Housing in Madrid

In a student’s IAU application, a student will complete a Housing Questionnaire which asks for a student’s preferred housing type, roommate preference (if any), and additional essential details used by our housing teams to complete their placement. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met. 
 
All program participants are required to live in IAU-arranged housing and sign and abide by the IAU Student Handbook and Housing Agreement. It is important that students maintain flexibility and an open mind when it comes to housing placements. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met.

Living with a host allows students the opportunity for both language immersion and cultural exchange, and IAU alumni consistently remark on the growth and insight offered by the homestay experience. Students must remain open, flexible, and accepting within their Spanish household, such as with meal times and household schedules. 

Homestay students receive daily breakfast and dinner, while lunch is the student’s responsibility. Bedrooms may be single or shared with another IAU student, though each student has their own bed. Bathrooms are often shared with the host family. Students will have access to wifi, weekly laundry facilities, and all linens (bedding and towels).

Apartments include fully equipped kitchens, wifi, and laundry facilities (dryers are not guaranteed; drying racks are provided), and some include shared living spaces. Bedrooms are typically double or triple occupancy, with shared bathrooms for 3–4 students. Some apartments provide desks either inside or outside bedrooms. Cleaning service for common areas is provided every two weeks. Air conditioning and heating may be available but are not guaranteed. No meals are included; students are responsible for preparing and purchasing their own food. Elevators are not available in all buildings, and gym facilities are not included in this housing model. 

All linens and common room area cleaning services are included in student residences. Student residences may also provide shared living areas, laundry facilities, wifi, gym equipment, and recreational spaces. Many buildings include private security, 24-hour reception, and may include air conditioning. No meals are included; students are responsible for preparing and purchasing their own food.