Moving to Madrid is exciting. Finding a place to live? Sometimes a little less so.

Searching from another country, trying to understand neighbourhoods you’ve never visited and wondering whether that “perfect room” online is actually real, can feel overwhelming. 

The good news? Thousands of international students make the move to Madrid every year, and with a little preparation, finding the right place can be much easier than you think.

And of course, our Student eXperience team is here to help, offering guidance, trusted resources and practical advice throughout the process. 

Because where you live will shape much of your day-to-day experience, finding the right neighbourhood is an important part of settling into life in Madrid. Whether you’re looking for a lively student area, a quieter residential district or a modern student residence, the Spanish capital offers options for every lifestyle and budget.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide to some of Madrid’s most popular neighbourhoods, together with practical tips and housing resources recommended by ESCP’s Student eXperience team.

First Things First: Which Campus Will You Study At?

ESCP Madrid has two main campuses, both of which play an important role in student life. 

The María de Molina Campus, located in the Salamanca district, hosts programmes such as the Bachelor in Management (BSc), Master in Marketing & Digital Media, and Master in Digital Project Management & Consulting.

The Arroyofresno Campus, located in northwest Madrid, is home to the Master in Real Estate, Master in Management (MiM), Master in Hospitality & Tourism Management, and Executive Education programmes.

Students regularly move between both campuses for events, conferences and community activities, so wherever you choose to live, being close to public transport is often more important than being next door to a single campus.

Madrid’s Most Popular Student Neighbourhoods

Chamberí

If Madrid had an “all-round winner” for students, Chamberí would probably be it.

Located between both campuses, it offers a perfect balance of local life, cafés, restaurants, green spaces and excellent transport connections. It’s lively without being overwhelming and remains one of the most popular areas among ESCP students.

Average room in a shared flat: €700–€1,000 per month

Moncloa & Argüelles

Known for their university atmosphere, these neighbourhoods attract students from across Madrid.

You’ll find affordable shared flats, plenty of study-friendly cafés and easy access to the city centre. They are particularly convenient for students attending the Arroyofresno Campus.

Average room in a shared flat: €600–€900 per month

Salamanca

Home to ESCP’s María de Molina Campus, Salamanca is one of Madrid’s most elegant districts.

While accommodation prices tend to be higher, students benefit from excellent transport links, safety and countless cafés, restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Average room in a shared flat: €800–€1,200+ per month

Malasaña

Creative, energetic and full of character, Malasaña is often the first neighbourhood that comes to mind when students imagine life in Madrid.

Its independent cafés, vintage shops and vibrant nightlife make it particularly popular among international students looking for a social experience.

Average room in a shared flat: €700–€1,100 per month

La Latina

Famous for its terraces, historic streets and weekend atmosphere, La Latina offers a more traditional Madrid experience while remaining close to the city centre.

It’s an excellent option for students who want to live in one of Madrid’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

Average room in a shared flat: €700–€1,000 per month

Retiro & Ibiza 

Located next to Madrid’s most famous park, Retiro and Ibiza offer a quieter, more residential atmosphere while remaining well connected to both campuses and the city centre. With plenty of cafés, local restaurants and green spaces, they have become increasingly popular among students looking for a balance between city life and a more relaxed day-to-day experience.

Average room in a shared flat: €700–€1,100 per month

What Budget Should You Plan For?

Housing prices in Madrid have increased in recent years, so planning ahead is important.

As a general guideline:

  • Room in a shared flat: €600–€1,200/month
  • Student residence: €900–€2,000+/month
  • Private studio: €1,000–€1,800+/month

Your final budget will depend largely on location, room size and the services included.

A Few Tips Before You Start Your Search

Madrid is a popular destination, so starting your search early is always a good idea.

A few simple recommendations:

  • Begin your housing search as early as possible and explore multiple options simultaneously. Students who start exploring options several months before arrival often have access to a wider range of properties and better prices. 
  • If you find a property that fits your budget and requirements, be prepared to act quickly, especially during the summer months when demand is highest. 
  • Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true.
  • Always check what is included in the rent.
  • Consider commuting times, not just neighbourhood popularity.
  • Make sure you understand the terms of your rental agreement before signing, especially what is included in your monthly rent. 

A few additional things to keep in mind: 

  • International students who need a residence permit should make sure their accommodation arrangements meet the documentation requirements for administrative procedures in Spain. 
  • Understand the deposit rules. In Spain, landlords typically ask for one or two months’ rent as a security deposit, so make sure the conditions for its return are clearly stated in the contract. 

How ESCP Helps You Find Housing

One of the biggest mistakes students make is relying exclusively on random websites or social media groups. Through CampusLife and ESCP Housing (both exclusively accessible to ESCP students), students have access to a curated selection of accommodation resources, including:

  • Student residences across Madrid
  • Co-living providers such as Habyt and DoveVivo
  • Trusted housing platforms
  • Housing partners offering exclusive student discounts
  • A housing marketplace and a dedicated “Looking for a Flatmate” section where students can connect with other members of the ESCP community 
  • Student forums

Students can also access a dedicated housing webinar covering the rental process in Madrid and practical advice for incoming international students.

How to Avoid Housing Scams

Unfortunately, rental scams exist in every major city, including Madrid.

A few simple rules can save you a lot of stress:

  • Never transfer money before verifying the property.
  • Be cautious if a price seems significantly lower than the market average.
  • If you’re searching from abroad, ask for a live video tour before making any commitment.
  • Verify the property’s address using Google Maps and compare it with the information provided in the listing.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive personal documents with unverified landlords or agencies.
  • Read your rental contract carefully before signing.
  • Whenever possible, use trusted platforms and accommodation providers recommended by ESCP.

If you’re unsure about a listing, it’s always worth checking the resources available through Campus Life or reaching out to our Student eXperience team before making any payment. 

Welcome Home

Finding accommodation may feel like one of the biggest challenges before arriving in Madrid, but you’re not expected to do it alone.

Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. It’s a city of world-class museums, sunny terraces, bustling food markets, beautiful parks and neighbourhoods full of character. One day you could be spending the afternoon at El Retiro, the next discovering a hidden tapas bar in La Latina, catching the sunset at the Temple of Debod or taking a weekend trip to Toledo, Segovia or Valencia.

Madrid truly offers something for every student, from the elegant streets of Salamanca and the local charm of Chamberí to the creative energy of Malasaña and the historic atmosphere of La Latina. By choosing the neighbourhood that best suits your lifestyle and making use of ESCP’s housing resources, you can create a living experience that enhances both your studies and your time in one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.

And once you’ve found your new home, you can focus on what really matters: building friendships, exploring the city, making memories and getting the most out of your ESCP experience in Madrid.

Continue Discovering Madrid

Ready to start exploring your new city? 

You might also enjoy: