A Survival Guide for Your First Year in Girona

Starting college is always a big change. A new city, new routines, new people.

If you've chosen Girona and the University of Girona, you've made a great decision:

• A manageable city
• A real college atmosphere
• High quality of life

In fact, it is estimated that more than 90% of UdG students choose to live near downtown or in well-connected areas, for one very clear reason: it’s all about location.

And this is where choosing the right accommodation—such as options like Stephouse,  makes all the difference from day one.

Girona isn't a huge city, and that's a plus.

Key areas:

• Old Town (Barri Vell) → social life
• Eixample → balance between price and location
• Montilivi → near the campus

The key: living in an area with good access to everything.

The University of Girona is the main university center.

Featured campuses:

• Montilivi (main)
• Barri Vell (specific colleges)

Distances:

• Downtown → Montilivi: 10–15 min by bike
• Downtown → Old Town: on foot

That's why so many students choose to live downtown: it combines a social life with quick access to class.

Residences such as Stephouse Girona are designed precisely to optimize that daily connectivity.

Choosing where to live is probably the most important decision you'll make during your first year.

Main options:

Student housing

• All inclusive
• International community
• No management headaches

Stephouse is particularly notable for its strategic location, designed for UdG students seeking proximity and convenience.

Shared apartment

• More independence
• It may seem cheaper
• More administrative work and potential unforeseen issues

Realistic advice: If it’s your first year, a dorm is usually the easiest way to settle in quickly.

The first year isn't just about studying.

Tips for survival:

• Make friends right from the first month
• Get involved in campus activities
• Explore the city
• Develop study habits

Girona is a big help in this regard because: everything is close by and it’s easy to fit in.

Although it's a quiet city, it has a great atmosphere.

What to do:

• Bars in downtown
• University events
• Excursions (Costa Brava, mountains…)

It's the perfect balance between work and play.

Getting around Girona is very easy:

•  On foot
• Bicycle (the best option)
• City bus

You don't need a car.

More affordable than Barcelona, but not the cheapest.

Monthly estimate:

• Accommodation: €400–€800
• Food: €200–€300
• Transportation: €20–40
• Leisure: €100–200

Total: Approx. €700–1,200/month

You can find out more here: Where to live in Girona if you're a student

Yes, because of its size, quality of life, and college atmosphere.

Mainly in the city center, the Eixample district, and areas near Montilivi.

Moderate, cheaper than Barcelona.

For first-year students, living on campus is usually the best option.

Your first year in Girona could be amazing… or challenging, depending on the choices you make. And the most important one is where to live.

Choosing a good location, having amenities included, and being surrounded by other students makes everything much easier.

That's why options like Stephouse have become one of the most practical choices for students arriving in the city for the first time.

Because the first year shouldn't just be about getting by…it should be the start of something great.