Viral Vacay is our holiday feature where we track down accommodation that’s gone viral, find out how much it actually costs and if needs be, suggest a cheaper alternative 🕵️♀️
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Viray Vacay: Student Accommodation
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation, remember that student digs are often available to rent out for really decent prices.
Student accommodation can range from standard halls of residence to converted historic buildings, and even new apartment blocks that have been repurposed – like athletes’ accommodation for the Olympic Games.
@phebebekker Cardboard beds in the Olympic village?! The question everyone wants to know🤣 #olympics #milanocortina2026 ♬ original sound - Phebe Bekker|Figure Skater🇬🇧
How viral? This TikTok by @phebebekker gave us a sneak peek inside the athletes’ apartments in Milan ahead of the Winter Olympics. It’s had over 500k views!
It got us thinking about how student accommodation is actually a great way to bag an affordable stay. So let’s look at some wallet-friendly options for your next trip!
Milan, Italy
While the athletes’ village isn’t yet ready to welcome external guests, you can still stay in student accommodation in Milan.
Camplus Lambrate has single and double rooms for rent – each one with a desk, fridge and air con. Because it’s geared to students, you just know it’s going to have the transport connections – there’s a metro stop 10 minutes’ walk away, and a tram stop and supermarket close by too.
How much? Stay at Camplus Lambrate from £102 per night. That’s a double room, but you can get singles for around £80 per night.
Fancy a cheaper alternative?
Durham Castle, UK
How about staying in an actual castle? You can rent a room in Durham Castle using a site like university rooms. This is typically student accommodation, but during holidays it’s available to rent because the students aren’t there. So if you’re travelling during these times you can bag a bargain!
How much? Stay at Durham Castle from £100 per night (for a double – singles start at £70).
What about even cheaper?
The Social Hub, Porto
Student accommodation can even be kinda fancy these days – take The Social Hub, a brand that flexes to every type of traveller.
Whether you’re a student, digital nomad, city-breaker or professional, they’ve got a room option for you, from single rooms to studio apartments.
You can book for a short or extended stay, and there are facilities like coworking spaces and a gym. The Social Hub has locations in countries across Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Portugal.
How much? You can stay at The Social Hub Porto from £66 per night.
Have you seen a viral video you want me to do this for? Drop me a DM! 📧
