Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Yara

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

Barcelona is quite big, but the public transport offers you the possibility to go anywhere. In my opinion is quite expensive, but affordable.
Is a beautiful city, with contrasts: from buildings, to parks, restaurants as well as kind "quartiers" where you can find yourself like at home: the market, the bakery, the pharmacy.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Barcelona is still Spain and it that sense, free time and friends are the mainstream in a student lifestyle. There is, obviously,time to study hard in beautiful libraries (La Central in Plaça Universitat, for example) but Barcelona is a city to enjoy and the student life allows it more than the daily work life.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

Barcelona is not cheap but it is not as expensive as Paris or London or Rome. In the cantines, you can eat by 5€ (menu) and outside, menus cost around 8€-12€. As I said, transport is not cheap either but it is better to take a month-ticket (T50/30) for example. For an apartment, it should be affordable if you share it with other flatmates.

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

I am not sure. I have always lived there. It is easier that Paris or Geneva, but I don't know. I would say that one option is Facebook'groups.

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

Mediterranean, with its own typical dishes. I love "pà amb tomaquet" "cargols a la llauna", "botifarra amb mongetes", "calçots", and actually all kind of tapas you can find. Paella is always a good idea.

What places would you recommend visiting in Barcelona?

Even if you are not religious, everybody should go to the Sagrada Familia. The entry is expensive but it is because it has its own financial project. La pedrera, La Casa Batlló, el Parc Guell, la Carretera de les Aigues (Tibidabo), el Barri Gotic, Santa Maria del Mar are places to visit too.

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

It is really good. I don't know if these following options are affordable to all kind of budgets, but I would say: La Cerveceria Catalana (in Rambla Catalunya), el Mercat de Santa Catalina (near La Catedral), Balthasar (in the Center, every thursday the Menu offers Paella).. (You can find other options in my Tripadvisor webpage).

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

Obviously. Aribau, or near the beach you can find a lot of places to go. It depends on the people you meet and the area your university is.

What advice would you give future students heading to Barcelona?

Have fun.