Erasmus in Spain: shared flat or residence?

One of the stressful issues for Erasmus students in Spain is which accommodation to choose to start their university life. We know that there are several options, but the most demanded are student residences and shared flats. Therefore, you should study what your priorities are and how you want to live for a period of time, as there are differences between the two.

The residence is designed to house the students and provide them with comfort, while the flats imply a room for each student and the distribution of the dining room, kitchen and living room areas equally.

So, we are going to mention some key differences between a flat and a residence so that you can decide which option suits you best.

Friendships

Both residences and flats can host students from different universities and cities during your Erasmus in Spain. The difference lies in the fact that in the residences the number of guests is greater than in a flat and therefore there is a greater possibility of making friends from all over the world and getting to know their cultures, due to the fact that they meet daily in the common areas of the building. This means that they not only live together with their roommate, but also with the other residents.

Therefore, the residences are said to be better for socialising among young people and expanding their circle of friends. In the case of flats, students only live with their flatmates, who are clearly not many, which limits their network of friends somewhat.

Sense of belonging and community

The feeling of belonging is something that is born within each person, and more so because of the place where they live. So in both flats and residences this is something personal, although there are certain things that can make this feeling increase or not, and this depends to a large extent on the community.

In the case of flats, students must keep their rooms and spaces clean, as they do not have a cleaning service, and they must establish rules and regulations to ensure a good coexistence. Something that does not happen in the residence halls, since in these the students do not worry about cleaning or food, since the residence hall itself takes care of it. However, they must comply with established rules of coexistence and respect for others.

All those who live in residence develop a greater sense of belonging and community than those who live in flats, since, by living together, sharing common areas and daily activities, they adapt to such an extent that they become one big family. While in flats this is not always the case, there are even young people who do not even interact with their peers.

Organised activities

In the residences, activities and events are organised on a continuous basis, the purpose of which is to entertain the students, so that they learn new things, have fun and even acquire skills. These activities are a way to make new friends and get away from the stress of university.

Regarding the flats, no activities take place, they only happen if students have the initiative to organise a meeting with university friends or flatmates.

Continuous help and support

The flats do not have any kind of continuous help or support, because the young people live alone and in case they need something they have to get it on their own. In university halls of residence, help and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Safety and comfort

This aspect is of great importance, as security and comfort are relevant and important features when deciding on a flat or a residence.

Security in the residences is one hundred percent guaranteed. And most of them even have a parking area for students to keep their vehicles, motorbikes or bicycles safe. This does not happen in the flats. It all depends on the area where the flat is located, but it is not a quality that characterises them.

With regard to comfort, many flats come furnished or the students must take care of this. While in the residences they already have everything at their disposal, but in these many rooms are shared. Which means that the students do not have full privacy and must adapt to living with another person and share the spaces inside the room.

In the case of flats, each student has their own room and can use it as they like. Without having to share their space with anyone else and allowing them to decorate it the way they like.