The Complete Guide to Student Life in Barcelona

Moving to a new city for the first time can be nerve-wracking. But when it's a city that’s as lively and sunshine-filled as Barcelona, those nerves will quickly disappear. Whether you’re a local student planning your next steps or an international student dreaming about beachside study breaks, Barcelona is the perfect place to complete your course.

Like any great adventure, a little guidance goes a long way. That’s where this complete guide to student life in Barcelona comes into play. Packed with everything you need to know about accommodation, food, nightlife, culture, and day-to-day student living, this blog is packed with all the information you need to know before you start your journey.

Day-To-Day Living

First and foremost, let’s discuss all things dorms, dining, and dancing. From your student accommodation options to the best of Barcelona’s nightlife, here’s all the info you need to know about the basics of living in this sunny city. 

1. Accommodation Options

Choosing the right student accommodation in Barcelona is critical. Remember, you’ll be spending most of your time here—it’s where you’ll eat, sleep, study and procrastinate, so it’s important to choose one that suits your personality.

On the one hand, you could opt for university halls of residence. These tend to be more social and have a community feel. First-year students often opt for this choice, but you usually have to share bathrooms and generally have less privacy.

Alternatively, you could opt for private student accommodation in Barcelona, which often comes with extra perks. Think private rooms, en suites, and all the comforts of having your own space. Plus, if you choose a private student accommodation like aparto, you still get the social buzz thanks to shared common areas and other built-in amenities.

2. Bites, Bars & Beats

Even on a student budget, you can eat and party to your heart’s content in Barcelona. From Bo de B, famous for its massive on-the-go sandwiches, to Tasca i Vins, the go-to for generous tapas and jugs of sangria, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

And the nightlife? It’s next level. If you’re into bar crawls, hit up El Bosc de Les Fadesr and if you want to dance the night away, head over to El Sabor or Razzmatazz. Whatever you decide to do, there are endless budget-friendly spots to suit every type of night out.

3. Art, Adventure & All the Festivals

Barcelona has more to offer than just sun, sea and sangria, though. It’s packed with so many experiences. Even if museums aren't your thing, this city might just change your mind.

For starters, you won’t want to miss out on La Mercè Festival—a wild week of street shows, fire runs, and human towers. Usually held at the end of September, this giant street party is an experience you’ve got to immerse yourself in.

Next on the list are the Primavera Sound and Sónar festivals. These big-name music events are a favourite for uni students to visit. So, if you’re into rock, pop, indie, electronic or hip-hop, make sure you grab tickets and enjoy the vibes.

There are plenty of hidden gems in Barcelona, too, like Parc Güell and the Montjuïc cable car. Living here means there’s always something happening, whether it's a free gallery opening or a spontaneous drum circle at Ciutadella Park.

Practical Tips

From navigating the Metro like a pro to picking up the local lingo and perfecting the art of budgeting in Barcelona, these practical tips will help you settle in, save some cash, and make the most out of your student life. 

1. How to navigate public transport

The city’s transport system is easy, clean and affordable. For under-30s, purchasing a T-Jove card is a must. For just €44, you can enjoy smooth travel on buses, metros, and trams for 90 consecutive days.

If you’re looking for an even more eco-friendly mode of transport, the Bicing bike-share system is perfect for quick rides across town. Plus, it’s a great excuse to skip leg day at the gym!

2. Learn the Language

You don’t have to be fluent in the language to live in the city, but learning some of the basics will definitely win you some extra brownie points with the locals. To help you out, here are some of the ways you can improve your linguistic skills:

• Attend free language exchange nights 
• Download free language apps, like Duolingo
• Just give it a go! Practice real-life situations and you’ll perfect it in no time.

3. Barcelona on a Budget

Just because you’re surviving on your student loan, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice seeing what the city has to offer. To help manage expenses, start by creating a simple budget sheet/tracker, or use apps like Monzo to divide money into their Pots feature. 

To make your money stretch even further, you could do your grocery shopping in places like Lidl and Mercadona. Both offer student-friendly prices for your everyday essentials. On top of this, keep your eyes peeled for student discounts—they’re everywhere! All of those extra pounds you save can really add up (and you can put them towards your next excursion).

Is Barcelona the city for you?

1. International Students

Barcelona is a global melting pot, especially for students. Wherever you’re from in the world, you'll find people who are just as new (and just as excited) as you. There’s a huge international student scene, tonnes of events, and a welcoming community feeling that makes it easy to feel at home fast.

2. Local Students

Staying in your home city doesn’t mean missing out. Local students still get to enjoy Barcelona’s culture, food, and freedom, without needing to Google-map the bus stop. Plus, student accommodation can offer a whole new experience, even if you're studying close to home.

3. Postgrads

Whether you're diving into research, changing careers, or looking for a more professional vibe, Barcelona offers loads of postgrad opportunities, especially in business, design, and tech. Choose accommodation that matches your goals with quiet study spaces and networking opportunities right where you live.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beach-lover, a bookworm, a party-starter or somewhere in between, Barcelona has something for every kind of student. With the right base, the right info, and an open mind, this city can be the backdrop to one of the best chapters of your life.

Thinking private student accommodation in Barcelona might be the right fit for you? Explore our locations and discover your perfect space with aparto.