Housing Near Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya: A Practical Guide
What Campus Reviews Tell Students About Life at UPC
Before searching for accommodation near Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), it helps to understand the day-to‑day experience on campus. Student reviews on Google (3.8 stars from 162 ratings) offer mixed but instructive signals.
Several reviews mention the university’s sports facility. Pablo Ortega (3 stars, 4 years ago) writes: “UPC University Sports facility. It’s a fully equipped fitness place with teamsports pitches, fitness, gym, croosfit, and many other sports that can be practised. Open to everybody even for non UPC Alumni.” This is relevant for students who prioritise access to a gym or group sports when choosing a neighbourhood — being close to the sports centre can save commuting time for workouts.
On the administrative side, Stefano Trentadue (1 star, 2 years ago) notes a serious issue: “After 6 years from graduation I am still waiting for my master certificate. Secretary is being a night mare, they pick up calls and then hung up.” While this does not directly affect housing, it implies that paperwork (including rental contracts, NIE applications, or university registration documents) may require careful follow‑up. Students should keep copies of all housing agreements and allow extra time for official procedures.
Two five‑star reviews (Олександр Сусленко and Максим Ясінський, both 3 years ago) focus on political controversies unrelated to campus life. The overall rating and review volume indicate a moderately satisfactory experience for most students, but the administrative complaint is worth noting when planning a stay that may involve university‑related documentation.
City Context: Barcelona and the Les Corts District
UPC’s main campus is at Carrer de Jordi Girona, 31, in the Les Corts district, southwest of Barcelona’s city centre. Les Corts is a residential area with a mix of quiet streets, small plazas, and commercial corridors. The neighbourhood is well‑connected by metro (L3 line at Palau Reial or Les Corts stations) and several bus lines.
Barcelona’s student housing market is competitive. According to available listings, rental prices start from around €250 per month for a shared room, though this is indicative — confirm with the operator. A broader snapshot shows 189 housing options listed in the city (as of 2026), with sample properties including:
- Diagonal 1
- Rosselló 2
- Rambla Del Brasil 7 2‑4 Sants‑Montjuïc
- Sant Pau
- Carrer De L’Equador 77 2‑4 Les Corts
These are likely private‑managed student residences or shared apartments. None are owned or endorsed by UPC itself, so students should verify contracts, deposits, and utility inclusions directly.
Budget Bands for 2026–2027 (Indicative Prices)
The following bands are rough guidelines based on typical listings in Barcelona. Prices can vary by season, contract length, and number of flatmates.
- €250–€400 per month: Shared rooms or small studios in older buildings slightly farther from campus. Expect longer commutes (30–45 minutes by metro or bus). Many options in Sants‑Montjuïc or lower Les Corts fall into this range.
- €400–€600 per month: Private rooms in shared apartments within a 20‑minute walk of UPC, or more central studios with shared facilities. The sample property “Carrer De L’Equador 77” (Les Corts) likely sits in this band.
- €600–€900 per month: Modern ensuites or one‑bedroom apartments in well‑connected areas such as Eixample or Gràcia. “Diagonal 1” and “Rosselló 2” may fall here, given their location on main avenues.
- Above €900 per month: Larger apartments for groups or premium residences with amenities like gyms and study rooms. “Rambla Del Brasil 7” (Sants‑Montjuïc) could be in this bracket if it is a new‑build residence.
All figures are indicative — always confirm the exact monthly cost, deposit amount, and any extra fees (water, electricity, internet) directly with the operator before signing.
Walk vs. Transit: How to Trade Off Time and Money
Choosing between a walking distance and a commuting distance depends on your budget, schedule, and tolerance for daily travel.
Walking (15–20 minutes to campus)
Properties within a 1‑km radius of UPC (e.g., Carrer De L’Equador 77 or Sant Pau) allow you to walk to class, saving metro fares and time. This is ideal for first‑year students who want to drop by the library or sports centre easily. However, rents in Les Corts near the university tend to be higher (€500+ per room). Street noise and limited grocery options near the immediate campus are minor drawbacks — the area is quiet but not very lively at night.
