BLAU Student Housing: Your Gateway to Barcelona and Spanish Fluency

Barcelona, a vibrant metropolis celebrated for its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and stunning coastline, is increasingly becoming a prime destination for students worldwide. Within this dynamic city, BLAU Student Housing and Spanish Language Academy offers a unique and compelling proposition for those seeking an immersive academic and cultural experience.

The BLAU Advantage: Integrated Language and Accommodation

What truly distinguishes BLAU Student Housing is its integrated Spanish language academy. This innovative approach provides students with not only top-tier accommodation but also the invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Spanish language and culture, all within the comfort and convenience of their residence.

BLAU Student Housing is more than just a place to stay; it's a thriving community that pulsates with energy and opportunity. It's a place where students from around the globe converge to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.

Exceptional Amenities and Facilities

BLAU Student Housing boasts over 1800 square meters of common space, designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of its residents. The array of amenities ensures that every moment is infused with relaxation, recreation, and opportunities for personal growth:

Fully-equipped Gym with Technogym Technology: Stay active and maintain your fitness routine with state-of-the-art equipment.
Rooftop Swimming Pool: Take a refreshing dip while enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean city.
Co-working Spaces: Collaborate with fellow students or focus on individual study in these dedicated areas.
Cinema: Enjoy movie nights and screenings with friends.
Game Room: Unwind and socialize with a variety of games.
Sports Areas: Engage in friendly competition and stay active.

These exceptional facilities and premium amenities create an environment that fosters both academic success and personal well-being.

Accommodation Options: Comfort and Convenience

The housing at BLAU is designed to impress. Many students have their own studio with a private kitchen and bathroom, which is relatively rare for student accommodation. The location is close to the beach and cool cafés in Poblenou, offering the chance to study in the morning and enjoy sangria by sunset.

Spanish Language Academy: Immersive Learning

At BLAU Student Housing and Language Academy, a unique combination of Spanish courses, on-site accommodation, and immersive cultural activities is provided. The academy is located within a modern residential student facility, offering over 200 rooms for students.

The staff encourages students to speak Spanish as much as possible from the first day. Classes are interactive, involving a lot of talking. Outside the classroom, the learning continues with events hosted in Spanish, where teachers casually join and chat with students, making the language feel natural. This approach ensures that students use what they learn and are surprised by how fast it sticks.

Cultural Immersion: Beyond the Classroom

BLAU truly shines in its cultural offerings. They organize events that aren’t just touristy, such as Catalan language classes, rooftop DJ parties, expert talks, and watercolor workshops. The student body is diverse, with individuals from Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Switzerland, making conversations always interesting. The staff is warm and fun, contributing to a total cultural glow-up.

Safety and Support: A Secure Environment

The staff at BLAU are responsive and helpful. They can recommend nearby clinics, assist with Spanish translation, and provide directions to the 24-hour pharmacy. The building has 24/7 reception staff, keycard access, and security cameras, and it’s located in a safe neighborhood. The presence of caring staff provides peace of mind, especially for women traveling alone.

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Extended Stays: Academic Year Options

For students seeking a longer experience, BLAU Student Housing offers extended stays during the academic year (September - June). This allows students to attend another university while taking casual Spanish classes in the convenience of their own residence.

A Student's Perspective: The BLAU Experience

One student shared that four weeks at Blau changed the way they see language learning. It wasn’t just about memorizing verbs but living the language. The classes were dynamic, interactive, and relevant to real-life situations. The energy was infectious, and they left with better language skills, more confidence, and lifelong friends.

Another student was impressed by the organization, receiving their room, class schedule, and a welcome tour within the first hour. They also appreciated the weekly events, such as pool parties, movie nights, and Catalan classes.

Addressing Dietary Needs and Preferences

While BLAU doesn’t include daily meals like a full board program, students appreciate the freedom this provides. There’s also a restaurant downstairs that offers salads, pasta, Spanish dishes, and vegetarian options. The only suggestion for improvement was a shared cooking class or community dinner night to mix eating with social time.

