Should I rent a room at Campus Hub or find a normal apartment on the open rental market?

If you are moving to Malta in 2026 for studies, an internship, or remote work, you will likely face this common housing question.

Both options are popular among students and young professionals. However, they differ significantly in terms of price, flexibility, privacy, and overall lifestyle.

This guide explains the real differences so you can decide which option fits you best.

What is CampusHub?

CampusHub is a modern student accommodation complex located right next to the University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital.

It is specifically designed for students and offers:

• private rooms or shared rooms
• shared kitchens and common areas
• student-focused amenities
• fixed-term rental contracts

The idea behind CampusHub is simple: students can move in quickly without searching for apartments or dealing with landlords.

Inside the CampusHub complex you will also find:

• a barber
• restaurants and cafés
• a Welbee's supermarket
• beauty and nail salons
• stationery shops

With the hospital and pharmacy nearby, you can realistically live there without needing to travel far for everyday needs.

Another advantage is transport. The nearby Università bus stop is one of the main public transport hubs in Malta, with buses going to most parts of the island.

Renting a Normal Apartment in Malta

The alternative is renting directly from a landlord through rental platforms or property listings.

A typical setup includes:

• shared apartments with other tenants
• private rooms in existing flats
• sometimes entire apartments or studios

Most students look for apartments in areas close to the university, such as:

• Msida
• Gżira
• Sliema
• St. Julian’s

The living experience depends heavily on the landlord and the apartment itself.

Some places are great deals, while others may be outdated, overpriced, or even misleading listings.

Rental prices in Malta change frequently depending on season, demand, and the length of the contract. However, the ranges below reflect typical long-term rental prices (6–12 month contracts) in areas near the University of Malta.

Price Comparison (2026)

CampusHub room

Twin room (shared with another student): €750 – €900 per month (per person)

Single room: €1,000 – €1,250 per month

Studio apartment: €1,600+ per month

CampusHub pricing is generally more consistent because rooms are offered within a single managed complex rather than through individual landlords.

Because CampusHub is located right next to the university and Mater Dei Hospital, it sits in one of the most expensive rental areas on the island.

However, the price usually includes:

• utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• regular room cleaning
• cleaning of common areas
• building amenities and security

Laundry is not included in the rent. Residents use shared laundry rooms in the building where washing machines and dryers are available for an additional fee.

For comparison, traditional apartments in the same areas are usually cheaper, especially when renting long-term and sharing with roommates. Short-term rentals, however, are often significantly more expensive.

Normal apartments are typically cheaper, especially if you share with multiple roommates.

CampusHub contracts are typically fixed for academic periods (often a semester or full academic year). Shorter stays may be possible but usually cost more.

This works well for exchange students or people who know exactly how long they will stay.

In contrast, traditional rentals in Malta can be more flexible.

Typical rental structures include:

Short-term rentals

Short-term contracts usually cover 1–5 months and are common for Erasmus students, internships, or temporary stays.

Because landlords prefer stable tenants, short-term rentals are noticeably more expensive. Typical prices near the university for short-term rentals are:

Room in shared apartment:

€650 – €1,000 per month

Studio apartment:

€1,000 – €1,400 per month

This means short-term rentals can be 20–40% more expensive than long-term contracts for the same property.

Landlords often increase prices because:

• they need to find new tenants more frequently
• short stays create more administrative work
• demand from international students is high

Long-term rentals

Long-term rentals are the most common type of contract in Malta.

Typical conditions include:

• minimum contract length: 6–12 months
• after the first 6 months, tenants can terminate the contract with 1 month notice, you can't terminate the contract earlier

Typical prices near the university area:

Room in shared apartment

€500 – €850 per month

Studio apartment

€850 – €1,200 per month

Long-term rentals are therefore significantly cheaper than short-term ones.

However, tenants usually need to pay:

• 1 month deposit
• 1 month rent in advance
• sometimes agency commission (≈50–100% of one month rent) if renting through an agent.

Living Experience

CampusHub offers a student-focused environment with shared social spaces and a very active community.

For many students, this is the biggest advantage.

If you are coming to Malta on Erasmus or another exchange program, a large percentage of exchange students stay in CampusHub. This means:

• meeting people is very easy
• social events happen frequently
• most of your friends may live in the same building

For many people this creates a very intense and memorable student experience.

However, it also means less privacy and more noise.

In some apartments inside CampusHub:

• kitchens may be shared with many residents
• bathrooms may also be shared depending on the room type
• common areas can get crowded and messy

A normal apartment offers a different lifestyle.

You usually get:

• more privacy
• quieter surroundings
• more control over your living space

Apartments are also spread across many neighborhoods, which means you can choose a quieter area or one closer to nightlife.

However, you must be careful during the search process because rental scams and misleading listings do exist in Malta.

Pros and Cons

CampusHub

Pros

• ready-to-move-in accommodation
• utilities and cleaning included
• extremely close to the university
• everything nearby (shops, food, services)
• strong student community
• excellent bus connections

Cons

• higher cost
• less flexibility with contracts
• limited privacy due to shared spaces
• many residents in the same building

Renting a Normal Apartment

Pros

• usually cheaper
• wider range of neighborhoods
• more privacy and independence

Cons

• requires time to find a good place
• landlord quality varies
• utilities often paid separately
• risk of misleading listings or scams

Which Option is Better?

If you are coming to Malta on Erasmus or another short student exchange, CampusHub can provide a unique student experience.

You will likely meet many people quickly, have everything within walking distance, and live in the center of student life.

It may cost more, but for many students the social experience is worth it.

However, if you value:

• privacy
• lower rent
• quieter living

then renting a normal apartment may be the better choice.

You can still attend CampusHub parties or social events - you just need to travel there.