Are you planning on studying at our campus in Segovia? This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a little something for everyone. Here, you’ll find a unique experience: world-class education set against a naturally pristine, medieval city with thriving student life.
So, if your IE University program brings you here, this is your complete guide to making Segovia feel like home, covering everything from heritage to student housing, the best restaurants and more.
Life in a world heritage city
Segovia’s rich culture and history can be traced back to its Roman roots. Its most iconic monument, the Roman Aqueduct, will be the backdrop for your daily walks to class. Plus, lessons will take place on a campus that’s a refurbished 13th-century convent. And, after class, you’ll probably head on over to the Old Town, passing ancient cobbled streets, lively plazas and Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain.
Another crown jewel is the 12th-century Alcázar of Segovia, one of Europe’s most well-known castles. Beyond historical sights, you can learn more about Segovia and the greater Castile and León region by visiting the Museum of Segovia.
The city is full of modern culture, too. Stop by the free Esteban Vicente Museum of Contemporary Art to catch rotating exhibits, or attend Hay Festival, Vibra Mahou Fest or the SegoJazz festival with friends in the fall.
Segovia tapas and cuisine: student-friendly eateries
Segovia is a city with vibrant, long-held culinary traditions. Famous local specialties include:
Cochinillo: Tender, roasted suckling pig
Judiones de La Granja: Bean stew
Ponche Segoviano: Cream-filled sponge cake covered in syrup and marzipan
If you want to try authentic Segovian food, some of the best eateries in town are Mesón de Cándido, Asador Maribel and Jose María, recognized in the MICHELIN Guide. Just a few miles from the city, Restaurante La Postal offers panoramic views while you eat.
But Segovia is more than just old-world appeal. It’s filled with affordable dining options, trendy bistros and casual bars where you can fill up on free tapas. For a night out, start at El Sitio, the famous tapas bar, before moving on to Bar Santana, Bar Casa Seve and Bar Los Tarines.
And when you need a quick pick-me-up, stop by Cafetería Paloma’s for a more traditional Spanish café experience, or check out Kofe Lab, Entre-Panes Acueducto or YUM for specialty drinks, filling breakfast bites and vegetarian options.
IE Community and social life in Segovia
Thanks to Segovia’s large student community, its smaller scale and high level of walkability, it’s easy to make friends here. You’ll bump into classmates at the supermarket, meet up with your roommates in parks and squares, and create new connections faster than you might in a larger, urban setting.
Plaza Mayor functions as the default meeting point in town. It’s the place to hang out before going to dinner, when catching up between classes or watching the sun set behind the cathedral. If the weather’s nice, you can also gather at the many parks and green spaces here, like Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, Parque del Cementerio and Jardín de Los Zuloaga.
The city’s location makes it ideal for organizing group trips. The nearby Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range offers both casual walks and challenging climbs. You can take day trips to neighboring cities such as Ávila, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and La Granja de San Ildefonso.
And if you want to experience Madrid’s nightlife, catch a concert or go to one of its world-renowned art museums, Spain’s capital is only 30 minutes away by train. Tickets start at €7 per journey, and if you’re under 30, you can get a 10-ride pass for just €34.75.
Practical living: student housing and transportation in Segovia
Most students live in residence halls or apartments. The former often offer more amenities and a social, student-focused atmosphere, while apartments give you more privacy and independence. But no matter where you want to live, start the house search a few months before you arrive in Segovia, as spots can fill up fast.
However, you’ll pay less for more here. As a smaller city, living in Segovia is significantly more affordable than in larger urban areas like Madrid. This way, you can invest in more experiences in and around this stunning region.
Meanwhile, getting around Segovia is extremely easy.
- Most places are accessible on foot, so you’ll be able to walk to class, the supermarket, cafés and bars in just 15 minutes.
- When you want to go farther out from the city center, the bus network takes you to the outskirts and surrounding towns for just a few euros per ride.
- The local bus Line 11 can ferry you from the city center to the high-speed train station in 20 minutes or less.
- With a Carné Joven, or European Youth Card, you can get a standard bus pass to make trips faster and more cost-effective.
Making the most of your experience
Daily life at IE University’s Segovia campus is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a slower-paced, more connected way of life. It means waking up to historic architecture, stunning views and medieval streets, all while enjoying a cutting-edge academic experience.
IE University offers various avenues for support to ease your transition into student life in Segovia. With dedicated housing assistance, student services, tailored events and resources designed to help international students navigate life in a new country, you’ll feel like a local in no time.
Whether you’re exploring ideas in the Creative Campus, hanging out in a 16th-century plaza between classes or catching a quick train to Madrid for the weekend, you’ll find that Segovia offers something increasingly rare: a student experience where you’re fully present in both your studies and your surroundings.
