Bidealde began operating as a Hall of Residence on a provisional basis in a number of flats in the Gran Vía of Bilbao, opposite the Sota Building. It was September 1973. A young management team, headed by Amador Sosa Lora, was responsible for implementing this project, which from the start enjoyed the backing of the nascent University of Bilbao.
In view of the favourable report issued by the University of Bilbao, the Director General of Universities awarded Bidealde the category of University Hall of Residence on 13 May 1977.
Bidealde's present premises were inaugurated in September 1980. This was made possible by the generous collaboration of numerous people who, grouped into a trust, the "Patronato de Honor del Colegio Mayor Bidealde", provided the financial backing required for this large-scale project.
Over thirty years have gone by in the life of Bidealde and by now several hundred university students have found Bidealde to be the ideal place for combining their academic education with a stimulating atmosphere of camaraderie.
A gathering of former students is organised each year to enable those attending to meet up with old friends and reminisce about their happy times at university.