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Housing Guide

Student Housing in Chile

Most students in Chile rent a room or a flat. Here are starting rents in Santiago in USD (US dollars), what landlords ask for and how to sign a safe lease.

Types of Housing

Students in Santiago usually rent one of these.

Accommodation TypeAverage CostProsCons
Room

You rent one room in a flat or house.

From USD 300 a month

Starting price in Santiago.

  • The lowest starting price.
  • Less privacy.
Flat for one person

A flat for one person.

From USD 400 a month

Starting price in Santiago.

  • Your own space.
  • Costs more than a room.
Shared flat

A flat you share with other students.

From USD 500 a month

Starting price in Santiago.

  • Cost split between flatmates.
  • You share with others.

Finding a Place

Before you arrive

  • Choose an area close to your faculty.
  • Look at listings. U-Cursos is the UChile student website, where students post rooms and flatmate ads.

After you arrive

  • Visit the flat and the area.
  • Check the lease and sign it in front of a notary.
  • Pay the first month and the deposit.

Reliable Platforms

  • U-Cursos forum (UChile)

    U-Cursos is the website of Universidad de Chile (UChile). Its students post rooms for rent and look for flatmates there.

  • UC's list of residences

    UC shares a list of residences and agencies. Contact them yourself.

Required Documents

For off-campus housing in Chile, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:

  • 1
    ID

    A valid Chilean ID card or passport.

  • 2
    Proof you can pay

    Papers that show you have money to pay the rent.

  • 3
    Student permit

    Proof of your student permit, for international students.

  • 4
    Guarantor

    Some landlords ask for a guarantor (aval) who promises to pay if you do not.

Costs and Things to Think About

Rent changes by area (comuna). These are starting prices for Santiago, in USD (US dollars).

Regional Cost Comparison

Higher Cost Regions

  • Santiago

    Average studio: From USD 400 a month (flat for one person)

    Shared apartment: From USD 500 a month (shared flat)

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Deposit (garantía)

    Paid at the start, on top of the first month's rent.

    One month's rent

Location Considerations

  • Travel time

    How long it takes to reach your faculty.

  • Access

    How easy it is to reach by public transport.

  • Safety

    How safe the area is.

Tips for Renting

Visit the area (comuna, a city area) before you sign anything.

Think about travel time to your faculty, easy access and safety when you choose an area.

Ask for the lease (the rental contract) to be signed in front of a notary (an official who checks signatures).

Read the lease terms: fixed periods, how the rent rises and how often.

Some landlords give you a standard lease form. Read every line before you sign. If you do not agree, do not sign.

Housing Questions

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