Discover the best universities in Pamplona for studying and experiencing the city

July is already here, admission requirements are starting to set the course, and the time has come to make one of the most important decisions of your life: Where are you going to study over the next few years?

If you’re considering different destinations and Pamplona has caught your eye, here’s a little tip: you’re looking at one of the best options in the country. The capital of Navarre is much more than just the Sanfermines. It’s a city tailor-made for students: safe, very easy to get around, full of green spaces, with incredible food (get ready to discover the famous ‘Juevintxo’) and an unbeatable young atmosphere.

But what really makes Pamplona a magnet for students from all over Spain (and the world) is its academic excellence. If you’re exploring your options and thinking of heading north, here’s an overview of the main universities there and the best place to start if you want to experience the city.

The university map: academic excellence in the north

Pamplona is, by definition, a university town. The city’s pace is set by the thousands of students who fill its streets every academic year, divided mainly between two major educational institutions.

University of Navarra (UNAV): international prestige and a campus straight out of a film

The University of Navarra is one of the most highly regarded private universities in Spain and across Europe. If you choose UNAV, you won’t just be studying in its classrooms – you’ll also be making the most of life on campus.

• The “Green Campus”: we’re talking about more than 113 hectares of land. It is, quite literally, a vast park that runs right through the city, full of trees, footpaths and rest areas where students spend their time between classes.
• Top-class facilities: the famous University of Navarra Clinic (CUN) is located on campus itself; this world-renowned centre is a major draw for students of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. It also boasts the University of Navarra Museum (MUN), which hosts contemporary art exhibitions, and first-class sports facilities.
• Academic programmes and atmosphere: it’s renowned for its degree programmes in Health Sciences, Communication (one of the pioneering schools in Spain), Law and Architecture, as well as its close links with the business world. Walking around UNAV means soaking up a truly international atmosphere as it attracts thousands of international students every year.

Public University of Navarra (UPNA): innovation, technology and cutting-edge research

The Public University of Navarra is the region’s leading public institution. A young, dynamic university with a very clear focus on employability and technological innovation.

• Arrosadía Campus: this is the heart of the UPNA. Designed by renowned architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza, it’s a modern, pedestrianised and technologically cutting-edge campus. It boasts one of the best university libraries in the country and a spectacular building designed by El Sario.
• Health Science Campus: strategically located next to the Navarra Hospital Complex, this is where future doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals are trained, with a 100% practical approach and in direct contact with the realities of hospital life.
• Academic programmes: UPNA excels particularly in engineering (Industrial, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Agricultural), as well as in Economics, Business Administration and Social Sciences. If you’re looking for a technical, research-oriented role that’s highly valued by technology and industrial companies, this is the place for you.

Making the most of Pamplona: so much more than just going to lectures

Studying in Pamplona means enjoying a city where everything is close at hand. Unlike big cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, you won’t spend hours on the underground here.

Pamplona can be explored on foot or using the council’s electric bike scheme. The historic centre (the Old Town) is the place to be at the weekend. From strolling along the Vuelta del Castillo to relaxing in the Parque de la Taconera or enjoying student pincho nights on Thursdays along Calle Estafeta or San Nicolás. Everything is designed to ensure that students enjoy a top-notch quality of life.

The key to success: once you’ve chosen a university, where are you going to live?

Researching universities is the first step, but the second (and the one that’ll shape your day-to-day life) is deciding where to set up your ‘base camp’. Whether you’re looking for independence or your parents need to know that you’re in a safe, performance-oriented environment, location is everything.

If you finally decide that Pamplona is the city for you, the Canvas Student Pamplona Plazaola student hall of residence is your best bet. Its location is, quite literally, unbeatable. As it’s strategically situated between the two universities, walking distances are minimal:

• Just a 5-minute walk from the UPNA.
• Just an 8-minute walk from UNAV.

Why does Canvas Student Pamplona Plazaola appeal to students and families?

Living just a short walk from your school will improve your quality of life, but if you book your place at Canvas Student Pamplona Plazaola, you’ll gain access to specific benefits so you can enjoy your time there without any worries:

• A fixed budget with no surprises: say goodbye to arguments over the winter heating bill in shared flats. With Canvas, you get an ‘all-inclusive’ package: a stylish, furnished room, private bathroom, cleaning, utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi, all for a single monthly payment.
• Premium facilities at your disposal: you don’t need to pay for an external gym or struggle to find a space in overcrowded public libraries. You’ll have your own gym, quiet study rooms, a cinema and spacious communal areas in your own building. What’s more, our dining room is open every day, from Monday to Sunday.
• 24/7 security: complete peace of mind for your parents. We have access control, CCTV and staff on hand 24 hours a day to deal with any incidents.
• Canvas Community: moving to a new city can be a bit daunting. You’ll settle in straight away thanks to our events, workshops and activities, designed to help you make friends from the very first week.

Look into your options, compare degree programmes and, if Pamplona is your top choice for this academic year, don’t leave finding accommodation until the last minute. Spots near the campuses are snapped up in July. Go to Canvas Student Pamplona Plazaola, check out your new home and get ready for the best phase of your life.