Experience in Barcelona, Spain by luis

What is it like to live in Barcelona? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lovely weather, sunny, never to cold maybe very warm in summer (but you've got beaches!)
In my opinion It is a good combination for city, hills and sea.
Sightseeing is marvelous, buildings, streets, neighborhoods has their own distinctions and variety of people and cultures from asia, europe and latin america.
People is very gentle, young locals speaks english, spanish and catalan. They would appreciate if you could take some of your time to be involved in what's their culture and language, this will open doors for you, and you've got nothing to loose.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

It's good, you have short distances to ride bike (bicing is excellent), metro takes you almost everywhere. Maybe food in streets is not cheap. Some clases are in catalan only, which is not very difficult if you know spanish.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

Rents are expensive unless you share a flat. Rooms in flats are 250 to 400 EUR.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Barcelona? Is there any advice you can give?

It is easier than other cities, (i.e. Berlin) but still research to find a place that suit you requires time and dedication. Pictures in websites are not always enough to have an idea of whats the place, and the people who lives there like.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

As a vegetarian I can say there's a lot of dishes with meat, pork, ham, etc, but still you can find asian food or vegan restaurants.

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

Montjuic, Tibidabo, Beaches along Costa Brava, The Islands (Mallorca, Menorca), Pirineos and back in the city a walk through streets, there's a lot to see and take pictures!

Is it good to eat out in Barcelona? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I dont eat out. But I can say gastronomy is well known and famous in Barcelona!

Is the nightlife good in Barcelona? Where is good to go?

Yes!
Specially in summer, the best places I've been in: house parties, meeting people from here and there.
The club scene remain unexplored for me.

What advice would you give future students headed to Barcelona?

Come here, if you plan to stay long, take a compromise to learn the language both, spanish and catalan. Be prepared to have fun and a lot of good experiences. It is a city with very good energy!