Xior Diagonal Besòs – Decision Review for Barcelona Students
Xior Diagonal Besòs is a student residence located in Sant Adrià de Besòs, just outside Barcelona’s historic centre. The property offers shared rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, with monthly rent ranging from €700 to €1,225 (indicative — confirm with the operator). A deposit of €1,000 is required. The residence features a swimming pool, laundry facilities and a multimedia room. It is available from 1 September 2026.
Barcelona has a wide student housing market – the city’s cheapest monthly rent starts around €250 (indicative — confirm with the operator), and there are about 189 properties listed. Xior Diagonal Besòs sits in the mid-to-upper price bracket, but its facilities and location outside the old town may appeal to specific groups of students.
Who This Residence Suits
Students who prioritise space, amenities and a quieter environment will find Xior Diagonal Besòs a good fit. The residence is not in the dense, loud centre of Barcelona. Instead, it sits in Sant Adrià de Besòs, a residential area near the Besòs river and the coast. For students who prefer a calm setting after classes, this location offers a break from the city’s constant activity.
Those who rely on public transport can benefit from good connections. Multiple reviewers mention that the residence is well connected by bus and metro. The closest metro station is about a 10-minute walk, and the journey to the central Universitat de Barcelona campus takes roughly 30–40 minutes. Students at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (which is further north) would need a longer commute, but those at Universitat Pompeu Fabra or Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya can reach campus within 30–40 minutes by metro or tram.
Students who want on-site facilities like a swimming pool or a multimedia room will appreciate the property’s offerings. The swimming pool is a plus in Barcelona’s warm climate, and the laundry facility avoids the need to find a nearby laundromat.
Recently relocated workers or students in need of a temporary studio – two reviewers specifically note that the residence suits people who have just moved for work or are looking for a short-term studio. The property offers studio and one-bedroom options, making it suitable for those who want privacy rather than sharing.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Students on a tight budget should consider lower-priced options. With a minimum monthly rent of €700 (indicative — confirm with the operator) and a deposit of €1,000, Xior Diagonal Besòs is significantly more expensive than the city’s lowest-priced accommodation (from €250). Shared rooms in central areas can be found for around €400–€600, so those who need to save on rent may need to look at other residences or private flats.
Students who want to be in the heart of Barcelona’s nightlife or historical centre will find the location too far. Sant Adrià de Besòs is a residential suburb, not the bustling Gothic Quarter or El Raval. Bars, clubs and major tourist attractions are a 20–30 minute journey away. If you want to step out of your door and be surrounded by cafés and shops, this residence is not for you.
Students who value on-site social events or a large community might find the atmosphere quieter than some city-centre residences. The residence is large (the property has 346 reviews on Google, so it is not tiny), but its location means spontaneous socialising in the neighbourhood is limited. Those who prefer a vibrant, walkable student district may be better off in Gràcia or Eixample.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews (out of 346, giving an overall rating of 4.5) illustrate common themes:
“Place located outside the old town, with good public transport connections and a stunning view. The staff are kind and professional, Liv and Ivona especially stood out for being exceptionally helpful and welcoming. It’s an excellent option for people who have recently relocated for work or for students in need of tempo” – Juliana Niehues Safioti, 5 stars.
“Great place outside the historic center, well connected by public transport and offering a beautiful view. The staff is friendly and professional, Jose and Annabelle in particular were incredibly helpful and welcoming. Perfect for those who’ve recently moved for work or for students looking for a temporary studio. Room” – Antonino Cusumano, 5 stars.
“I had an amazing experience staying at Xior! I loved the neighborhood, the rooms, the common spaces and last but not least the staff working there. From the second I arrived, it was around midnight, Liv was there on shift and she helped me out a lot. She was very patient, positive and helpful- big thanks to her! During” – Raya Petrova, 5 stars.
