Your new life as a university student in San Sebastián: the ultimate guide to finding your way around from Olarain (campus, neighbourhood and transport)

Ongi etorri to your new home! Moving to Donostia / San Sebastián to start university marks the beginning of an incredible chapter in your life, and doing so at the Olarain University Hall of Residence gives you a great starting point. San Sebastián is a city on a comfortable, human scale, green and designed with students in mind; you just need to know a couple of shortcuts to get about like a local from day one.

 

 

Strategic location: your university just a stone’s throw away

One of the great advantages of living in Olarain is that you can finally say goodbye to those endless early mornings. The hall of residence is right in the heart of San Sebastián’s academic life.

 

• EHU (Gipuzkoa Campus): You’re literally right next door. Faculties such as Psychology, Architecture, Law, Education, Philosophy and the School of Engineering are between 3 and 8 minutes’ walk away. Walking or cycling to class whilst listening to your favourite podcast is an everyday treat. At Olarain we have the ‘Toti Martínez de Lezea’ library, but if you want to study on campus, it’s just a short walk to the Carlos Santamaría library or the Elbira Zipitria Centre.

 

• Musikene (Basque Country Higher School of Music): The Musikene campus is less than a 5-minute walk from your room. If you’re coming here to train to the highest musical levels, the short distance to practice and then return to rest is unbeatable. And whenever you need to, Olarain has a range of soundproofed music rooms so you can practise freely. 

 

• Tecnun (University of Navarra): The Ibaeta campus is less than a 10-minute walk away. For the Miramón sites, the direct bus service drops you right at the door in just 15 minutes.

 

• University of Deusto (Donostia Campus): Located on the banks of the River Urumea, you can get there easily in around 15 minutes by bike along the cycle path or by taking the Dbus No. 27, which stops just a few metres from Olarain.

 

• Basque Culinary Center (BCC): Located in the Miramón Technology Park, bus route 35 takes you there in around 25 minutes without the need to change buses. Furthermore, at Olarain we offer our own personalised transport service.

 

Daily points of interest right on your doorstep

Living in the El Antiguo neighbourhood means enjoying the perfect balance between a university atmosphere, peace and quiet, and all the amenities you need right on your doorstep:

 

• Ondarreta Beach and El Peine del Viento (a 5-minute walk away): Your natural escape. Ideal for a stroll at sunset, a run by the sea or simply studying on the sand when the weather cools down. And if you fancy a little surfing, Zurriola Beach, in the Gros neighbourhood, is just 10 minutes away by public transport. At Olarain, we have a storage space for your surfboard.
• Matía Street (a 4-minute walk): The neighbourhood’s main thoroughfare. Here you’ll find pharmacies, artisan bakeries, bookshops, greengrocers and the best cafés and bars for a break from your studies. 
• Local supermarkets: There are various supermarkets and neighbourhood shops within 300 metres for any quick last-minute shopping. Although, as you know, here at Olarain we have a canteen serving home-cooked, locally sourced food.
• Miramar Park, gardens and Monte Igeldo: Green spaces just a short stroll away where you can unwind, read outdoors or enjoy one of the best panoramic views of La Concha Bay.
• Sports facilities: Besides the gym and sauna we have at Olarain, you’ll find various city facilities nearby, such as the sports center in Antiguo and the university’s sports courts.

Getting around Donostia is really easy

Donostia is designed to leave your car behind and embrace sustainable transport.

• The Bidegorris network (cycle lanes): San Sebastián has over 80 km of safe cycle routes. The Bidegorri runs right next to Olarain. You can use the Dbizi public bike-share system, with docking stations very close to the hall of residence. What’s more, at Olarain we have free parking if you have your own bike, and bike hire available whenever you need it.
• City buses (Dbus): The bus network is punctual, clean and runs very frequently. The key routes for you from El Antiguo are the 5, 25, 33 and 45.
• Mugi card: top tip: Apply for the Mugi travel card as soon as you arrive. With it, tickets for the bus or train – known locally as ‘topo’ – will cost you less than half the price of a standard ticket, and you’ll build up progressive discounts based on your monthly usage.

Welcome to Olarain and Donostia! If you need to find a specific location or have any questions about how to get your travel card, pop into reception: the Olarain team is always on stand-by to give you a little help.