How to find student housing

Here’s a look at how to find a great student apartment in key cities around the world.

Editorial Team

By Editorial Team

University of Athens Building

Have you just moved to a new city for school? Maybe you’re finding dorm life lacking? The search for student housing doesn’t have to be a hassle. Especially when there’s Studentground, a flexible, easy, and premium student housing solution in major cities around the world. Plus, rent-free when you’re away for the summer or holidays, and enjoy a seamless rental experience close to campus!

Moving to a new city can be a little overwhelming, but it’s a lot easier when you have a fully furnished turnkey apartment. Here’s a look at how to find student housing in Blueground’s markets worldwide.

Student Housing in Asia

Blueground’s fully furnished rentals have recently arrived in Asia! A sleek studio or one-bedroom apartment in one of our high-end buildings is a wonderful place to study!

1. Hong Kong

Bustling Hong Kong is home to plenty of students, whether they are pursuing undergraduate degrees or advanced studies. Student housing in Hong Kong can be cramped and noisy. Many international students who come to the city to study choose to find their own apartments. In fact, this includes short-term furnished rentals.

Overview of Hong Kong city at night

Blueground has great move-in ready furnished apartments in Hong Kong located near the University of Hong Kong in neighborhoods like Mid-Levels West. Our inventory gives students a great selection of furnished flats to choose from – all over the city.

2. Singapore

Finding student housing in Singapore can be a little tricky for international students. After all, your home country may be thousands of miles away!

Singapore city view in the afternoon

Renting a flexible short-term flat gives you far more privacy than traditional student housing, but also saves you the hassle of purchasing furniture. If you are pursuing your studies at the National University of Singapore, Blueground’s furnished apartments in Singapore neighborhoods like Queenstown make ideal homes.

Student Housing in Europe and the Middle East

Are you moving to cities or even countries to further your education? Blueground’s turnkey furnished apartments are a wonderful alternative to overcrowded or noisy student quarters.

1. Athens, Greece

With a population of over three million and 16 research universities, Athens is home to plenty of students. If you’re attending the National Technical University of Athens — better known as Athens Polytechnic School — you can easily find a furnished apartment within walking distance of campus.

University building in Athens Greece

Students at the University of Athens (formally called the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) will also be spoiled for options among our inventory of studios and one- and two-bedroom student apartments in Athens that are perfect for sharing.

2. Student Housing in Barcelona

Each year, thousands of people enroll in a university in this beautiful city. Student housing in Barcelona can vary in quality depending on a number of factors. Many students find it more comfortable and convenient to secure their own short-term apartment rentals in Barcelona.

park gruell in barcelona

 

Blueground has a wonderful inventory of studios and one-bedroom furnished apartments in Barcelona that are an elegant alternative to traditional student housing. Our lovely turnkey homes in L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample are perfect for anyone studying at the University of Barcelona.

3. Basel

Are you moving to Switzerland to further your education? Basel has a wonderful reputation for student life, and the city welcomes many new students each year. Traditional student housing is wonderful for some. However, students who want a little more privacy to focus on their studies should also consider other options.

Bridge on Rhine river in Basel

Blueground has amazing furnished apartments in Basel. For example, you could live in Am Ring, where the University of Basel is situated. We also have apartments in Vorstädte, the setting for Basel University. Our turnkey one-bedroom and studio apartments are a cut above most student housing options.

4. Student Housing Options in Berlin

Germany’s capital is home to some incredible institutions of higher learning – more than 30 in total. Each year, thousands of people move here to further their educations. Student housing in Berlin can vary from dormitories to private residences.

People paasing in front of the brandenburg gate in Berlin

 

More and more students are opting out of traditional student housing in favor of flexible housing solutions. Try one of Blueground’s furnished apartments in Berlin, which are located throughout the city. We have inventory in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

5. Copenhagen

Each fall students flock to Denmark’s capital to further their educations. Finding student housing in Denmark can be a little tricky if you’re looking for something a little more upscale or want to live alone rather than with a roommate.

Gothic building in Copenhagen

Blueground’s studios and one and two bedroom furnished apartments in Copenhagen are ideal for students. We have beautiful move-in ready homes in Carlsberg Byen, Lyngby, and all over the city.

