Why Choose a University Residence in Donostia: 5 Good Reasons to Stay at Olarain

Choosing where to live during your university years is key to making your experience comfortable and enriching. In this article, we outline the factors to consider when selecting your accommodation, whether it’s a Student Hall or a Mixed University Residence, for the upcoming academic year, along with 5 reasons why Olarain could be the perfect place to combine your studies, social life, and well-being in Donostia / San Sebastián.

The time is drawing near to start your studies away from home. A new phase that brings many changes and decisions. You are both excited and anxious about what it will be like to live as a student in a different city, about the university, and everything you need to prepare for the new academic year…

And one of the most important aspects: where you will live. You wonder if a Student Hall or University Residence is the best option for you. Indeed, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in university life without sacrificing comfort, study, and social opportunities, this type of accommodation is ideal.

5 Good Reasons to Stay at Olarain

At Olarain, we want to make it easy for you and help ensure that this new chapter as a student in Donostia / San Sebastián is a truly enriching experience—allowing you to live in a secure, comfortable, and well-cared-for environment.

Here are 5 reasons why you should choose us to live during your university years:

1. LOCATION: RIGHT ON CAMPUS AND JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM THE BEACH

One of the advantages of choosing a University Residence or Student Hall over a shared student apartment is its location; typically, this type of accommodation is situated directly on campus and in strategic parts of the city. The same applies to Olarain.

A Prime Location for Students in Donostia

Olarain is located on the Donostia campus of the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), alongside Tecnun (University of Navarra) and Musikene, the Higher Music Center of the Basque Country. This allows you to maximize your time without spending it on commuting, so you can use every minute to study, socialize, or relax.

Credit: Musikene

Public Transport to the University of Deusto and Direct Service from Olarain to the Basque Culinary Center

We provide a transportation service that connects you directly to the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), making your commute there easier and faster if you are a student of that center. Additionally, urban bus stops near Olarain take you to the nearby University of Deusto campus in Donostia.

Credit: Basque Culinary Center

Donostia: A City to Enjoy on Foot and by Bike

A short walk separates Colegio Mayor Olarain SL from Ondarreta Beach, one of the three sandy beaches in Donostia. But it’s not only the beaches that make the city attractive. Living in San Sebastián means enjoying a vibrant town full of culture, history, and gastronomy—not only an ideal environment for studying, but also a place to savor its charms, such as its beaches, the Old Town, Mounts Igeldo and Urgull, and the Peine del Viento, among others. Many of these attractions are just a short distance from Olarain. You can easily walk, but if you prefer cycling, the city boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, and at Olarain you can store your bike in our covered parking lot.

Credit: San Sebastián Turismo. Peine del Viento

2. GAINING INDEPENDENCE WITHOUT SACRIFICING COMFORT

You already have so much on your mind with the start of the academic year and moving to a new city. The last thing you need right now are logistical worries, like finding a desk, having to shop and cook every day, spending hours cleaning, or searching for a place to study or practice a sport. You seek the independence of living in a new place without sacrificing the comfort that allows you to focus on what truly matters: studying, staying active, and, why not, making new friends and enjoying this experience.

Student accommodations are specifically designed to meet your basic needs from day one, prioritizing practicality. Everything is set up for you to arrive and settle in immediately.

Single Rooms, Services, and Personalized Attention

Your privacy, well-being, and comfort are our top priorities at Olarain. We offer 222 single rooms that provide the ideal space to relax, study, and truly feel at home.

Moreover, all rooms face outward and include a private bathroom with all the necessary amenities and services, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than studying and enjoying your stay.

Flexible Options: Full Week or Sunday to Friday

If you prefer to return home on weekends, you can opt for a Sunday-to-Friday accommodation plan. At Olarain, we offer a storage service that allows you to leave your belongings until you return, a more convenient and economical option for those whose family home is relatively close.

24-Hour Security and Assistance

In addition to the sense of security provided by living in a University Residence with round-the-clock support, at Olarain we pay special attention to your needs and details, ensuring that from dusk onward, an atmosphere of study, rest, and respect for other residents prevails.

