the idea of a city that’s 100% university-based and walkable, Salamanca or Granada are great options.
- If you’re looking for something in between, with a great atmosphere but a manageable size, Zaragoza or Murcia are very interesting options.
And if at any point you feel you need a change, you can always switch to the next courses. Whatever you decide now doesn’t tie you down for life.
Studying in Spain and living in a student residence in cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Granada or Murcia isn’t a perfect experience, nor is it the same for everyone, but it can certainly be one of the most intense and enriching stages of your university life. Beyond the myths, what really makes the difference is finding the combination that suits you: a city whose pace you enjoy, a budget you’re comfortable with, and a hall of residence where you’ll find a sense of community, support and spaces designed for studying and having fun.
Ultimately, it’s not just about choosing a place on the map, but about choosing how you want to spend this time: surrounded by fellow students, with facilities that make life easier for you, and in an environment that helps you grow, get to know yourself better and create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve put your books away.
FAQs
Is it better to study in a big city like Madrid or in a city that’s 100% a university town, such as Granada or Salamanca?
There’s no single answer. Madrid is usually the best choice if you’re looking for plenty of academic, cultural and professional opportunities in a major capital city. Granada or Salamanca are often ideal if you want a city that’s easy to get around on foot, more affordable and with a strong university atmosphere. Seville and Valencia are cities that offer the best of both worlds: the advantages of a major city and a university city
Is a student residence really always more expensive than a shared flat?
Not always. It depends on the city and what’s included in the hall of residence fee. If you add up the cost of a flat, utilities, internet, furniture, transport and the time spent managing it all, the real difference often narrows. In expensive cities, a well-located residence can even work out better in terms of time and peace of mind.
Can you actually study in a hall of residence, or is it too noisy?
It is possible to study there. Halls of residence are designed with students in mind: they usually have study rooms, house rules and quiet hours. There is always a buzz of activity, but there are also spaces and times set aside for concentration.
If I don’t know anyone, is it a good idea to move to a big city?
Yes, as long as you have a good support network. Living in a residence means you don’t arrive in a big city ‘on your own’: from day one, you’re surrounded by people in the same situation as you, with whom you share the dining room, study rooms and communal areas. That makes it much easier to make friends, both in Madrid and in smaller towns.
Can I change cities or places of residence if I’m not happy with my choice?
In many cases, yes, although it will depend on deadlines and availability. The important thing is to understand that your decision isn’t set in stone: you can make adjustments in subsequent academic years if you find that another city or type of accommodation suits you better. That’s why it’s essential to do your research thoroughly beforehand and, if you’re unsure, to start with an option that offers you support and flexibility, such as student residence.