6. Dubai

There are 19 universities in Dubai, and an ever-growing population of students — many of them from overseas — arriving for classes each year. Are you one of the thousands of students furthering your education in the UAE? Finding a short-term rental where you can live alone or with roommates gives you more flexibility than traditional student housing. You’re sure to find suitable student accommodation in Dubai with Blueground.

7. Istanbul

Are you moving to Istanbul to attend college or university? It can be overwhelming to find student housing in the city, especially if you are an international student who isn’t familiar with its geography. Many students prefer short-term flexible rental apartments rather than more traditional student housing options like dormitories because it gives them more privacy.

View of Istanbul and Bosporus

If you want a student-friendly home, consider one of Blueground’s furnished apartments in Istanbul. Our deep inventory of studios and one and two bedrooms all over the city makes it easy to find the perfect-sized space with the amenities that add to your quality of life. Most of our flexible term furnished rentals also have desks set up for you, so that you can simply show up and start studying.

8. Student Housing in Lisbon

There are more than 30 institutions of higher learning in Portugal’s capital, so the fall rush for student housing can be a little intimidating. Of course, there is an easier way – booking a flexible rental instead of committing to the dormitory or a year-long lease.

Colorful homes in Lisbon

Why not try looking for furnished apartments in Lisbon Portugal? Providers like Blueground have move-in ready homes in some of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the city, including student-friendly areas like Saldanha and Avenidas Novas.

9. London

The UK capital is home to a whopping 91 colleges and universities and is thus a magnet for talented students from around the world. Living in London is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re looking for comfortable digs outside of the dorms, a furnished apartment that’s close to campus but not in the thick of the action is an ideal choice.

University square in London

Our portfolio of hundreds of furnished apartments in London has you covered, with options all over the city. Are you studying at Imperial College London? We have lovely turnkey homes in South Kensington. University College London scholars can opt for one of our comfortable studios or one- and two bedroom apartments in Fitzrovia.

10. Luxembourg

Moving to Luxembourg to pursue higher education is a worthy goal! Although it’s possible to find a place in a student hall through your college or university, many students crave a higher level of comfort and privacy than traditional student housing can provide.

 

Students who live in Blueground’s furnished apartments in Luxembourg have everything they need to excel at their studies, including desks, chairs, and fast Wi-Fi. Our comfortable homes are located in some of the best neighborhoods in the city, including Bonnevoie and Kirchberg.

11. Madrid

Spain’s capital is a wonderful backdrop for student life. If you are coming here to study from overseas, you may find traditional student housing in Madrid lacking in amenities or privacy, however. This is especially true for graduate students. Blueground’s student housing is an elegant alternative to the dormitory. We have furnished apartments in Madrid in key student neighborhoods, including Gaztambide.

Sunlit view of Madrid

Are you moving to Madrid from another country? Here are some wonderful tips for expats.

12. Paris

Paris is home to an impressive number of institutions of higher learning — 64 at last count! The city’s rental market is notoriously difficult to navigate, even for students. Blueground’s furnished apartments throughout the city are an elegant alternative to crowded dorms or cramped shared apartments. Are you enrolled at ENS Paris, the Sorbonne, the University of Pierre and Marie Curie, or any of the other wonderful schools in the City of Light? Consider one of our apartment rentals in Paris, many of which are located in the center of the city and let you hop on the Metro to classes.

13. Vienna

Stately and beautiful, Vienna is also home to 29 universities that accommodate students from around the world. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or undertaking graduate studies, this metropolis on the Danube has a lot to offer.

View of Vienna from above

Students at the University of Vienna will love our furnished Vienna apartments in Innere Stadt or Josefstadt, where you’ll be just a few minutes walk from campus. Are you enrolled at the Vienna University of Technology? Blueground has wonderful studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments in Landstraße and Mariahilf.

Student Housing in the US

Our housing options in cities across the country give the dorms a real run for their money.

1. Student Housing in Austin

When you arrive in Austin you may notice signs around asking you to “Keep Austin Weird.” Texas’s capital is a liberal bastion in a sea of red, so it’s no wonder that the city is home to several notable colleges and universities. Our studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments offer more flexibility and privacy than traditional student housing. Students at the University of Texas – Austin, St. Edward’s University, or Concordia University Texas will want to consider a furnished Austin apartment from Blueground as an elegant alternative to the dorm or living outside of the city.

