Living in
Granada
A university city
Granada has a population of 240,000 people, over 65,000 of whom are students, lecturers, researchers and administrative staff at the University of Granada. As a result, a lively student atmosphere has flourished here, giving rise to the development of a modern, multicultural and vibrant study destination that welcomes people from all backgrounds.
Five of the UGR’s campuses are spread out across the city, giving it an unmistakable university feel. The remaining two campuses are found in the North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla, making our institution a truly intercontinental university.
As the University is at the heart of the city, Granada provides incoming students and researchers with excellent services and facilities, along with a wide range of cultural activities. It is also one of the least expensive cities in Spain, while commonly regarded as offering one of the highest levels of quality of life.
A cultural hub
Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, and to the presence of a proactive university community, Granada has firmly established itself as a vibrant cultural hub. Along with its charm, its many recreational activities make it a great city to explore and a magnificent destination for students from around the world.
It currently boasts a wide variety of festivals which take place throughout the year, including:
· International Music and Dance Festival of Granada
· International Hocus Pocus Magic Festival of Granada
· Jazz Festival of Granada
· International Poetry Festival of Granada (FIP)
· International Tango Festival of Granada
· International Young Filmmakers Festival of Granada (FIJR)
· BAG International Arts Festival
· FACBA Contemporary Art Festival
· Retroback International Classic Film Festival
· White Night Festival in Granada
· “Cines del Sur” Film Festival of Granada
· “Cinemística” Film Festival
· International University Theatre Meeting in Granada (EITUG)
· An array of flamenco and dance festivals
The UGR also regularly holds concerts, film screenings, plays, exhibitions, and workshops.
An unbeatable location
Granada, a safe modern city, also has an outstanding geographical location just 40 minutes from the Mediterranean Coast with its tropical climate, and 30 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort. This means you can enjoy mountain sports like skiing and snowboarding and bathe in the Mediterranean Sea all in the same day. The towns and villages dotting the coast, such as Motril, Salobreña and Almuñecar, offer scenic beaches and exceptional weather throughout the year.
The surrounding towns and villages, such as those found in the mountainous Alpujarra region to the south, offer cultural diversity and stunning scenery.
Granada and these surrounding towns offer a wide range of sporting and leisure activities, including as mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, waterskiing and windsurfing. The UGR Sports Centre (CAD) offers courses in all of these areas.
Rich historical and architectural heritage
Granada is an enchanting city, full of monuments, history and, of course, the University. The world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife palaces, which form the backdrop of Granada’s cityscape, are widely regarded as among the most outstanding examples of Arabic architecture in the world. In 1984 these palaces, along with the labyrinth-like historical quarter known as the Albaicín, became UNESCO world heritage sites, further adding to Granada’s reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
As well as working constantly to enrich the city culturally, the UGR is fully committed to its policy of recovering, restoring and conserving buildings of historical worth in the city. “La Madraza” Palace (1349), Hospital Real (the seat of the Rectorate) and the Faculties of Law, Medicine, Translation and Interpreting, and Communication and Documentation, among others, are all buildings of considerable historical worth.
1. University of Granada
Founded in 1531, University of Granada has a long teaching history and its presence is felt throughout the city of Granada. It accommodates over 60,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students along with over 5,000 staff. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of Bachelor degrees and Master and Doctorate programs along with language, summer and other supplementary courses.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to find courses English, available for absolutely all levels. With over 1500 Erasmus students a year, you’ll never feel alone. The university is also known for its fantastic student life, so we can assure you will have a great time!
2. Student-friendly atmosphere
With budget activities being frequent, Granada is very friendly to its students. Students will be able to enjoy free tapas whenever they order a drink in an authentic tapas bar.
Those who wish to relax or even study in a peaceful place should check out Parque Carmen de los Mártires, Granada’s perfect getaway spot. It’s completely free and open to anyone.
Students are also able to take advantage of their student discount and enjoy many of Granada’s museums. Perfect for art students with a creative block! Some of Granada’s most famous museums include The Science Park, Palacio de los Olvidados and Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte.
3. Perfect location
Granada features everything – a small town that’s very easy to navigate and will make you feel like a local. You’ll be close to the mountains and the beach which is ideal for both, hikers and swimmers. You’ll be able to enjoy many authentic dishes in traditional and non-traditional restaurants.
One of sights you absolutely must visit while in Granada is the Alhambra – a majestic palace with a lot of amazing history. Along with Alhambra, students also enjoy walking and cultural tours of the city and, of course, many pub crawls. Lovers of architecture will be delighted as Granada features many stunning palaces and churches, such as the humbling Cathedral and Royal Chapel and Basilica de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias.
Granada has easy transportation to various parts of Spain – you’ll have easy access to Madrid, Barcelona, Cordoba and direct connections to plenty of other Spanish cities.