Portugal's largest public student dormitory opened in Braga: 786 new beds

At a time when university students in Portugal were struggling with high rents and housing shortages, one of the country's largest public student accommodation investments was put into service in Braga.

Residência Universitária Confiança, created by the transformation of the historical Fábrica Confiança complex, will provide accommodation for 786 students.

The investment, worth more than 29 million euros, almost doubles Universidade do Minho's student accommodation capacity in Braga.

The old soap factory was converted into a student dormitory

The new dormitory is located in the historic Fábrica Confiança complex in Braga.

Within the scope of the project, the historical industrial building was restored and a new structure was built on the land.

While the total amount of the investment exceeded 29 million euros, a significant part of the financing was provided through Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR).

Universidade do Minho's social services SASUM undertakes the management of the dormitory.

UMinho's capacity in Braga increased from 855 to 1,631 beds

The impact of the new facility is quite large.

According to official data of Universidade do Minho, student accommodation capacity in Braga is:

It increased from 855 beds to 1,631 beds.

The new dormitory alone provides 786 beds.

The facility has 203 double and 252 single rooms, as well as rooms and studios adapted for students with limited mobility.

Common kitchens, laundry, study and social areas and a gym are also located in the complex. is taking.

Why is student housing so important?

UMinho had more than 5,200 scholarship students and approximately 4,200 out-of-town students in the 2025/26 academic year.

For this reason, the university administration considers accommodation not only as social aid but also as a direct part of access to higher education.

The opening of the new dormitory coincides with the fact that some students who rent rooms on the private market in Portugal spend up to 60 percent of their monthly budget on housing.

The increase in public dormitories aims not only to provide students with lower cost accommodation, but also to shift some of the demand from students in the private rental market to the public system.

Resources

Universidade do Minho / SASUM — 11 September 2026

https://www.sas.uminho.pt/noticias/resid%C3%AAncia-confian%C3%A7a-refor%C3%A7a-alojamento-da-uminho-com-786-novas-camas-7193

Governo de Portugal

https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc25/comunicacao/noticias/inaugurada-a-maior-residencia-de-estudantes-do-pais

Recuperar Portugal — 11 September 2026

https://recuperarportugal.gov.pt/2026/09/11/prr-reforca-resposta-de-alojamento-para-estudantes-em-braga-com-786-novas-camas/

Idealista News — September 16, 2026

https://www.idealista.pt/news/imobiliario/habitacao/2026/09/16/77663-maior-residencia-universitaria-publica-do-pais-ja-inaugurou-em-braga