Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Sarah

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I love the Spanish language and I had more experience with it from school. I wanted to use this knowledge in Spain, in order to improve my language skills and communication more.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The exchange was 3 months. I received a comfortable grant, which helped towards my accommodation but didn't stretch far.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

We weren't in the university as much and weren't really integrated with students and couldn't really experience the student life in Madrid, from a students perspective. But the university students did give us advice and ideas on where to go and what night is best. We met people outside the university and experienced Madrid From a workers point of view. But equally, Madrid was just as amazing.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Madrid to other students?

I would definitely recommend the city of Madrid. It's such a beautiful city with lots to do. And it especially comes alive in the evening.

What is the food like?

Delicious!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

Yes. We used an agency on-line which charged us to use. But it was a reputable website and as we didn't really know the city that well then, it was more of a logical way of finding somewhere to live.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

For a capital city, not as much as you'd expect. The prices for living don't really change the further you go out of the centre, unlike some other cities. The price for food isn't expensive in the supermarkets but if you're eating out that's a different story.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes, if you surround yourself with the language and try to interact with someone everyday, you will find yourself slowly picking up words or phrases. Even listening to others having a conversation, You will start to recognise words you've heard before. The university, in my experience, had language support for free but at the time I went on my exchange, the term had finished and the courses were completed. So I didn't get the support I needed.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Madrid from your city?

Aeroplane.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Madrid?

There are a variety of clubs. La Kapital was an amazing club with seven floors and a variety of music, full of tourists but very expensive. Some of the other clubs and bars in areas like La Latina, Tribunal or Alonso Martinez had more of a Spanish vibe and were cheaper to drink in. These places had their own unique qualities and I would highly recommend visiting.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Madrid?

Everywhere you go in Madrid there is always a bar that would sell tapas. You are surrounded by such a variety of different foods. The restaurants in Plaza del Carmen were more typical Spanish with their décor and had delicious food. But in Tribunal, there are plenty of quirky restaurants that should be tried.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Retiro park, Rio park, Plaza Mayor, the palace and the cathedral.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Madrid in the future?

Make a conscious effort to meet people and every opportunity to speak Spanish, take full advantage of.