Where to stay in Malta when studying English depends on the area you prefer, your budget and whether you want more social life or more peace. The most common areas are Sliema, St. Julians and Gzira: close to schools, transport and leisure. If you want something quieter, Msida, Swieqi or Gozo are alternatives. In this guide we cover areas, accommodation types, prices in tables and practical tips, with links to accommodation in Malta, English courses and free advice.
1. Most popular areas: comparison
| Area | Vibe | Price | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema | Commercial, seafront | Medium-high | Many schools, well connected, daytime life | Those who want to be central |
| St. Julians | Lively, nightlife (Paceville) | Medium-high | Restaurants, bars, schools | Those who want a social atmosphere |
| Gzira | Quiet, residential | Medium | Between Sliema and Msida, good prices | Balance of price and location |
| Msida | University, practical | Medium-low | Transport, university nearby | Tight budgets |
| Valletta | Historic, capital | Variable | Heritage, culture | Short stays, tourism |
| Gozo | Very quiet, rural | Medium | Beaches, nature, slow pace | Those who want total peace |
Tip: If you choose the school first, look for accommodation within walking distance or short transport. Malta is small, but a 30–40 minute commute each way can be tiring. If you don't have a school yet, how to choose the best English school in Malta has tips.
2. Types of accommodation: what to choose
| Type | Price/month | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student residence | €300–400 | Student atmosphere, wifi, common areas, easy to meet people | Less privacy |
| Shared flat | €300–400 | Independence, cooking, cheaper | Depends on flatmates |
| Homestay | €500–650 | Immersion, English practice at home, sometimes half board | Less schedule freedom |
| Full apartment | €900–1,500 | Total independence | Expensive if alone |
Residence: single or shared rooms, wifi, common areas. Ideal if you want a student atmosphere and to meet people quickly.
Shared flat: room in a house with other students. More independence and chance to cook. Usually the cheapest option.
Homestay: living with a Maltese family. More immersion and English practice outside the classroom. Some include half board (breakfast and dinner).
3. Platforms to find accommodation
To find a room or flat in Malta, these platforms specialised in students are very useful:
| Platform | What it offers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hommis | Shared flats and rooms, filters by area and price | Those looking for shared flats or rooms |
| Erastay | Student accommodation, residences and flats | Short and long stays |
| EasyRoomMatch Malta | Flatmate matching and accommodation | Those who want to choose who they live with |
On all of them you can see photos, prices and reviews before booking. See accommodation in Malta for direct links and more recommendations.
4. Approximate prices by area
| Area | Shared room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| St. Julians / Sliema | €350–400/month | €650–700/month |
| Gzira / Msida | €300–400/month | €600–700/month |
| Gozo | €280–350/month | €550–650/month |
Location matters: the most central and lively areas tend to be pricier. If you want to save, Gzira, Msida or areas in Gozo are good options.
5. Peak season and availability
| Season | Months | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | July, August | +15–25% | Book 2–3 months ahead |
| Medium | June, September | Stable | Good balance of supply and price |
| Low | October–May | Cheaper | Best for tight budgets |
In July and August demand rises and so do prices. If you can, book in advance or avoid those months if you want lower prices. See how much it costs to study English in Malta for more budget details.
6. Tips for booking without mistakes
- Check photos and reviews before booking; avoid listings without images.
- Confirm what's included: wifi, cleaning, kitchen, air conditioning.
- Ask about distance to the school and public transport.
- If booking through a platform, use options with guarantees or refunds.
- Arrive a day before the course starts if you can; avoids stress on day one.
If you want help fitting course, area and accommodation together, request your free advice here. You can also browse our English courses in Malta and accommodation guide.