Comparing Accommodation Options in Spain

When considering student housing in Spain, it's helpful to understand the broader accommodation landscape. Here's an overview of different types of stays and factors to consider:

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Hotels in Spain

Hotels offer a range of amenities and services, but they are generally more expensive than other options like hostels or student residences.

Price: The cost of staying at a hotel in Spain depends on factors such as the timing of your travel, the location, and the amenities the hotel offers. The cheapest hotel in Spain, for example, is located in Estella-Lizarra and provides accommodation for as low as 22 EUR a night. There is a hotel in Spain for every budget. Just enter your travel details, click "Search" and use the price filter to find the best matches.
Finding the Best Hotel: To find the best hotel in Spain, use filters to sort by what matters most to you, such as star rating, guest reviews, price, or amenities. Each listing includes verified ratings, detailed descriptions, and photos to help you compare your options.
Top-Rated Hotels: The best hotel in Spain based on guest ratings is Hotel Riu Plaza España in Madrid, with an average guest rating of 4.5 out of 10 stars from 21,187 reviews.
Luxury Hotels: Some of the best-rated 5-star hotels in Spain include Eurostars Torre Sevilla, Eurostars Palace, and Vincci Selección Posada del Patio.
4-Star Hotels: Popular 4-star hotels include Dear Hotel (Madrid), Granada Center (Granada), and Port Alicante (Alicante).
3-Star Hotels: Top 3-star hotels include Hotel Malcom & Barret (Valencia), Hesperia Murcia Centro (Murcia), and LETOH LETOH Gran Vía (Madrid).
Spa Hotels: For relaxation, consider Gran Hotel Don Manuel in Cáceres or Andalucia Center in Granada.
Hotels with Pools: Hotels with pools include Fernando III and Sercotel Sorolla Palace in Valencia.
Family-Friendly Hotels: A great option for families is Hotel ILUNION Calas de Conil, which has a kids’ club.
Accessible Hotels: Cordoba Center in Cordova is a top choice for accessible accommodations.
Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hotel Soho Boutique Córdoba in Cordova is one of the best-rated pet-friendly hotels.
Beach Hotels: Hotel Attica21 Vigo 4****S Business & Wellness in Vigo is a popular choice among hotels located near the beach.
Ski Hotels: Aiguestortes Camping Resort is the best hotel to unwind after a day on the snowy slopes.

Booking Tips for Hotels in Spain

Best Time to Book: The best time to book a hotel in Spain is usually 2 to 3 months in advance during the off-peak season, and 4 to 6 months ahead if you're planning to travel during peak season.
Finding Cheap Hotels: To find affordable hotels in Spain, be flexible with your travel dates and location. Prices are often lower outside of major tourist hubs and during off-peak seasons.
Cheapest Hotel: Agora Hostel in Estella-Lizarra currently offers the cheapest place to stay in Spain, starting from 22 EUR per night.
Cheapest 5-Star Hotel: The most affordable 5-star hotel in Spain is Eurostars Palace, offering rooms as low as 80 EUR a night.
Cheapest 4-Star Hotel: For the cheapest 4-star experience in Spain, consider Eurostars Conquistador in Cordova, with rooms from approximately 50 EUR per night.
Cheapest 3-Star Hotel: The 3-star hotel offering the cheapest rates in Spain is Leonardo Hotel San Sebastian.
Hotel with a Pool: The most affordable hotel in Spain with a pool is Yeah Barcelona Hostel in Barcelona, starting from 55 EUR per night.
Wheelchair Accessible Hotel: Apartamentos Lusitania stands out as the top choice for affordable wheelchair-friendly hotels in Spain.
Hotel with Spa Facilities: In Spain, the cheapest hotel with a spa is Andalucia Center in Granada.
Pet-Friendly Hotel: The most affordable pet-friendly hotel in Spain is Hesperia Córdoba.

Cancellation Policies

Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your hotel reservation in Spain before the specified cancellation deadline.

Cost and Value: An Investment in Your Future

The 4-week program at Blau cost one student €1,999, which included a private studio and daily Spanish classes. While it’s not the cheapest option, the student felt it was worth the investment. They spent an additional €300-€400 on food, transport, and activities.

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