All three highlight the helpful staff, the neighbourhood’s quiet charm, and good public transport. The “stunning view” mentioned by two reviewers is likely from upper floors facing the sea or the river. The residence’s management seems responsive and welcoming, even for late arrivals.
Price Positioning vs City Average
Barcelona’s student housing market ranges widely. The cheapest available option (usually a shared room in a distant neighbourhood) starts at €250 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). A typical shared room in a central area costs €400–€600, while a studio in the city centre can cost €700–€1,200.
Xior Diagonal Besòs starts at €700 for the cheapest unit (likely a shared room – the minimum price on the listing is for a shared room, as unit types include shared_room, studio and 1b). The top price of €1,225 is for a one-bedroom apartment. So the residence sits in the upper half of the market. Compared to the city’s from-price of €250, Xior is about 2.8 times more expensive at its lowest point. This premium reflects the residence’s facilities (pool, multimedia room, laundry) and the fact that it offers private studios and one-bedroom apartments, not just cheap shared rooms.
For students who can afford it, Xior offers good value relative to similarly equipped residences in the city. Many properties with a pool and laundry in Barcelona charge €800–€1,400 for a studio. The key trade-off is location: you pay less than you would for a central studio with the same amenities, but you commute further.
Room-Type Guidance
The residence offers three unit types:
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Shared room: cheapest option, starting at €700 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Suitable for students who are comfortable sharing a bedroom with another person. Usually includes a shared bathroom and kitchen (common areas). Good for those who want to keep costs lower while still having access to the building’s facilities.
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Studio: private room with its own bathroom and kitchenette. Price likely in the €800–€1,100 range (indicative). Best for students who value privacy and independence. The two five-star reviewers mention studios as a good option for temporary stays.
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One-bedroom apartment: largest and most expensive, up to €1,225 (indicative). A separate bedroom and living area. Ideal for couples or students who want maximum space. Might also suit a student who needs a quiet study area away from the sleeping space.
If you are on a budget but still want the residence’s facilities, a shared room is the way to go. If you need quiet and privacy, a studio is a better choice than a one-bedroom unless you have a partner.
Booking Timing Advice
The residence is available from 1 September 2026, which aligns with the start of the academic year in Spain (most universities begin in September or October). Given Barcelona’s popularity, residences with good ratings (4.5 stars) often fill up quickly.
To secure your preferred room type, aim to book at least 3–4 months in advance – that is, by May or June 2026. If you wait until August, the cheapest shared rooms may be gone, leaving only more expensive studios or one-bedrooms.
Because the deposit is €1,000, ensure you have that amount available when you confirm the booking. Some operators allow payment in instalments; check with the property.
For students arriving in January 2027 (second semester), availability may still be good if you book by November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Xior Diagonal Besòs from the main universities?
The residence is about 30–40 minutes by metro or tram from Universitat de Barcelona (Plaça Universitat) and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Ciutadella campus). For Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, located in Bellaterra, you would need about 1 hour by metro and train. For Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Diagonal campus), allow 30–40 minutes. Public transport is frequent and reliable.
Is the neighbourhood safe and convenient?
Sant Adrià de Besòs is a residential area, generally considered safe. There are supermarkets, pharmacies and some local shops within walking distance. The beach (Platja de Sant Adrià) is about 15–20 minutes on foot. However, nightlife options are limited compared to central Barcelona. Most students would travel to the city for entertainment.
What is included in the rent?
The property listing does not specify utility inclusions. Typically, student residences in Barcelona include water, electricity and internet in the rent, but you should confirm with the operator. The deposit of €1,000 is refundable subject to conditions. The swimming pool, laundry and multimedia room are available for residents at no extra cost (laundry may have a fee for machines).
Sources & Data Date (2026-07)
Data for this review is based on the property listing on a global student-housing platform, Google reviews (346 reviews, 4.5 stars), and city-level market figures accurate as of July 2026. All prices are indicative and should be confirmed directly with the operator.
For real-time availability and specific unit options, use the on-site assistant on the property page.
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