University of Girona Accommodation Guide

University of Girona accommodation overview

The University of Girona (UdG) is spread across the city, with key student activity around Barri Vell and Montilivi. That split matters for housing: some students want the walkable, historic feel of the old centre, while others prefer the more practical, campus-oriented streets around Montilivi.

UdG’s own accommodation service is a strong place to start. It covers rented flats, rooms, family accommodation, university houses and university halls of residence, and it also helps students find options through its online directory. Official UdG guidance notes that halls can start at around €500 per month including bills, while shared flats commonly sit around €650 to €800 for one or two bedrooms and €800 to €1,200 for three or four bedrooms.

The short version

• Best for convenience: Montilivi
• Best for historic city life: Barri Vell
• Best balance of price and transport: Eixample or nearby bus-linked streets
• Best student-first option: UdG-linked halls and managed rooms

Best areas for students

Montilivi

Montilivi is the clearest fit for students who want to stay close to campus facilities. UdG’s campus page shows the area includes the CIAE, the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Science, the campus library and sports service.

Why live here:

• Quicker day-to-day commute for Montilivi-based courses
• Easier access to study spaces, library and sports facilities
• Usually more practical than the centre if you want a quieter routine

Barri Vell

Barri Vell is the historic core around Plaça Sant Domènec and Les Àligues. It is attractive if you want to live in the centre of the city, but the city council treats it as a priority pedestrian zone with restricted vehicle access and a 20 km/h limit. That makes it excellent for walking, but less convenient if you plan to rely on a car.

Why live here:

• Best for a central, walkable lifestyle
• Good if you want cafés, culture and daily life on foot
• Useful for students who spend time on the Barri Vell campus

Eixample and other bus-linked streets

Girona’s city council lists Eixample among its neighbourhoods, and it is often the most practical middle ground for students who want easier access to both the centre and the campuses. It can work well if you want a broader choice of flats and a less tourist-heavy environment than the old town.

Why live here:

• Often easier to find normal residential housing
• Better balance between price, space and connectivity
• Good choice if you want a more standard rental market

Accommodation options and typical costs

UdG’s accommodation service is useful because it combines university-linked options with more normal private rentals. If you want the safest and simplest search path, start there first, then compare private listings.

UdG also lists several residence operators around the university community, including RESA, UniHabit, StepHouse and Pere Claret University Residency. These are worth checking early because the most convenient rooms tend to go first.

Transport and getting around

Girona is compact enough that many students mix walking, bus and occasional taxi use.

Bus

TMG’s student products are particularly relevant for UdG students:

• Targeta BUS UdG: 380 trips for €57.50
• Targeta BUS 25: for students aged 19 to 25, 30 trips for €6.25 or 120 trips for €22.75
• The UdG pass is normally requested from August to December
• TMG lists the core bus lines used by its network, including L1, L2, L5, L7, L8, L10, L11 and L12

If your course is based in Montilivi and you live in the centre, the bus can save a lot of time on wet or late days. If you live in Barri Vell, you may end up walking most of the time.

Taxi

Taxis are useful for late arrivals, heavy luggage or airport transfers. Girona’s official taxi page lists daytime city fares at €2.80 for the flag drop and €1.19 per km in 2026, with a higher night and weekend flag drop. For normal student life, taxis are a backup rather than the main commuting plan.

Booking timeline

6 to 9 months before arrival

• Decide whether you want Montilivi, Barri Vell or Eixample
• Start with UdG accommodation and residence options
• Make a budget that includes deposit, agency fees if relevant, and first-month rent

3 to 5 months before arrival

• Shortlist rooms with the right commute
• Ask about bills, contract length, deposit, Wi-Fi and cancellation terms
• Check whether the room is furnished and what is not included

1 to 2 months before arrival

• Confirm your move-in date
• Arrange key collection, transport from the station or airport, and payment method
• Save the landlord or residence contact details before you arrive

What to check before you sign

• Total monthly rent, including bills
• Deposit amount and when it is returned
• Contract length and notice period
• Whether the room is furnished
• Whether bed linen, kitchenware and internet are included
• Guest policy, quiet hours and maintenance process
• Energy costs and whether the building has heating or air conditioning

Safety and scam prevention

Girona is generally manageable for students, but the usual rental checks still matter.

• Never pay a deposit until you have verified the landlord, agent or residence
• Ask for the exact address and photos of the actual room
• Be cautious with prices that are far below the local norm
• Save copies of the listing, messages and payment receipts
• If a listing feels rushed or evasive, walk away

International students

International students should expect to be asked for standard documentation such as:

• Passport or national ID
• Student admission or enrolment proof
• Contact details and emergency contact
• Payment method and, sometimes, a guarantor

If you are arriving from abroad, choose a room with a clear contract and simple arrival instructions. That reduces stress in the first week, especially if you are landing with luggage and need to handle banking, transport and university admin at the same time.

Tenancy agreement cheat sheet

Before you sign, read the contract for these points:

• Rent: the base price and what bills are included
• Deposit: how much is held and how it is returned
• Duration: fixed term or rolling contract
• Break clause: whether you can leave early
• Repairs: who handles maintenance and how quickly
• Inventory: what furniture and appliances are included
• Guarantor: whether one is needed

What to pack vs what is usually provided

Pack

• Bedding and towels
• Kitchen basics if the room is only partly furnished
• Power adapters and chargers
• A small toolkit
• Documents, copies and a folder for contracts

Usually provided in furnished student rooms

• Bed and mattress
• Desk and chair
• Wardrobe or storage
• Basic kitchen appliances in shared accommodation

Always confirm before you travel. “Furnished” can mean very different things from one room to another.

Accessibility and special requirements

If you need step-free access, a lift, adapted bathroom facilities or a quieter building, raise it early in the search.

• Ask for floor level and lift access
• Check bathroom width and shower access
• Confirm whether the route from street to room is step-free
• Ask about noise, shared facilities and study space
• If you use public transport, check the bus stop distance and late-evening frequency

Final recommendation

For most UdG students, the best strategy is simple: start with UdG accommodation and residence options, compare them with private rooms in Montilivi and Eixample, and only choose the Barri Vell if you want the centre enough to accept the parking and access trade-offs.

If you want a quick rule:

• Choose Montilivi for convenience
• Choose Barri Vell for city-centre life
• Choose Eixample for balance