For international students preparing to study in Lima, finding the right place to live is one of the most important decisions you will make. While popular tourist districts like Miraflores and Barranco are well-known, they aren’t conveniently located and they come with high prices. Plus, they can feel disconnected from authentic local life.
For that reason, students seeking affordable, safe, and conveniently located accommodation should consider seeking out student housing in Pueblo Libre as the ideal solution. This historic district offers a perfect blend of proximity, tranquility and urban convenience, making it a top choice for any student.
A Campus at Your Doorstep: Proximity to Universities
A major advantage of living in Pueblo Libre is its close proximity to several of Lima’s most important universities. For instance, students at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), and especially those attending the Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University will find their commutes incredibly short and manageable. As all 3 universities are in Pueblo Libre.
Living in the same district as your university, means you can easily walk or cycle to class, saving both time and money on transportation. Pueblo Libre is centrally located in Lima. And this not only frees up your schedule, but also provides seamless access to the city’s major avenues, connecting you to other districts and cultural sites across Lima.
Local tip: There are however even more universities and language schools located just over the border, a short walk away in Jesus Maria. These universities include Universidad del Pacífico, UPC applied sciences university and the UCSS postgraduate college. Living in Pueblo Libre means you can easily walk or cycle to all of Peru’s top universities and avoid hours stuck in traffic each day (i.e. 1.5 hours in peak traffic from Miraflores).
The Safe Choice: A Top-Ranked District for Your Stay in Lima
Safety is, naturally, a top priority for any international student. On that front, Pueblo Libre delivers. Pueblo Libre is currently rated as the 3rd safest district out of Lima’s 43 districts, according to official crime statistics from the Peruvian Government’s INEI.
Pueblo Libre’s higher security levels, compared to Miraflores and Barranco, provide peace of mind. As a result, this makes it a welcoming and secure environment for both study and daily life.
Local tip: Pueblo Libre has many local markets and top rated restaurants, which makes it a great place for students who like to cook or eat out. It’s not only the safest touristic district and home to Peru’s most important museums and Lima’s largest archaeological site; It’s also a great place to live while studying in Lima!
The Appeal of Private Rentals: Your Home Away From Home
For students on a semester or year-long program, the most comfortable and cost-effective option is often a private rental. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO excel in this market. They offer an extensive range of long-term rentals in Pueblo Libre that provide the privacy, space, and amenities of a real home, often at a lower monthly cost than purpose-built student housing.
These Pueblo Libre apartments for international students come fully furnished with kitchens, living areas, Wi-Fi and reliable hot water, all of which are essential for a productive and enjoyable academic year. By choosing a private rental, you gain a sense of independence and can live like a local, immersing yourself in the community’s rhythm.
Travel Tip: You can find my own Airbnb in Colmenares (pictured below) by just searching the area around Parque Gianoli.
The Best Micro-Neighborhoods: A Secret Spot for Your Stay
When searching for the perfect apartment, a little local knowledge goes a long way. The most desirable areas for both tourist accommodation and international student accommodation in Lima can be found in the quieter, greener parts of Pueblo Libre.
We therefore strongly recommend focusing your search for long-term rentals around Parque Gianoli and Parque Daniel Hernandez in the area known as Colmenares. These micro-neighborhoods offer the best of both worlds. They are exceptionally serene, residential, and incredibly safe. Plus, they’re only a 5 minute walk from all of the things that students (and tourists) want.
With beautiful, well-maintained parks perfect for relaxing or studying, they also provide an added layer of security and quietude, making them the most peaceful option in the district. Meanwhile, they remain just a short walk from the bustling main avenues and universities.
Ultimately, choosing where to live in Lima for students is about balancing location, comfort, and safety. Pueblo Libre, and specifically the Colmenares neighborhood around Parque Gianoli and Parque Daniel Hernandez, offers the ideal mix for a productive and authentic student experience in Lima.
