Moving to Sabadell: neighbourhoods, transport and real cost for students

Choosing the right neighbourhood is key to balancing price, commuting time and quality of life. Here are some areas to consider:

1. Centre / Eix Macià

• What it offers: shops, services, libraries, gyms and most of the cultural activity.
• Advantages:
  • Good connection to the rest of the city and train stations.
  • Everything close at hand: shops, banks, leisure, restaurants.
• To consider:
  • Rents and room rates can be somewhat higher than in the suburbs.

2. Parc Catalunya and surroundings

• What it offers: one of the great green lungs of Sabadell with areas to run, play sports or study outdoors.
• Advantages:
  • Tranquillity and open spaces.
  • Pleasant environment to combine study and leisure.
• To consider:
  • Check the connection to your faculty or campus.

3. Creu Alta

• What it offers: well-established, well-equipped neighbourhood, close to the centre.
• Advantages:
  • Good bus network and proximity to stations.
  • Local services (supermarkets, small shops, bars).
• To consider:
  • Highly sought after area, it’s advisable to look in advance.

4. Well-connected residential neighbourhoods

Areas a little further from the centre but with good bus or train connections may be an alternative if you’re looking for more peace and quiet or a slightly lower price. It’s important to check:

• Real distance to your faculty or school.
• Transport combinations (lines and frequency).

When planning your university accommodation in Sabadell it’s advisable to prioritise:

• Proximity to your campus or key train/bus stations.
• Basic services within walking distance (supermarket, pharmacy, health centre).
• Actual travel time during rush hour.

 

University accommodation options in Sabadell

When you decide to move to Sabadell as a student, one of the first decisions is where to live. These are the most common alternatives:

Student halls of residence

University halls of residence offer:

• Rooms equipped with everything you need to study and rest.
• Utilities included (electricity, water, heating/air conditioning).
• High-speed WiFi.
• Regular cleaning and, where necessary, change of bed linen and towels.
• Common areas (study rooms, social spaces, gym in some cases).
• Maintenance, security and day-to-day support team.

This is a very practical option if you come from another city or country and want to integrate quickly, without having to deal with utility contracts or furniture. In the case of Canvas Barcelona Sabadell Llac, the model is all-inclusive with events and activities designed to create a community among residents.

Shared flats

Flat sharing is another classic option:

• Advantages:
  • It may be somewhat cheaper to rent if divided among several people.
  • Increased sense of independence.
• To consider:
  • Rental contracts, deposits and utilities in your name.
  • Variable furniture and flat conditions.
  • Electricity, water or gas bills that may rise depending on usage.

If you choose to share a flat, it’s important to calculate the total cost (rent + utilities + transport + possible furniture) in order to be able to compare it with a hall of residence.

Temporary stays (guesthouses, hostels, etc.)

They can serve as a short-term solution while you look for something more stable:

• Useful if you arrive in Sabadell without accommodation.
• They’re not the best option for the full term, but they are the best option for the first few weeks.

Transport in Sabadell: how to get around

Sabadell allows you to combine journeys on foot, bus and train depending on where you live and where you study.

City buses

• Network of lines connecting neighbourhoods to the centre and key stations.
• Reasonable peak hour frequencies.
• Check maps and timetables according to your faculty and neighbourhood.

Trains (FGC and Renfe)

• They connect Sabadell with Barcelona and other towns in the surrounding area.
• Especially useful if you study at the UAB (Bellaterra campus) and live in Sabadell, as you can get to the campus in just a few minutes.
• They’re also recommended if you have to travel to campuses outside the city or if you study in centres attached to universities with campuses in Barcelona.

On foot and by bike

• The city isn’t excessively large, you can often go on foot.
• Distances between central districts and university areas are usually manageable, although it’ll depend on your location.

Passes and discounts

As a student, check:

• Integrated monthly or quarterly passes (Barcelona Metropolitan Area).
• Discounts for young people and students.

Planning your routes and tickets from the start will help you optimise your monthly budget.

Real cost of living for students in Sabadell

The cost of living in Sabadell is generally more moderate than in Barcelona city, although it’ll always depend on your lifestyle and the type of accommodation you choose.

As a guideline:

• Meals: €170-230/month
  • Combining supermarket shopping and daily set menus.
• Transport: €30-60/month
  • Depending on travel pass, if you go to Barcelona or only travel within Sabadell.
• Leisure and sport: €50-100/month
  • Outings, cinema, cafés, concerts; gym apart if not included in your accommodation.

In the case of Canvas-style hall of residence, part of this expenditure is bundled into an all-inclusive monthly fee (accommodation, utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning, security, maintenance, activities and, in many cases, gym). This makes the budget more predictable from month to month.

 

Practical tips for moving to Sabadell

To make your arrival as easy as possible:

• Start looking for accommodation early
  • The months from May to August account for a large part of the bookings for the next academic year.
• Define your total budget, not just the rent
  • This includes transport, tuition, material, food and leisure.
• Prioritise the location according to your school
  • Assess the actual transport distance and daily commuting time.
• Have the basic documentation ready
  • DNI/NIE or passport, study contract, insurance, and, if applicable, documentation for the municipal register or visa if you’re coming from abroad.
• Connect with other students from day one
  • Class groups, university activities and, if you live in hall of residence, events organised in the building.

Student life in Sabadell

Sabadell combines:

• Green spaces such as Parc Catalunya for sport, walking or studying outdoors.
• Leisure and culture: theatres, cinemas, civic centres and a programme of activities that is usually fuller during the school year.
• Municipal and private sports services.

If you choose a hall of residence with an active student community, such as Canvas Barcelona Sabadell Llac, you’ll also have:

• Programme of events and activities to meet other residents.
• Common areas for group work or socialising after class.

Ready to move to Sabadell?

If you’re looking for university accommodation in Sabadell and are interested in a model with everything included, community and spaces designed for studying, don't forget to check out the types of room and services we have at Canvas Barcelona Sabadell Llac.