San Sebastian Student accommodation is in high demand because the city combines strong universities, a safe environment, and a coastal lifestyle, making it one of Spain’s most desirable student destinations.
Amber helps students compare verified San Sebastian student housing options, understand what’s included in the rent, and book securely online before moving to the city, reducing last-minute stress.
Yes, Student housing San Sebastian works well for international students due to furnished rooms, clear contracts, and proximity to major universities and transport links, all of which Amber highlights upfront.
Student apartments San Sebastian offer greater independence and privacy, and Amber helps students filter options by budget, location, and amenities to find the right fit.
Yes, Student houses San Sebastian are popular among students who want a social setup while sharing costs, and Amber ensures listings are verified and accurately described.
Student halls San Sebastian are ideal for first-year and international students who want a community-focused environment with shared facilities and structured support.
A Student residence San Sebastian is well-suited for long-term study, offering stable contracts, on-site facilities, and an environment that supports both academic and social life.
Booking student accommodation in San Sebastian three to four months in advance is recommended, as well-located options close to universities fill up quickly.
While apartments for rent in San Sebastian can be expensive, shared apartments in San Sebastian become more affordable when students split rent and utilities, which Amber helps compare clearly.
Compared with other cities offering Student accommodation in Spain, San Sebastian stands out for its quality of life, safety, and academic reputation, even though costs are slightly higher.
San Sebastian is a city where student life feels cinematic without becoming chaotic. Framed by the Bay of Biscay and backed by green hills, the city blends academic focus with coastal calm. Known locally as Donostia–San Sebastian, it attracts students who want quality education, cultural depth, and an outdoor lifestyle in equal measure. As a result, demand for San Sebastian Student accommodation stays consistently high, particularly in neighbourhoods close to university campuses and transport routes. The living experience in student housing often includes opportunities to make lifelong friendships.
Students searching for student accommodation San Sebastian often use amber to compare verified listings, understand what services are included, and secure housing before arrival. Students often look for San Sebastián Portuetxe, a well-connected accommodation close to major university campuses such as Campus de Ibaeta. This locality offers easy access to lectures, libraries, supermarkets, and public transport, while remaining close to green spaces and the coastline. Students comparing destinations nationwide also explore guides such as the best places to live in Spain to understand how San Sebastian compares with other student-friendly cities. Student life here is active but balanced. Most San Sebastian student housing options offer furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, cleaning services, shared kitchens, and study areas, supporting both academic routines and social life. With beaches, libraries, campuses, and cafes all within easy reach, Student living San Sebastian feels structured yet relaxed.
San Sebastian is located in northern Spain in the Basque Country and has a population of approximately 188,000 residents. Despite its relatively compact size, the city has a strong student presence due to institutions such as the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), University of Deusto, Tecnun, & Musikene. Its location, just a few miles from France, adds to its international appeal.
The cost of living in San Sebastian typically ranges between €950 and €1,300 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle. While it is one of the more premium student cities in Spain, the quality of life, safety, & infrastructure justify the cost. The city records a safety index of around 75, an employment rate of approximately 74%, and a walkability score of 8.5. Students report a happiness index of about 7.8, driven by the coastal environment, cultural life, and academic reputation. Many students plan expenses using resources such as the cost of living in Spain.
Best and affordable student apartments in San Sebastian are typically chosen by students who want modern facilities, reliable services, and proximity to campus. These residences usually include furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, cleaning services, study spaces, and communal areas, all designed to support student life.
1. San Sebastián Portuetxe – From €608 per month – This student housing in San Sebastian offers studio & shared apartments with amenities like gym, parking, & more.
This option is popular among students seeking student flats San Sebastian and student residences San Sebastian that offer good connectivity and services.
San Sebastian has several neighbourhoods that work especially well for student life, balancing affordability, connectivity, and day-to-day convenience. Whether you prefer living close to campus, near the beach, or in the heart of the city, these areas offer reliable transport links and a strong student-friendly atmosphere.
1. Ibaeta / Portuetxe: This area is a top choice for students studying at UPV/EHU, Tecnun, and Musikene. It offers modern residences, strong transport links, and proximity to Ondarreta Beach. Average student rent ranges from €600 to €900 per month.
2. Antiguo: Antiguo is popular for its residential feel, cafes, and access to beaches. Students here enjoy a quieter environment with good bus connections. Rent typically falls between €550 and €850 per month.
