Best Student Accommodation in Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao is home to some of the Basque Country's leading universities, led by the University of Deusto and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), offering programmes in business, engineering, law, medicine, health sciences, architecture, the arts, and the humanities.

University of Deusto

The University of Deusto is one of Spain's oldest private universities, founded in 1886 and located on the banks of the Nervión River in central Bilbao. It’s particularly renowned for its programmes in Business, Law, Education, Psychology, and International Relations, as well as its internationally recognised Deusto Business School.

With a history spanning more than 140 years, the university has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, international collaboration, and graduate employability. Its riverside campus and close links with businesses and organisations across Bilbao and the wider Basque Country provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, practical learning, and career development.

University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)

The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) is the largest public university in the Basque Country, with its main Bizkaia campus in Leioa, just outside Bilbao. It offers a broad range of programmes in Engineering, Medicine, Health Sciences, Business, Architecture, Science, Arts, and the Humanities.

Recognised as one of Spain's leading research universities, UPV/EHU is particularly known for its strengths in engineering, science, and innovation. It offers programmes in Spanish, Basque, and an increasing number of English-taught courses, while its close links with industry, research centres, and healthcare institutions provide students with valuable opportunities for practical learning and career development.

Choosing the right student accommodation in Bilbao starts with considering your budget, university location, and preferred lifestyle.

Before booking, it’s best to compare room types, commuting times, transport links, bills, and tenancy terms to find accommodation that best suits your needs.

Choose the Right Location

Living close to your university or a nearby Metro Bilbao or tram stop can make commuting quicker and more convenient. Popular student areas such as Deusto, Indautxu, Abando, and Leioa offer easy access to the University of Deusto and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), as well as cafés, supermarkets, shops, and leisure facilities.

Set Your Budget

Decide how much you can comfortably spend each month and compare different room types and neighbourhoods. Keep in mind that accommodation in central areas such as Abando and Indautxu is often more expensive than options in Deusto or Leioa. Also, check whether utilities, Wi-Fi, and other bills are included in the rent.

Pick the Right Room Type

Choose a room type that suits your lifestyle. Single rooms are typically the most budget-friendly option, while en-suite rooms provide added privacy with shared living spaces. Studios offer complete independence and are ideal for students who value privacy and flexibility.

Check Transport Connections

If you won't be living within walking distance of campus, choose accommodation with easy access to Metro Bilbao, the Bilbao Tram, or Bizkaibus services. These provide convenient connections between the University of Deusto, UPV/EHU's Bizkaia Campus in Leioa, Bilbao City Centre, and other popular student neighbourhoods.

Consider Safety

Look for accommodation with features such as secure entry, CCTV, and on-site staff, and research the surrounding neighbourhood before booking. Popular student areas such as Deusto, Indautxu, Abando, and Leioa are well connected and offer a wide range of everyday amenities, making them convenient choices for student living.

Compare What's Included

Most purpose-built student accommodation in Bilbao includes utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to shared amenities such as study rooms, social lounges, gyms, laundry facilities, and communal spaces. Before booking, check what's included in the rent, read the tenancy agreement carefully, and confirm the contract length, cancellation policy, and any additional fees.

Casita's current Bilbao listings are mostly single rooms, with one studio option also available. Here's a closer look at what's currently on offer:

• Bilbao: A student accommodation offering a studio with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, secure card access, air conditioning, catering, all-inclusive bills and various communal spaces.
• Landin Felix Doctor Kalea: Features a single room with amenities including Wi-Fi, central heating, CCTV, 24/7 security, and access to a rooftop terrace.

Bilbao offers affordable student accommodation with practical amenities and security features such as CCTV, helping students enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment.

• HABITACIÓN 4 GENERAL CONCHA 2: An affordable option featuring single rooms with Wi-Fi, central heating, access to a rooftop terrace, 24/7 security, and CCTV.

Student neighbourhoods in Bilbao range from city-centre districts and riverside communities to quieter residential areas close to campus. Here are some of our recommendations for the best student areas in Bilbao:

Deusto

Deusto is one of Bilbao's most popular student neighbourhoods, thanks to its proximity to the University of Deusto and convenient connections to the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Students can spend their free time walking along the Nervión River, visiting the nearby Euskalduna Conference Centre, or exploring the Guggenheim Museum, which is within walking distance. The area is also home to a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and gyms, while nearby Deusto Metro Station and the Bilbao tram provide convenient access to the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Indautxu

Indautxu is a lively district well known for its central location, excellent transport links, and wide range of amenities. Home to Plaza Indautxu, Azkuna Zentroa, and numerous shops, cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets, it offers everything students need within walking distance. The neighbourhood is well connected to both the University of Deusto and UPV/EHU's Bizkaia Campus via Metro Bilbao, while Moyúa and Indautxu stations provide easy access across the city.

