Housing near near Complutense University of Madrid
Complutense University of Madrid traces its origins back to 1293 in Alcalá de Henares and moved to its current Madrid location in 1836, making it one of the oldest universities in the world still in operation. Today around 85,000 students study at UCM, with the main campus at Ciudad Universitaria in the Moncloa-Aravaca district, a vast academic park designed in the early 20th century with green avenues, faculty buildings and the iconic Faculty of Medicine. Additional facilities are spread across the Somosaguas Campus in Pozuelo for Economics and Political Science, and several teaching hospitals across Madrid. As one of Spain's leading research universities, UCM has produced seven Nobel laureates and is internationally recognised in Humanities, Law, Sciences and Health.
According to the Spotahome Rent Index 2026, here is the available accommodation in Madrid and the average price by property type.
| Available accommodation | Total | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms in Madrid | +7,700 | 650 € |
| Apartments in Madrid | +3,300 | 2,000 € |
| Studios in Madrid | +1,300 | 1,350 € |
| Residences in Madrid | +500 | 1,100 € |
Best neighbourhoods near Complutense University
These four neighbourhoods sit closest to Ciudad Universitaria and offer the largest pool of student housing in Madrid:
- Ciudad Universitaria: directly inside the campus area, with 113 places in residences in Madrid at an average of 1,100 €. Studios cost 1,198 € and rooms in shared flats 705 € on average. Perfect for students who want to roll out of bed and into class.
- Argüelles: just south of campus, lively, central and full of student bars. Spotahome lists 265 rooms here at an average of 730 €, apartments at 2,529 € and studios at 1,583 €.
- Gaztambide: a quiet, leafy district between Argüelles and Moncloa with the largest selection of rooms in the area, 302 listings at an average of 741 €. Apartments cost 1,725 € and studios 1,366 €.
- Almenara: north of campus, calmer and more affordable. Rooms in shared flats average 754 € and studios 1,450 €, with 119 rooms in shared flats currently available.
In these four neighbourhoods around UCM, Spotahome lists more than +850 properties. Every unit comes fully furnished and ready to live in from your first day in Madrid.
What you should know about Complutense University
UCM is structured around 26 faculties and runs more than 250 bachelor and master programmes, the most extensive academic offering in Spain. The university has produced presidents, scientists and writers including José Echegaray, Camilo José Cela and Severo Ochoa. Its main library, the Marqués de Valdecilla, hosts more than three million volumes and one of Europe's most complete collections of medieval manuscripts. UCM is also a member of the Una Europa alliance of leading European universities.
Erasmus Life at Complutense University and in Madrid
UCM runs one of the largest Erasmus+ programmes in Europe, with more than 600 partner universities across 50 countries. Each year more than 2,500 incoming exchange students study at UCM and a similar number travel abroad. Madrid itself is a magnet for international students: tapas in La Latina, parties in Malasaña, free entry to the Prado on weekday evenings, hikes in Sierra de Guadarrama and weekend trips to Toledo or Segovia. More information is available through the UCM International Mobility Office.
How to get to Complutense University from Madrid city centre
Ciudad Universitaria is well connected with central Madrid:
- Take Metro line 6 directly to Ciudad Universitaria station, with exits at the heart of the campus.
- Take Metro line 3 to Moncloa, then walk ten minutes north or take buses 132 or G to the faculty buildings.
- Catch bus 82, 83, 132, 133 or G for direct connections from Moncloa, Plaza España and Argüelles.
Common questions (FAQ) about renting near Complutense University
Which are the best neighbourhoods for students near Complutense University in Madrid?
UCM students typically choose the western and northern districts to keep commutes short.
- Argüelles: lively student area at the doorstep of Ciudad Universitaria.
- Gaztambide: quiet and leafy, with the largest pool of shared rooms.
- Moncloa: directly at the campus and connected by metro and bus.
- Almenara: more affordable, with quick access via Cuatro Caminos.
How much does student accommodation near Complutense University cost?
Prices vary by property type. The table below shows the range of average prices in Ciudad Universitaria, Argüelles, Gaztambide and Almenara according to the Spotahome Rent Index 2026.
| Accommodation type | Average price | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat | 705 € - 754 € | 726 |
| Studio | 1,198 € - 1,583 € | 56 |
| Whole apartment | 1,650 € - 2,529 € | 110 |
The most popular choice for UCM students is by far a room in Madrid: the average rent stays around 700 € around campus, and bills are included in many listings.
When should I start looking for accommodation near Complutense University?
Start your search at least two to three months before your move-in date. Demand peaks between June and September for the autumn semester. Spotahome lets you book online from anywhere, so you can secure your room before flying to Madrid.
How does Spotahome verify properties and what happens if the apartment doesn't match the listing?
Every Spotahome listing is verified before publication: photos, descriptions and amenities are reviewed. If the apartment doesn't match the listing on move-in day, report it within the first 24 hours and our team will help with mediation, relocation or alternatives.
How much deposit do I have to pay? And when is it returned?
The deposit is usually one to two months of rent and is paid directly to the landlord. On listings tagged "Deposit protected", Spotahome refunds you directly if the landlord doesn't return the deposit within three months of move-out and you've met the contract terms. Many deposit-free listings are also available, easy to filter in the search.
Do I need a guarantor to rent on Spotahome?
No guarantor is required. You only need a valid ID or passport, proof of student or worker status, and a payment method. Once the landlord accepts the booking, they may request proof of income and a direct debit authorisation to finalise the contract.
What is included in the monthly rent? What is not?
The monthly rent on Spotahome always includes rent, IBI property tax and community fees. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas and Wi-Fi are included in many listings.
- Always included: rent, IBI, community fees.
- Often included: electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi.
- Not included: toiletries, food, optional services like cleaning or parking.
Read the listing description carefully to see exactly what is covered.
Why is Spotahome the best option for Erasmus stays at Complutense University?
Spotahome is the ideal platform for UCM students because it offers:
- Wide supply near campus: more than +850 properties in Argüelles, Gaztambide and Ciudad Universitaria, many less than 15 minutes from class.
- Affordable choices: over 726 rooms in shared flats with an average price of 705 €/month, and bills included in many cases.
- 100% online booking: rent from any country or city before arriving in Madrid.
- Flexible contracts: stays of 3 to 11 months, ideal for Erasmus, with room for shorter or longer periods.
- Lower fees: smaller commissions than traditional real estate agencies.
At Spotahome we have been helping students find accommodation since 2014, and more than 200,000 have already booked with us.