Transit (20–40 minutes one way)
Neighbourhoods such as Sants‑Montjuïc (where Rambla Del Brasil 7 is located) or lower Eixample offer cheaper rents and more dining options. Metro L3 or bus H6 run directly to UPC, with a monthly travel pass costing around €40–€60 (2026 youth fare). If you have a tight budget (€300–€400), this trade‑off is often necessary. The extra 20 minutes each way can be used for reading or listening to lectures, but it also reduces flexibility to attend evening events on campus.
A good rule of thumb: if your total weekly commuting cost (time + fare) exceeds the rent difference you’d save, the cheaper apartment is not worthwhile. For example, saving €150 per month but spending 10 extra hours a month on transport is a personal choice — some prefer the money, others the time.
Shortlisting with the Given Nearby Residences
Using the sample properties, a practical shortlist logic looks like this:
- Identify your priority: Budget, walkability, or amenities.
- Map each property’s location (street names give clues):
- Diagonal 1: On Diagonal Avenue, about 1.5 km from UPC. Likely a 15‑minute walk or 5‑minute bus ride. Suitable if you want a lively avenue with shops and restaurants.
- Rosselló 2: Rosselló Street runs parallel to Diagonal, similar distance and vibe.
- Rambla Del Brasil 7 2‑4 Sants‑Montjuïc: In Sants‑Montjuïc district, about 3 km from UPC. Cheaper but requires a 25‑minute metro ride (L3 to Les Corts stop). Good for budget‑conscious students who don’t mind commuting.
- Sant Pau: Near Hospital Sant Pau? There are several Sant Pau streets in Barcelona; one near Diagonal? Not specified. Check exact address. If close to the campus, it is a walkable option.
- Carrer De L’Equador 77 2‑4 Les Corts: In Les Corts, about 500–800 metres from UPC. Very walkable, likely a mid‑range shared apartment.
- Verify availability and terms: Contact each operator directly (not through third‑party agencies) to confirm if the unit is for 2026/2027, whether bills are included, and the minimum lease duration (often 12 months, but some offer monthly contracts).
- Cross‑check reviews: For large student residences, search for independent reviews mentioning maintenance, noise, and deposit returns. None of the given sample names appear in the UPC Google reviews, so you will need external sources (but we cannot link domains here).
A final shortlist should include at least one walking‑distance option (Carrer De L’Equador 77 or Diagonal 1) and one budget option (Rambla Del Brasil 7) to compare before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I start looking for housing near UPC?
A: For the 2026/2027 academic year, begin searching at least 2–3 months before your intended move‑in date (e.g., May for September start). Barcelona’s rental market moves fast — popular listings near UPC are often rented within a week. Starting early gives you time to visit flats (or do video tours) and avoid last‑minute price surges.
Q: Is it cheaper to live in a shared apartment or a student residence?
A: Shared apartments (piso compartido) are typically 15–30% cheaper than purpose‑built student residences, especially in areas like Sants‑Montjuïc. However, residences often include all bills, cleaning, and sometimes a gym, which can be worth the premium if you value convenience. For 2026, a shared room near Les Corts may cost €350–€500, while a residence room could be €600–€900. Always compare the total monthly cost (rent + utilities + transport).
Q: What should I check in a rental contract to avoid problems?
A: Read the contract language (ideally in Spanish or Catalan; you may need a translation). Verify: the exact monthly rent, deposit amount (usually 1–2 months), whether utilities are included, cancellation policy, and who handles repairs. Take photos of the apartment’s condition before moving in. Given the administrative complaint in UPC reviews, ensure the contract is signed by a genuine landlord or company — demand a copy of their NIE or CIF. Avoid paying anything before seeing the property in person or via live video.
Data as of March 2026. All rental prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. No affiliation with any education agency or booking platform.
See also: listing details · browse more