Where you live can have an enormous impact on your overall experience in Spain. The Department of Housing is dedicated to helping you choose the option that best suits you. Please read the following information carefully before making your final decision.

Suffolk University Madrid Campus has no on-campus housing. However, students are provided with the following choices:

For Study Abroad students:

• Semester one: SUMC-sponsored housing. All options available.
• Semester Two: SUMC-sponsored housing, or non-SUMC sponsored housing.

For Degree Seeking Students:

• Semester One: host families or residences
• Successive Semesters: SUMC-sponsored housing or non-SUMC sponsored housing.

For the Boston Freshmen Group:

• Semester One: host families 
• Semester Two: host families or residences
• Successive Semesters: SUMC-sponsored housing non-SUMC sponsored housing.

All returning students, wishing to choose their own non-SUMC sponsored housing, need to know that permission to move out of SUMC sponsored living arrangements will be contingent upon their behavior during previous semesters.

Host Families

Staying with a family is the recommended option for students who would like to immerse themselves in the Spanish lifestyle and make the most of their time in Spain. Students who choose this option have extremely positive experiences, and benefit from supportive family environments while enjoying great independence. Our families are handpicked to ensure a quality interaction with our students, many of whom develop lasting friendships with their hosts.

This option includes a “media pensión” meal plan (14 meals per week – daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner); a double (shared with another Suffolk student) or single room; and laundry and cleaning services; many homes have internet access.

While meals usually feature Spanish cuisine, students are free to indicate personal food preferences. Eating schedules should be arranged between students and their families by mutual consent.

If you would like to connect with Spanish culture firsthand, this is the option for you.

Student Residences

A residence is comparable to a small hostel, located on a designated floor of an apartment building. Many residences are found in the heart of the city and are close to bus and subway stations.

Students who want to live in a small community, but not in a family environment, usually choose this option. SUMC generally uses small residences with around 8-15 students. Students share the residence with Spanish university students, and receive a great deal of personalized attention. Meals, laundry, and cleaning services are all provided. Most rooms are double.

Residence owners serve Spanish cuisine on a "media pension" meal plan (14 meals per week - daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner).

If a blend of community spirit and personal space appeals to you, choose this option.

Colegio Mayor, or Student Dorms

Dorms are, in many ways, similar to residences. They are located in the city centre and are well connected by metro and bus. Students are provided with laundry and cleaning services and Spanish cuisine on a "media pension" meal plan (14 meals per week - daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner).

Dorms are bigger than residences, often housing around 50-100 students. You would share a double room with a Spanish student.

If you enjoy dorm life and want to mix with Spanish students this option could be the perfect match.

Shared Apartments (not available for freshmen)

The University offers and maintains a limited number of rooms in shared apartments in neighborhoods that are easily accessible to campus. While these apartments vary in size and appearance, all have been inspected and approved by Suffolk.

Single and double rooms are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Apartments have a TV, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen. Sheets, towels, blankets, and pillow are provided, as is a weekly cleaning service for common areas. Please keep in mind that students who use utilities to excess may be charged an additional fee. SUMC does not provide cleaning products or personal toiletries in the apartments.

Students receive a monthly booklet of checks for use toward the cost of “media pension” (10 meals per week). These Checks are accepted in most restaurants around the country.

If you would like to follow you own routine, an apartment could be the right choice for you.

Students in Non-SUMC Sponsored Housing

Any student contemplating his or her own apartment needs to be aware of, and agree to, the following:

1. The obligation to open a Spanish bank account.
2. The obligation to pay a fianza, or security deposit. In most cases this is the equivalent of two or three months’ rent.
3. The need to pay one month’s rent as the realtor’s commission if the apartment is facilitated by a realtor.
4. The need to handle all bureaucratic details to ensure that telephone lines, Internet access, and utilities are installed and running properly.
5. Processing of any and all monthly payments accumulated in the apartment.
6. Spanish language competency to deal with contracts, landlords, maintenance workers, and/ or technicians who might be required for any necessary repairs.

Suffolk University Madrid Campus staff cannot assume any of the above mentioned responsibilities for students who seek housing on their own.

For all options please refer to the specific guidelines.

There are limited places in residences and apartments.

Important files to download:

Housing Department Brochure
Housing Contract
Housing Request Form
Housing Personal Profile
Guidelines for Living in a Host Family
Guidelines for Living in a Residence or Dorm 
Guidelines for Living in a Shared Apartment