Why UPC Attracts International Students From Around the World

UPC is one of Spain's leading technical universities, consistently ranked among the best in Europe for engineering, architecture, computer science and telecommunications. Its strong ties to Barcelona's tech sector and research institutions make it especially attractive to international students pursuing technical and creative disciplines.

Many UPC students come from Europe, Latin America and Asia for master's programs, exchange semesters or full degree programs. Because programs are demanding and often project-based, having a living environment that supports focus, rest and collaboration becomes particularly important.

Which UPC Campus Are You Studying At?

UPC has several campuses across Barcelona, and the best place to live often depends on which one you attend.

Diagonal-Besòs Campus — Closest to Blau

The Diagonal-Besòs campus is in the same Poblenou area as Blau — one of the most conveniently located UPC campuses for Blau residents. The campus focuses on engineering, technology and innovation, making it a natural fit for students living in the 22@ innovation corridor.

Nàutica Campus

The Nàutica campus, focused on nautical studies and marine engineering, is also close to Poblenou — reachable by tram or a short bus ride from Blau.

Nord Campus (Les Corts)

The main North Campus in Les Corts is UPC's largest campus, home to many engineering and computer science programs. From Blau in Poblenou, it is approximately 25–30 minutes by metro — a manageable commute that many students find worthwhile given the lifestyle Poblenou offers.

Why Poblenou Works So Well for UPC Students

Poblenou is not just convenient for UPC's Diagonal-Besòs campus — it is also one of the neighborhoods in Barcelona that fits the UPC student lifestyle most naturally.

A Creative and Technical Atmosphere

Poblenou's 22@ district was developed specifically as a hub for technology, innovation and creative industries. The neighborhood is home to startups, design studios, tech companies and co-working spaces — which means UPC students often feel a natural sense of alignment with where they live and what they study.

For students in architecture, design and engineering, this environment can be genuinely inspiring. Discover why so many international students choose Poblenou in Barcelona.

Beach Access After Long Study Days

UPC programs are demanding. Many students spend long hours on projects, labs and group work. One of the biggest advantages of living in Poblenou is the ability to decompress quickly — the beach is a short walk away, making it easy to reset between intense study sessions.

Study-Friendly Cafés and Spaces

Poblenou has developed a strong culture of productive, study-friendly cafés and coworking spaces. For UPC students who work in groups or need a change of environment from the residence, the neighborhood offers plenty of options within walking distance.

International Community

The mix of international students, remote workers and creative professionals in Poblenou makes it easier to build social connections outside of university alone. For students arriving in Barcelona without an existing social network, this matters more than most expect. Read how international students make friends in Barcelona.

What Kind of Housing Do UPC Students Usually Look For?

UPC students tend to have specific needs when it comes to housing — driven by the intensity of technical programs and the practical realities of student life in Barcelona.

A Quiet Space to Focus

Engineering and architecture programs require long hours of concentrated work. Many UPC students find that shared apartments with flatmates on different schedules make it harder to maintain the focus and rest they need. A private studio with a dedicated study setup can make a significant difference during deadline periods.

Find out why more students are choosing private studios in Barcelona.

Reliable Infrastructure

Fast internet, a functional workspace, stable utilities and a well-maintained building are not luxuries for UPC students — they are necessities. Managed student residences typically offer more consistent infrastructure than privately rented apartments, where maintenance issues can disrupt study routines at the worst possible moments.

Community Without Distraction

Many UPC students want social connection without constant noise or distraction. The ideal environment is one where it is easy to meet people but also easy to retreat to a quiet, private space when needed. This balance is one of the main reasons more students are choosing managed residences over shared apartments.

Compare student residences and shared apartments in Barcelona.

What UPC Students Often Regret About Their Housing Choice

The most common mistake UPC students make is choosing housing based primarily on price, without thinking about how the environment will affect their daily study routine. Some students later realize that:

• their apartment is too noisy during late-night study sessions
• slow or unreliable internet affects project work and remote collaboration
• flatmate conflicts disrupt sleep and concentration
• the commute from a cheaper area is more exhausting than expected
• they feel isolated without a built-in social environment

Many students discover that the quality of their living environment has a direct impact on academic performance — something that becomes clear only after a few weeks of intense program life. Read why international students often feel lonely after moving abroad. For parents evaluating accommodation options, read the guide to safe student housing in Barcelona for parents.

Life at Blau for UPC Students

Blau Student Housing is located in the 22@ district in Poblenou — the same innovation-focused neighborhood as UPC's Diagonal-Besòs campus, and well connected to UPC's other Barcelona campuses by public transport.

Beyond location, Blau offers private living spaces, study-friendly facilities, wellness areas and an active international community. Throughout the academic year, Blau organizes community events that make it easy to meet people from different universities and backgrounds — without having to seek out social situations on your own. Check what's coming up below:

Follow @blaustudenthousing on Instagram for a real look at daily life.

For UPC students interested in the creative side of Barcelona's student life, Poblenou is one of the most popular neighborhoods among design, architecture and engineering students from other institutions nearby — including IAAC and Econova. Discover where creative students live in Barcelona. For exact commute times to all Barcelona universities, read the full Barcelona universities commute guide.

For more information about UPC's programs and campuses, visit the UPC official website. To learn more about the 22@ innovation district where Blau is located, the 22@ Barcelona site gives a good overview of the neighborhood's ecosystem.