I am going to study in Medellin from Jan 2010 to May and thinking about the housing. Mainly I'd like to ask some information about the areas of the city. Another exchange student told me that she wanted to live close to the EAFIT university as it's safe and well, close to the uni of course, but that's also an expensive area. Am I right that this is also pretty close to Parque Lleras?

What about the city centre then? And since I'm of course going out a lot, what would be a good location partywise? Or does that matter so much? What other locations are good for partying excet Parque Lleras?

I know it's not very useful to plan too much ahead, but I'd rather have some kind of overall picture of the areas since they seem to vary a lot, so I wont be fooled that easily.

Yes, EAFIT is close to Lleras but 20-25 mins walking distance. I lived 15 mins walking from Lleras but took a cab because it was only $2. The area around there and Lleras is called Poblado.

City center is a jungle, not the safest to walk at night but you'll be taking cabs no matter where you live anyway. Certain locations may have a bit more cachet with the girls though.

"What other locations are good for partying excet Parque Lleras?"

Industriales, which is near Lleras. Has tons of clubs.

Prices do vary quite a bit, but you can get a room in Belem or Laureles (a $6 or so cab ride from Lleras), for $200-250 a month. I rented a room in Poblado for $375. Look for a room on the Medellin couchsurfing forum and these places:

http://www.compartoapto.com

http://www.poorbuthappy.com

Stay in Pablado if you can. I would reserve an apartment for 1 week online. Go out every day and night that week. You'll learn the town very quickly. Then spend the last couple days viewing more apartments for rent with various apartment brokers. You can find better & cheaper apartments when actually there compared to online.

This is also a valuable resource :

http://www.colombianblog.com/

Thanks for the insight, guys!