Abando

Abando is Bilbao's commercial and cultural centre, making it an attractive choice for students who enjoy city-centre living. Students can explore Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, browse the shops around Plaza Moyúa, visit the Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Fine Arts, or relax along the riverside. The area also offers an excellent selection of cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets, while Bilbao-Abando railway station, Metro Bilbao, trams, and local buses provide convenient connections throughout the city and beyond.

Leioa

Leioa is the top choice for students attending the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), as it is home to the university's main Bizkaia Campus. The area offers a relaxed residential atmosphere with supermarkets, cafés, sports facilities, parks, and green spaces popular with students throughout the academic year. Regular Bizkaibus services and nearby Metro Bilbao stations in neighbouring Erandio and Astrabudua provide convenient connections to both the university campus and Bilbao City Centre.

The cost of living in Bilbao depends on your lifestyle, accommodation type, and neighbourhood of choice.

Compared with Madrid and Barcelona, Bilbao generally offers more affordable student accommodation while still providing excellent transport, university facilities, and career opportunities.

Student Accommodation

Note: Estimated monthly rents vary by property, room type, amenities, and tenancy length.

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living in Bilbao is €764.5 for a single person, excluding rent. Here's a breakdown of Bilbao's average monthly expenses:

Groceries

Utilities

Everyday Lifestyle Costs

Note: International students who are not eligible for Spain's public healthcare typically require private health insurance, with plans often starting from around €20 per month.

Transportation

Student Transport Discounts & Passes

Note: Most students use a personalised Barik Card, which provides access to discounted youth travel products and can be used across Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus, Bizkaibus, Euskotren, and the Bilbao Tram. Eligibility requirements apply for youth passes

Public transport in Bilbao is efficient, reliable, and student-friendly, making it easy to travel between university campuses, accommodation, cultural attractions, and neighbouring towns across the metropolitan area.

Metro, Trams & Buses

Bilbao's public transport network includes Metro Bilbao, the Bilbao Tram, and Bizkaibus services, providing convenient connections throughout the city and beyond. Metro Bilbao links popular student neighbourhoods such as Deusto, Indautxu, and Abando, while Bizkaibus services provide connections to the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)'s Bizkaia Campus in Leioa and other surrounding municipalities. This makes it easy for students to travel between major universities, Bilbao City Centre, and nearby areas.

The Bilbao Tram serves key destinations along the Nervión River, including the Guggenheim Museum and Euskalduna Conference Centre, while Bizkaibus routes connect students to university campuses and neighbouring towns.

Trains

Renfe Cercanías and Euskotren operate commuter rail services connecting Bilbao with nearby towns across Biscay and the Basque Country. From Bilbao-Abando station, Renfe also offers long-distance and high-speed rail services to major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Zaragoza, making it convenient for students travelling across Spain.

Cycling

Bilbao has an expanding network of cycle lanes linking the city centre with riverside neighbourhoods and key destinations. Students can also take advantage of Bilbaobizi, the city's public bike-sharing scheme, for convenient and sustainable travel around Bilbao.

Walking

Many of Bilbao's most popular student neighbourhoods, including Abando, Indautxu, and Deusto, are highly walkable. Students can easily reach cafés, shops, supermarkets, museums, and riverside promenades on foot, while many attractions, including the Guggenheim Museum and Gran Vía, are within walking distance of one another.

Bilbao combines world-class museums, green spaces, and a lively café culture, giving students plenty to enjoy outside of university.

• Libraries & Study Spaces: The University of Deusto's CRAI Library, Bidebarrieta Library, and Azkuna Zentroa offer excellent spaces for studying, reading, and group work.
• Student Cafés: Café Iruña, Peso Neto Coffee, and Bohemian Lane are popular spots for coffee, brunch, and studying with friends.
• Parks & Outdoor Spaces: Relax in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, take in the views from Mount Artxanda, or enjoy a walk along the Abandoibarra riverside.
• Museums & Culture: Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, explore the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, or wander through the historic Casco Viejo.
• Events & Student Discounts: Annual events such as Aste Nagusia and Bilbao BBK Live bring the city to life. Students can also benefit from discounted public transport through eligible travel cards, as well as reduced admission at many museums, cinemas, and participating venues with an ISIC card.