Student Housing in Donostia: Shared Apartments vs. University Halls. Myths and Realities
Choosing where to live whilst studying at university in Donostia / San Sebastián is just as important as choosing your degree course. For years, the preferred option was a shared flat, as it offered greater independence and was the most economical choice. However, the property market has been through a structural transformation, and the housing crisis in the main cities of the Basque Country, in terms of availability and prices, has also affected the student accommodation sector.
Furthermore, Generation Z and their families are no longer just looking for a place to sleep; they want a living environment tailored to their needs, flexible, safe, that looks after their emotional wellbeing and academic performance, and with no nasty surprises at the end of the month.
In this article, we explore why the argument that ‘a flat is cheaper’ no longer stands up to scrutiny, and we debunk the myths about today’s university halls of residence that go beyond purely financial considerations.
The paradigm shift: why is the gap between university halls of residence and shared flats narrowing?
Fifteen years ago, the price gap between a room in a shared flat and one in a hall of residence was significant. Today, the structural transformation of the rental sector has narrowed that gap to a minimum. According to data from the property sector, the price of a room in a shared flat in Donostia averages around €600 per month.
It is not just the rent that determines the final cost. Market research reveals that additional flat expenses, such as electricity, water, gas, internet and cleaning, add up to between €150 and €250 extra per month. If we also add to these ‘hidden costs’ the cost of weekly shopping, which has skyrocketed in the Basque Country, travel expenses if you’re not living near your study centre, and the time spent on logistics, student halls of residence become the most efficient option and allow for a more realistic cost estimate.
What are families and students looking for when choosing university accommodation?
Today’s students are no longer just looking for a room; they demand a holistic experience that combines an active community life, sustainability and connectivity. For every student and their family, it is important to make the most of their time and eliminate financial uncertainty, with fixed-fee models that cover all their needs without any surprises at the end of the month.
To meet this demand from today’s students, some university halls of residence, such as Olarain, are moving away from the conventional model to offer an environment characterised by high achievement, support and community.
These are the key elements that the younger generations prioritise and which define our day-to-day work:
- Logistics to free up time: During a period of intense academic demands, delegating domestic tasks is key. We provide room cleaning twice a week, a laundry service and full maintenance with our own kitchen and locally sourced produce.
- Strategic location and mobility: Living in the heart of the Ibaeta campus means you’re just a stone’s throw away from the UPV, Tecnun and Musikene. Furthermore, we provide easy access to other centres such as the Basque Culinary Centre and the University of Deusto via our own transport service.
- Facilities for talent and leisure: We understand that every academic career is different. That’s why we have specialised study rooms, such as soundproof music rooms and a technology workshop, alongside spaces to unwind, such as the gym, sauna and Japanese garden.
- Support and Mental Health: In contrast to the loneliness of a shared flat, with Olarain Care we offer personalised support through our team of tutors and psychologists, fostering a safe environment and a healthy adaptation to university life.
- 24/7 Security and Respect: We have our own staff on 24 hours a day, whose role is not only to keep watch but also to provide assistance where needed, as well as ensuring that, from dusk onwards, an atmosphere of silence and absolute respect for residents’ rest prevails.
- Commitment to the future and sustainability: As ‘climate natives’, today’s students value living in environments that align with their values. Olarain holds the European Ecolabel, integrating sustainability into its energy, recycling and food policies.
In short, what students are looking for is a partner on their journey who can turn their accommodation into a springboard for personal and professional success.
Myths and realities of university accommodation
Myth 1: “You have less independence in a hall of residence”
The reality: There is a misconception that a hall of residence restricts your freedom. The reality is that living in a hall of residence gives you logistical independence. By leaving the cooking, cleaning and maintenance to others, you free up time for what really matters: your studies and your social life.
→ At Olarain: We offer maximum privacy with exterior single rooms and private bathrooms. You have your own personal refuge in the heart of the Ibaeta campus. And, whilst we ensure that certain rules of co-existence are followed, residents enjoy greater flexibility and independence than is commonly believed.
Myth 2: “Renting a flat is easier to manage”
The reality: People often overlook the financial barrier to renting a flat: several months’ rent as a deposit and, often, estate agent’s fees, which can amount to an initial outlay of over €1,500. Furthermore, utility bills for a flat can be unpredictable.
→ At Olarain: We are committed to a fixed ‘all-inclusive’ rate and total transparency. We do not charge a registration fee, only a deposit which is either refunded or reserved, eliminating any surprises on the bill at the end of the month. We also offer flexibility when it comes to choosing a rate or changing it during the academic year. For those who go home at the weekend, we offer a Sunday to Friday option. And for those coming to San Sebastián to study a master’s degree or undertake a research placement, we offer a short-stay option.
Myth 3: “Food in halls of residence is boring or mass-produced”
The reality: Families worry about whether their sons and daughters will eat properly whilst at university. As well as offering healthy menus, the halls of residence canteen is the heart of community life – something university students consider essential.
→ At Olarain: We have our own kitchen and an on-site grill service. We focus on healthy set menus, a salad buffet, a variety of starters and main courses, locally produced ingredients, and complete flexibility for special dietary requirements. And when the weather is fine, being able to have lunch under the outdoor marquee is a real plus.
Myth 4: “Halls of residence are just for sleeping and studying”
The reality: Modern halls of residence are centres of high performance and connectivity. A shared flat rarely offers the motivating environment and facilities, such as a gym, study rooms and 24/7 security, that students now demand.
→ At Olarain: We are an ecosystem for personal growth through our Care, Nature, Impact and Explore programmes. Here, you’ll live alongside international students and elite athletes, enriching your network from day one.
Final Checklist: What to compare before making a decision
Don’t just compare the basic rent; compare the total cost of living and the services that help you make the most of your talents:
| Key question to help you decide | Shared flat | Olarain |
| Is the price all-inclusive (electricity, Wi-Fi, water)? | ❌ No | Yes |
| Initial costs (agency fees + high deposits)? | ⚠️ Very high | No enrolment fee |
| Single room with en-suite bathroom? | ❓ Difficult | Yes |
| Large bed (1.35m x 2m)? | ❌ Rare | Yes |
| Private kitchen with healthy, locally sourced meals? | ❌ No | Yes |
| Sports and study facilities included? | ❌ No | Yes |
| 24-hour security? | ❌ No | Yes |
| Psychological support/mentoring? | ❌ No | Yes |
Come and meet us
If you’re coming to Donostia / San Sebastián to study at university next academic year and are still looking for accommodation, don’t make a decision without meeting us and discussing your concerns with us.
The best way to dispel myths is to come visit us. We invite you to a personalised tour with your family so that you can explore our facilities and meet the team who will be your companions on this journey.
Shall we have a talk? Book your visit or get in touch with our welcome and support team:
- Igor Urbizu – igorurbizu@olarain.com
- Javier Marín – javiermarin@olarain.com
- Telephone: +34 943 00 33 00
