About the City – Why You’ll Love to Study in Granada
When you study in Granada, you step into a postcard. One filled with centuries-old palaces, sunlit plazas, and winding cobbled streets. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, Granada is a stunning blend of Moorish marvels and vibrant Spanish life.
This is the city of the Alhambra, flamenco, and snow-capped mountains. But it’s also a university town. One brimming with students from around the globe, breathing life into ancient walls.
Despite its deep history, Granada doesn’t feel stuck in the past. It’s young, multicultural, and full of energy. The kind of place where the 13th-century meets €1 tapas and street art tours.
But what makes Granada truly perfect for students? It’s small enough to feel cozy yet full of character. It’s cheap (thankfully), social, and notoriously beautiful.
The kind of place where your walk to class becomes its own little journey.
Why Granada Is Perfect for International Students
Granada is more than just easy on the eyes, it’s a student’s dream city.
1. Home to One of Spain’s Best Universities
The University of Granada is over 500 years old and consistently ranked among Spain’s Top 5 universities. It’s also one of the most popular Erasmus destinations in Europe with over 60,000 students, including almost 10,000 internationals.
Whether you’re here for a semester or a full degree, you’ll find programs in humanities, tech, business, architecture, and health sciences, many offered in English.
2. A City That Moves at a Student’s Pace
Affordable living? Check. Chill cafés for studying? Definitely. Free tapas with drinks? Always.
Granada tailors itself to student life. It’s incredibly walkable, friendly, and unbelievably photogenic. The cost of living is 30–40% lower than cities like Madrid or Barcelona, and the quality of life? Through the roof.
3. Cultural and Outdoor Paradise
Few cities offer what Granada does. You can go hiking in the Sierra Nevada in the morning and sip sangria in Albayzín by sunset.
It’s packed with museums, flamenco shows, Arabic baths, street festivals, and language exchanges. Learning continues well beyond lectures.
If you’re after a destination that combines global education with deeper cultural immersion, studying in Granada is the answer.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Granada
1. University of Granada (Universidad de Granada – UGR)
The second-largest university in Spain with undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Offers programs in English, Spanish, and bilingual tracks. Strong in languages, AI, health sciences, education, and law.
2. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Informática y de Telecomunicación (UGR)
Leading unit of UGR for IT, data science, and telecommunications engineering. Cutting-edge labs + research.
3. Facultad de Traducción e Interpretación (UGR)
Globally recognized for language, translation, and interpreting studies in multiple languages. A top pick for linguists.
4. Loyola Andalucía – Granada Campus
A private Jesuit university offering business administration, international relations, and social sciences. Classes often taught in English.
5. Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Andalucía (ESAD)
Focuses on drama, acting, directing, and dance. Known for professional-standard artistic training.
6. Escuela de Arte de Granada
Offers diplomas in visual arts, graphic design, and fashion. Integrates traditional Spanish art with modern technique.
7. Universidad Internacional de Andalucía – Campus de la Cartuja
Offers master’s programs and collaborations with UGR. Best for postgrads and researchers.
8. IES Cartuja – Universidad Popular
Language and humanities courses, often attended by international students brushing up on literature or culture.
9. Escuela Hispánica de Lenguas Españolas
Specialist Spanish language school for foreigners. Perfect for intensive month-long or semester programs.
10. Instituto Mediterráneo Sol
Another top Spanish language school, offering accredited cultural exchange and homestay programs.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Granada
- Livensa Living Granada Fuentenueva
- Universtay Granada
- Residencia Universitaria Carlos V
- Micampus Granada Centro
- Estudiotel Granada
- Residencia Universitaria Fernando de los Ríos
- Residencia Carmen de la Victoria (UGR-Owned)
- Collegiate Granada
- Residencia Universitaria El Alfar
- Vita Student Granada
All include amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry, furnished rooms, and common spaces, basically, everything a student needs to live, study, and chill.
Top 10 Student Areas in Granada (With Nearby Universities)
1. Albayzín
- Nearby: Language and history faculties
- Vibe: Bohemian and scenic
Winding alleys, white houses, flamenco bars. Creative types and Erasmus students love it here.
2. Realejo
- Nearby: Faculty of Political Science and Sociology
- Vibe: Artsy and alternative
Trendy cafés, tapas bars, and close to nightlife with walkable streets.
3. Cartuja
- Nearby: Main UGR campus
- Vibe: Affordable student-hub
Packed with student housing and cheap eats. Where the buzz never stops.
