5 unique student residences in Europe

A big part of the university experience for international students is the chance to live abroad in a whole new setting.

You’ll get to explore what it’s like living with people from other cultures, dealing with utilities, managing chores, keeping your home or room clean, and creating a living space that’s comfortable and conducive to your studies.

Check out these amazing residence halls in Europe that are not only beautiful and interesting, but also functional and practical for student life.

Founder’s Hall, England

If the thought of living in a magnificent castle-like building sends delightful shivers down your spine, you’ll love living in Founder’s Building.

The gorgeous and historic building will make you feel like you’re living in Hogwarts with its stunning Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1881, and was the original building of the Royal Holloway College, University of London in Surrey, England.

The building houses the Picture Gallery, a collection of over 70 pieces of art from the Victorian era, Main Lecture Theatre, non-denominational chapel, a library, a few academic departments, and a Hall of Residence.

There’s also a bar in the building, named ‘Crosslands’ in honour of its architect, William Henry Crossland.

Collegiate Marquês de Pombal, Portugal 

These luxurious student digs in Lisbon, Portugal, only opened in January 2018 but has already gained international recognition for its stunning living spaces.

Set against the breathtaking view of the Lisbon coast, every aspect of this swanky residence was designed with student well-being in mind, offering an enriching academic life.

Facilities include a swimming pool, sauna, private fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, cinema, study zones, concierge services, laundry room, and a plush club lounge for socialising.

Tietgen Residence Halls, Denmark

The design for this unique circular-shaped accommodation building in Copenhagen, Denmark, was inspired by traditional Tulou houses in Southeastern China.

The architects admired the village communities with its private dwellings and communal facilities. The seven-storey circular building is connected via five vertical intersections which act as passageways between the residences and the inner courtyard.

Five vertical intersections divide this circular building into sections, acting as passageways between them and the inner courtyard, allowing for both communal and private life.

There are 360 housing units in this award-winning dormitory, and common facilities include a party area, study and computer rooms, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, lounge, terraces, and bicycle parking.

Spacebox, The Netherlands

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   Source: Shutterstock

The unique and innovative design of the Spacebox student accommodation at Utrecht University has been named one of the best living spaces for students by several sources.

Made up of 300 individual rooms (16 sq meters in size), the ‘shipping container’-styled stackable rooms are vibrant and colourful on the outside, practical and comfortable on the inside. Although it seems small, it’s cosy and comes complete with modern kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The Spacebox began back in 2001 as an experimental architectural project designed by architect Mart De Jong, seeking to ease the lack of sufficient and affordable housing in Utrecht.

Communal facilities include bicycle storage, a cafe, laundry, sports and leisure rooms.

Basket Apartments, France

Located in Paris’ 19th district, the Basket Apartments student accommodation was designed by OFIS as part of a major urban development.

The 11-story apartment complex consists of a series of ‘baskets’ stacked on top of each other, with timber slats and private balconies.

Each apartment was designed to create a healthy ambiance with plenty of natural daylight, cross ventilation and stunning views. The timber slats and tinted windows prevent the units from getting too hot in the summer.

It’s also energy-efficient with rooftop photovolataic system that generates electricity, rainwater collection used for watering outdoor green spaces, and thermal bridge breakers in corridors.

The studio apartments have a kitchenette, bathroom, study area, bed, wardrobe and private patio.

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