On-Site Kitchen with Locally Sourced and Environmentally Sustainable Products

To help you make the most of your time and enjoy a balanced diet, at Olarain we offer a dining service from Monday to Sunday, serving meals prepared in our own kitchen. We are committed to using locally sourced products and sustainable practices so that you not only eat well but also care for the planet. We also offer the option of special diets if needed, and when required, you can request a picnic-to-go option.

Common Areas That Invite Interaction and Socialization

Olarain’s common areas are designed to facilitate integration, interaction, adaptation, and socialization among residents. Facilities such as the library, study and computer rooms, a lounge with TV, sports facilities, the dining hall, the cafeteria, the sauna, and the gym will make you feel at home, or even better. And speaking of spaces…

3. A STUDY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT… AND SPACES TO SOCIALIZE, RELAX, AND HAVE FUN

While your academic responsibilities are a priority, it is also important to live in a place where you can make new friends, engage in sports, complement your personal development, and have fun, creating lifelong memories.

University Culture and a Study-Oriented Atmosphere

Living in a Student Hall or University Residence means immersing yourself in a 100% student environment, where you are surrounded by peers who share your current challenges, an experience that undoubtedly enriches your university life.

At Olarain, we promote a calm and conducive learning environment. Our spaces are designed to help you concentrate and achieve your academic goals without distractions.

All of this is complemented by the social atmosphere that this type of accommodation offers, an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the activities and events organized to promote community life and socialization. Additionally, Olarain welcomes international students, contributing to a very enriching multicultural environment.

Spaces for Sports and Recreation

Staying active is fundamental for both your studies and overall well-being. That’s why we provide various sports facilities, including paddle and tennis courts, a gym, and football and basketball fields.

The lounge with TV, the sauna, or our Japanese garden await you when you need to relax. At Olarain, sports and well-being go hand in hand.

Facilities Designed to Optimize Your Study Time

Our range of facilities includes spaces tailored to the specific needs of every type of student: music classrooms for future musicians to rehearse, a physiotherapy room for students in that field, a technology workshop for technical career students, the “Toti Martínez de Lezea” library, group study rooms… There is a place for every study need!

4. YOUR PERSONAL WELL-BEING MATTERS TO US

We know how challenging it is to arrive in a city where you don’t know anyone. That’s why, at Olarain, you can always count on someone from our team to accompany you, guide you during your first steps, answer your questions, and make your day-to-day life easier.

For 25 years, we have been offering more than just accommodation. With professionalism, respect, and above all, care, we strive to provide the support that every individual needs, from housing and meals to educational guidance, psychological support, and logistical assistance.

Mentoring and Close Support Service

Our strong point is personal care. At Olarain, we offer a dedicated mentoring service, where closeness, support, and care are fundamental to ensuring you feel backed at every step of your student life.

Personalized attention and follow-up are key for our team. We are committed to your well-being and integration at Olarain, and we also want to help you with academic guidance and adapting to the new university environment.

And when necessary, we maintain close contact with families to address sensitive personal situations.

5. PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC GROWTH

Simply living in a University Residence or Student Accommodation is beneficial for your personal development. Sharing everyday life with people from different places, lifestyles, and ways of thinking helps broaden your mind and develop social skills.

Moreover, at Olarain, driven by our strong social and environmental commitment, we focus on personal growth through various programs and activities that encourage reflection and awareness while also contributing to academic development:

• Olarain Care: Programs and activities focused on personal well-being and community living. Sports | Nutrition | Psychological Support
• Olarain Explore: Activities that connect our residents with their professional development and future goals. Company Visits | Work Experiences | Guidance and Talent Development
• Olarain Impact: Collaboration with the third sector to promote solidarity projects. Social Responsibility | Awareness | Solidarity
• Olarain Nature: Initiatives for environmental care and sustainability. Local and Responsible Consumption | Sustainable Spaces | Nature Cleanup Actions

Coming to Study in Donostia / San Sebastián? Get to Know Us

In summary, Olarain is not just a place to live, it’s a space designed to enhance your academic performance, personal well-being, and quality of life.

If you’d like to get to know us, we would be delighted to welcome you and show you everything Olarain has to offer. Contact us with your questions or book a visit by sending an email to tutoria@olarain.com or calling +34 943 00 33 00.

At Olarain, we create a home where everyone feels cared for and valued. We look forward to seeing you!