4. Centro (City Centre)
- Nearby: Faculties of Translation, Law, and Business
- Vibe: Central, convenient, cosmopolitan
More expensive but everything is at your doorstep: shops, bars, transport, and monuments.
5. Zaidín
- Nearby: Health Sciences, Medicine
- Vibe: Residential, modern
Peaceful and practical. Ideal for medical students with clinical classes.
6. Beiro
- Nearby: Campus de Cartuja and bus station
- Vibe: Laid-back
Great balance of quiet and accessible. Lower rent and decent apartment size.
7. Camino de Ronda
- Nearby: Multiple UGR faculties + nightlife
- Vibe: Student classic
Known for its tapas bars, late-night pizzerias, and budget-friendly housing.
8. Alcampo/Cartuja Norte
- Nearby: Science and Education faculties
- Vibe: Cheap and cheerful
Housing is easy to find. Fewer tourists, more students.
9. San Ildefonso
- Nearby: Alhambra and philosophy faculties
- Vibe: Intellectual and historic
Quiet cobblestone streets near the Alhambra. Pure Granada magic.
10. Plaza de Toros
- Nearby: UGR Medical School
- Vibe: Student-heavy
Trendy and filled with apartments designed for student life, group flats and affordable studios.
Cost of Living in Granada – What Students Really Spend
Granada is ridiculously affordable for a European university town, especially considering the quality of life you’ll enjoy.
Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown:
| Expense | Cost Range (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared/studio) | €250 – €450 |
| Utilities & Wi-Fi | €50 – €80 |
| Groceries & Food | €150 – €200 |
| Public Transport | €30 (bonobus card) |
| Eating Out/Leisure | €80 – €150 |
| Health Insurance | €30 – €50 |
💡 Total: €600 – €900/month
Ways to save:
- Free tapas with every drink (yes, free).
- Discounted student meals at UGR cafeterias, only €3.
- ERASMUS grants & MEC scholarships are widely available and easy to apply for.
Granada proves that you don’t need to be rich to live well while you study.
Local Transport in Granada – How Students Get Around
Granada may be compact, but it’s well-connected and easy to navigate.
1. Buses (Rober)
The city bus network is reliable and goes everywhere. A Bonobus student card gets you cheap fares, around €0.83 per ride.
2. Tram (Metro de Granada)
One tram line connects neighborhoods like Armilla, Zaidín, and Albolote. Fast and air-conditioned. Great for getting across the city in 15-20 minutes.
3. Biking
Granada is becoming bike-friendly, though hilly in areas like Albayzín. New bike lanes and rental bikes make it easier.
4. Walking
Most students walk. From central neighborhoods, you can reach most campuses in under 30 minutes.
5. Intercity Buses & Trains
Granada Bus Station connects you to Seville, Malaga, and Madrid. Weekend trips? Sorted. The AVE fast train now connects Granada to major Spanish cities.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Granada
To study in Granada is to live a life you’ll never forget. It’s affordable, authentic, and packed with opportunities, both academic and personal. World-class universities, rich history, fiery flamenco nights, and a student-centered lifestyle come together here with effortless flow.
Whether you’re chasing a degree in medicine or mastering Spanish verbs, what you get in return goes far beyond the classroom.
Granada teaches you how to study, live, connect, and savor every moment.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Granada
1. Is Granada good for international students?
Yes! It’s one of the top Erasmus destinations in Europe with a strong global student community.
2. Can I study in English in Granada?
Absolutely. The University of Granada offers many master’s and some bachelor’s programs in English.
3. Is Granada affordable?
Very. You can live comfortably on €600–€900/month, including rent and food.
4. Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not for all programs. But learning Spanish helps with daily life and makes everything more fun.
5. Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes! Erasmus, UGR’s grants, and regional scholarships are all available.
6. Is the city safe for students?
Yes. Granada is known for being very safe, especially in student areas.
7. What’s the student nightlife like?
Lively and legendary. From tapas bars to clubs, it’s always buzzing.
8. How’s the weather in Granada?
Hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes snowy winters. You can ski and sunbathe in one weekend.
9. Where should I live as a student?
Cartuja, Realejo, and Camino de Ronda are affordable and close to campus.
10. Why should I choose to study in Granada?
Because it gives you everything, academics, culture, affordability, and community, all in one unforgettable setting.