3. Centro / Gros: These areas attract students who want a livelier atmosphere close to cultural venues and nightlife. Shared apartments are common, with average rent between €600 and €950 per month.
San Sebastian offers a wide mix of student accommodation styles to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and privacy needs. From social shared apartments to fully private studios and modern student residences, there’s something that fits both short stays and long-term student living.
1. En-suite Rooms: Private bathroom, furnished bedroom, and shared or private kitchen access, suitable for students seeking privacy.
2. Non En-suite Rooms: Rooms with shared bathrooms, commonly found in student dorms San Sebastian, offering a more budget-friendly option.
3. Studios: Self-contained units with private bathroom and kitchen, ideal for independent living.
4. Shared Apartments: Students share kitchens and living areas, making these popular student homes San Sebastian options.
5. Student Residence Rooms: Purpose-built rooms with access to gyms, study areas, cleaning services, and 24/7 security.
San Sebastian has a higher cost of living than many Spanish cities, but students benefit from excellent infrastructure and quality of life. Careful budgeting and choosing well-located accommodation help manage monthly expenses effectively.
1. Accommodation: €600 to €1,100 per month
2. Food: €180 to €270 per month
3. Groceries: €150 to €220 per month
4. Transportation: €30 to €55 per month
5. Utilities: €70 to €120 per month
6. Internet & TV: €30 to €45 per month
7. Leisure & social activities: €80 to €180 per month
8. Miscellaneous: €50 to €120 per month
San Sebastian makes getting around easy for students, with affordable public transport and short travel distances across the city. Whether you rely on buses and trains or prefer walking and cycling, most daily routes are quick, cost-effective, and well connected.
1. Bus: Local buses connect residential areas with campuses, beaches, and the city centre. A single ticket costs around €1.85, while student travel cards offer discounted monthly passes that significantly reduce commuting costs.
2. Train (Euskotren & Renfe): Trains connect San Sebastian with nearby towns and cities. Student and youth discounts apply, making regular travel more affordable for internships or weekend trips.
3. Walking: The city’s compact layout allows many students to reach campuses, libraries, and cafes within 10-25 minutes on foot, reducing daily transport costs.
4. Cycling: San Sebastian is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike parking. Student cycling programmes and low maintenance costs, averaging €10-15 per month, make this an economical option.
5. Taxis & Ride Services: Short trips typically cost €6-10 and are mainly used late at night or when public transport is limited.
Student life in San Sebastian is lively, social, and deeply tied to the city’s culture. The atmosphere is lively yet refined, with active student unions, university societies, and cultural groups organising events, workshops, and social activities throughout the year.
Students enjoy dining at Aratz and Rekondo, socialising at La Espiga and Txirrita, and visiting clubs such as Bataplán and Dabadaba. Cafes like Old Town Coffee and Maiatza are popular for study breaks. Green spaces such as Parque de Miramón and Parque Cristina Enea offer relaxation, while students study at San Telmo Liburutegia and Biblioteca Koldo Mitxelena. Shopping is centred around Garbera Centro Comercial, performances take place at Teatro Victoria Eugenia, and daily essentials are available at Mercadona. Healthcare services include Hospital Universitario Donostia and Farmacia Portuetxe, while cultural attractions include San Telmo Museoa and Museo Chillida Leku.
1. University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU): UPV/EHU enrolls over 47,000 students and offers strong programmes in science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Average semester fees typically range from €900 to €2,500, depending on residency and programme.
2. University of Deusto – San Sebastian Campus: The University of Deusto hosts approximately 12,000 students across campuses and is known for business, law, international relations, and social sciences. Semester fees usually range from €3,000 to €6,000, reflecting its private status.
3. Tecnun (University of Navarra – School of Engineering): Tecnun specialises in engineering and technology and attracts students from across Europe. Fees are higher, generally ranging from €5,000 to €7,000 per semester.
4. Musikene (Basque Country Higher School of Music): Musikene enrolls a smaller, specialised student body focused on music performance, composition, and music education, with semester fees varying by programme.
These institutions continue to drive demand for San Sebastian Student accommodation and San Sebastian student housing, especially in areas close to Campus de Ibaeta. Students often compare academic options using guides such as the best universities in Spain.