Accommodation for Master’s and PhD students and researchers in San Sebastián. What you should consider

Studying for a master’s degree, starting a PhD or undertaking a research residency requires a different level of focus and maturity to that of your university years. Now, your priorities have changed: you’re looking for an environment that respects your schedule, offers you the peace and quiet you need to write your thesis or project, and provides facilities that boost your academic performance. However, balancing these high demands with the day-to-day management of the responsibilities of an apartment – whether shared or your own – can become an additional source of stress. At Olarain, we fully understand your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve designed a living space where academic performance and support, the comforts of home and relaxation coexist in perfect balance, all in the service of your talent.

Postgraduate and research students in Donostia / San Sebastián: the challenge of academic excellence

Moving abroad to San Sebastián to study for a master’s degree, start a PhD or prepare for the MIR exam – amongst other life events linked to the early stages of your career – presents a challenge that goes beyond simply studying. It is a highly demanding period in which your priorities shift: you’re not just seeking a room; you’re looking for an environment that respects your schedule and your needs, free from the logistical distractions of everyday life, and which provides you with the focus and wellbeing necessary for high performance.

Donostia / San Sebastián is a leading city in science and innovation, home to internationally renowned institutions that attract postgraduate students and researchers from all over the world, such as the University of the Basque Country (EHU), the DIPC (Donostia International Physics Centre), Tecnalia, and Tecnun, the School of Engineering at the University of Navarra… However, the residential accommodation options available to postgraduate students can sometimes present drawbacks, such as the requirement for long-term tenancy agreements or the distractions associated with shared flats, as well as the shortage of rental apartments in Donostia and their high cost. 

At Olarain, we offer you a space where academic excellence and well-being go hand in hand, complemented by facilities and services tailored to your needs, so that you can focus on your goals.

Facilities and services: all-inclusive to help you improve your performance

For those studying for a master’s degree or engaged in research, time is precious. Not having to worry about what to cook, cleaning the house or managing internet contracts allows for total immersion in academic life.

José Pablo Zaya Reina, a medical graduate from Marbella, chose Olarain to prepare for his MIR exam because of its welcoming and family atmosphere. “The rooms are very spacious, with common areas that enhance comfort and leisure, such as the ‘spatium’ and unique spots like the ‘Garden of Friendship’.”

What he values most in his day-to-day life is the friendly and welcoming treatment from the staff and the fact that the food is served buffet-style, because “it’s great that after studying, everything’s ready to eat”. He also notes, “the breakfast, lunch and dinner hours are flexible and the food is very varied and delicious”. Furthermore, he finds the twice-weekly cleaning service perfect for keeping his room tidy.

At Olarain, we offer services and facilities to make it easy for you:

• Fully equipped rooms: spacious rooms with large work desks, good natural lighting and a stable, high-speed Wi-Fi connection for your research.
• Individual study rooms and library: quiet, uncrowded spaces inside the building itself where you can concentrate.
• Full board from Monday to Sunday: forget about cooking. Enjoy a varied and delicious buffet, featuring fresh local food and flexible meal times, ready whenever you finish your study session. We have our own kitchen and nutritional guidance, a buffet breakfast and the option of half-board or full board. We can adapt to special dietary requirements and allow you to change your meal plan during the period. At Olarain, the dining room is one of the main places to socialise and make lifelong friends.
• Cleaning service: Regular cleaning of your room, twice a week.
• On-site gym and sauna: Ideal for relieving stress and maintaining physical fitness without leaving the building. We also have a padel court and other sports facilities.

Rest, wellbeing and community as the cornerstones of academic success

Silence and spaces for concentration

We know how important it is to have study areas that are not overcrowded, with natural light and an atmosphere of respect for study and rest. For postgraduate students, in addition to time, having that study environment, a sense of community and the opportunity to share similar habits and routines with others are key to successful performance.

Community and well-being

At Olarain, you’ll find a rich, diverse and international community where students, musicians, athletes and researchers of all backgrounds live together, fostering organic networking, the exchange of ideas and shared moments of fun in the common areas.

Dr Qasem B. Budair, a postdoctoral researcher in private law at the UPV who currently lives in Olarain, highlights the peaceful and international atmosphere as perfect for his research. “Olarain provides a quiet atmosphere for studying, comfortable accommodation, and a diverse international community. It is an excellent place for postgraduate students and researchers to balance academic work and daily life.”

What Dr Qasem values most, apart from the peaceful environment, are “the clean facilities and the friendly staff. It’s also a great place to focus on my research while meeting people from different countries”. 

Our philosophy, supported by Olarain Care, is focused on wellbeing. High performance isn’t just about studying for 12 hours; it’s about eating healthily, taking care of your mental health and being able to switch off by taking a walk along the nearby Ondarreta beach or working out in our own gym. We take care of you so that you can focus entirely on your research or studies.

Strategic location and flexible accommodation

Our location is one of the cornerstones of the academic sector. We are just a few minutes’ walk from the EHU library and the university campus, and the many research centres are easily accessible on foot, by bike or by public transport, making your daily journeys a lot easier. We’re in the Antiguo neighbourhood, a stone’s throw from Ondarreta beach – the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of intellectual work.

As José Pablo Zaya explains, Olarain is the ideal place to be productive while allowing you to switch off. “The library and individual study rooms foster an atmosphere of concentration,” he tells us. “What’s more, being just 10 minutes from Ondarreta is ideal for a walk after a busy day of study. It also has its own gym, so you don’t have to go far to work out. If you prefer to study elsewhere, the EHU library is just 5–10 minutes away.”

We understand that research projects or postgraduate courses do not always last a full academic year. That is why we offer flexible contracts tailored to stays of one year or shorter periods of between 3 and 6 months.

Coming to Donostia / San Sebastián to study for a master’s degree, a PhD or to undertake research?

Discover our rooms and rates tailored to your needs whilst you study for your master’s or postgraduate degree, work on your PhD or undertake your research project in San Sebastián.