Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Sílvia

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

I think Barcelona can addapt to everyone! The variety of housing options, restaurants, pubs and clubs is so huge that you can live many different experiences in one city. The weather is almost always sunny and warm, the beach is just a short walk away.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Many students from Barcelona and Catalunya study in the capital city, so young people are around everywhere. Thousands of international students come here in exchange programs and have one of the best times in their lives. Different ways of party and entertainment wait for you here! And to focus, there are many public libraries apart from the university libraries where you can sit and study closer to your place.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

Single-room rents vary from 250€ to 400€ monthly, depending on size, daylight, windows, etc. Groceries can be around 100€-150€ monthly. Clubs are mostly free for girls, tickets are around 10€-15€ with one drink. Transportation is not that expensive: 10-trip-card costs 10€, monthly pass costs 53€. But if you get a bike, biking is safe and you can get everywhere.

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

There are plenty of websites where you can find a room for long and short periods. Also all university campuses have walls with room adverts. Give a call and go see the place!

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

Mediterranean food seems to be very healthy for the body, so come and follow our diet! Hahaha :) Don't eat tapas everyday, they're mostly fried food - not that healthy. But for the weekend is ok! My favs are "truita de patates" (spanish omelete) with "pa amb tomàquet" (toasted loaf of bread spread with tomato and olive oil). Catalan fruit is excellent, so eat fresh fruit everyday!

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

I strongly recommend walking around with no direction to discover the real Barcelona. Just get out and take different streets every time.
The typical touristic places are in every guide, you may want to see that aswell. Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Cathedral, etc.

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

Just be far away of the Ramblas and you will eat good for a reasonable price. Ramblas are not what we consider our food. Look for family-run places and you'll have a 2-dishes menu with drink and dessert for 7€ to 10€.

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

There are plenty of options so that really depends on your musical/party taste. Many people go around the Ramblas and the Plaça Reial, but I like Gracia and Paral·lel areas better.

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

Go out, walk a lot, meet different peoples. Spanish seems enough to live here but if you really want to get into our culture and understand something about what's going on here and why most of us want to become a new country in the world, try learning Catalan and meeting Catalan people. Most of us are nice and really open-minded! :)