The search for university student housing has become more complicated in recent years, making the luck factor crucial. Beyond budget, speed in responding and arriving before others are key, as opportunities for comparison have virtually disappeared.
Accumulated experience also makes a difference. A student from Irun, nearing the end of Civil Engineering studies at EHU, has observed the market's evolution. In their case, the rent for a three-bedroom apartment increased from 1,000 to 1,080 euros, a slight rise within a generally upward trend. They found the apartment thanks to contacts from the Blas de Otero residence in Bilbao, and when one flatmate left, they used a university notice board to fill the vacancy.
“"I wanted a normal apartment, not something designed only for Erasmus, but it was impossible."
For international students, the experience adds another layer of complexity. They arrive without a prior network of contacts, without references, and with less room to react to a market that demands quick responses. A student from Freiburg (Germany) and another from Tampere (Finland) are completing their stay in the city, fully integrated into the San Mamés campus. However, the housing search has not been easy. One student, who pays 440 euros for a room in Santutxu, explained that it was impossible to find an apartment not exclusively designed for Erasmus students.
Nevertheless, the experience in the city compensates for the difficulties. Walks along the estuary, trips to the coast, or university life itself are part of a daily routine that, for many, is still worthwhile. All that's missing is the key to open their door.