2. Boston

Great Dome, MIT

 

Students from around the world come to Boston to pursue higher education. Whatever you choose to study, you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of fellow students. A furnished apartment in Boston or nearby Cambridge might give you the peace and quiet you need to hit the books while the rest of the world is partying. Our studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments are located throughout the greater Boston area, which means you’ll have options within walking distance of campus if you prefer. For even more on student digs in the area, check out our guide to student housing in Boston.

3. Chicago

Chicago is home to 58 colleges and universities, attracting talented students from around the world. The Windy City is an exciting and dynamic place to live, thanks to its diverse population and robust public transportation. Our studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments are ideal for students since they offer privacy and fully equipped kitchens so that students can cater to themselves. Blueground’s furnished apartments in Chicago are located throughout the city, which means that you have a variety of options to choose from wherever you’re enrolled.

4. Student Housing Options in Denver

The Mile High City is teeming with students, thanks to the 20 colleges and universities in the greater Denver area. It’s a wonderful place to get an education and has a lively culture thanks to the proximity of the Rocky Mountains and all that nature has to offer.

University campus square in Denver

Students will find a variety of furnished apartments in Denver that are ideal for maximizing study time. If you’re enrolled at the University of Denver, for example, check out our listings in University. Our studios and one- and two bedroom apartments all have fully equipped kitchens and fast Wi-Fi.

5. Los Angeles

Sunny Los Angeles is home to 37 colleges and universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC). Both of these schools have massive enrollment, so the search for student housing in Los Angeles can be a challenge. Our furnished apartments in Los Angeles are a fantastic alternative to student dorms. Blueground has studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments throughout the city and surrounding area, making it easy to choose a new home based on your unique lifestyle preferences.

6. Miami

Are you headed to college in Miami this fall? Traditional student housing can be great if you want to socialize even more than you study, but some students prefer more privacy and comfort. Renting a furnished apartment in Miami from flexible-term providers like Blueground lets you have an upscale experience at school. Our studios and one-bedroom apartments near Florida International University are perfect for a quick commute to class.

7. New York City

Thousands of students arrive in NYC each fall, making the competition for student housing quite stiff! The Big Apple has 94 colleges and universities throughout its five boroughs. A furnished NYC apartment offers a lot of advantages over traditional student housing, including the ability to self-cater and save money on a meal plan.

Columbia University in NYC

If you’re looking to live alone, one of our studios or one-bedroom apartments in Brooklyn or Manhattan might be perfect for you. Blueground also has two- and three-bedroom apartments for anyone looking to share space — and expenses! — with a roommate or two. For even more about finding a student apartment in NYC, see our guide to off-campus housing.

8. San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area has 17 colleges and universities in all! While some students choose to live on campus, others prefer to branch out a little more. After all, San Francisco is a legendary city in its own right. If you’re on the lookout for student housing, our furnished apartments in San Francisco are a wonderful alternative to the dorm. Our flexible-term leases are also ideal for anyone doing a summer internship in Silicon Valley since you can rent for as little as 30 days or up to a year or even longer.

9. Student Housing in Seattle

The Emerald City is renowned for its beauty and proximity to nature, but the city is also a magnet for talented students. Flexible-term, furnished studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments in Seattle are ideal for students who are seeking an alternative to on-campus housing.

If you want to experience everything the city has to offer while you’re in school, consider a furnished apartment in Seattle. Blueground has a presence throughout the city, as well as in the nearby cities of Ballard and Bellevue. When you choose a flexible lease you have the freedom to choose your dates. You can also cater for yourself in a private apartment that includes a full kitchen.

10. Washington, DC

The nation’s capital has its fair share of colleges and universities — 39 to be exact! While it can be exciting to live in official student housing like dormitories, many students prefer the comfort and privacy of a furnished rental in Washington, DC. When you live off-campus, you experience more of the city outside of the student bubble. If you’re attending Georgetown University, our apartments in Georgetown are an elegant alternative to the dorms. Are you ready to upgrade your living situation? Prioritize comfort and flexibility with a Blueground apartment that fits your lifestyle.

When you rent with us, you can feel at home in a new city on day one. Particularly with our  Studentground program, which was developed with the unique needs of every type of student in mind — from international students and groups of classmates to company-sponsored students and those studying just for summer sessions.

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

The Blueground editorial team covers the best things to see, do, and experience in our cities around the world.