Discovering Madrid

Plaza Mayor

Madrid is a wonderful city to visit and to study. Out of my 4 university years as an undergraduate, it has been by far my favorite moment. I have discovered a new cutlure, a new language, and made incredible friends with whom I still keep contact today. I had the chance, or maybe the misfortune, to live with 12 other people in my appartment, and as crazy as it may sound, almost all of them became like my second family and there was a really good atmosphere within the flat.

How much is accomodation?

It depends where you want to live. I personally lived in the core center of the city and it is around 400/450euros per month. When you live a bit further from the center, prices will reduce considerably, dropping to between 200/300euros per month. It is also important, if you can, that you make sure you can understand the contract before signing it, as it can avoid you signing anything you would later regret.

How is the food?

Generally relatively cheap and good. This is one aspect that I also really liked. You cans still go out for food with your friends everyweek without spending too much money.

What places to go out?

El Mundo is good place, but it is expensive (20e entrance with a drink). Really worth it when there is a DJ you really want to see, as they have international artists playing every week. Mandala is also a good club to meet other erasmus students and save a lot of money. Otherwise, plublic sites are also amazing places if you don't want to spend any money. Places Like ''Plaza dos de mayo'' are always full of life at night and you can find dance and rap competitions between groups which are really entertaining.

Is Speaking Spanish essential?

I would not say it is essential, but it is much advised to know some basics of the Spanish language in order to make sure that you can at least buy food and communicate with your spanish flatmates if you have some. However, if you really want to learn Spanish, the best way is to live with people who do not speak a language you know, which will force you to practise spanish. In my case, my knowledge of Spanish was very low, but in 2/3 months I had made significant progress.

How is everyday life in Madrid?

First of all, as it is continental weather there, it is usually very cold in winter and very hot in the summer. You might want to check that your room has heating or that the windows are quite thick, because it can get very cold. On the contrary, you will also want a fan in the summer to deal with the heat and the pollution. One of the positive sides of such heat is that it can give you the motivation to go visit Madrid's surroundings, such as la Sierra de Madrid, a beautiful mountain range 1 hour away. Life is also relatively cheap, especially for those used to other European prices such as the UK or France. Madrid is not that big, and most areas are walking distance, which is very plesant when the sun is out.

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Recommended places to visit?

There are many, but these are a few I would highly recommend:

• Retiro Park
• Temple de Debob
• Prado Museum
• Crystal Palace (In Retiro)
• Royal Palace
• Rooftop '' Círculo de Bellas Artes'' (Amazing view)
• Casa de Campo
• Street Market ''El Rastro"
• Plaza Mayor
• Mercado San Miguel (A bit expensive, but excellent food)

On a final note, Madrid is a very relaxed city for a capital, incrdibly lively at night, and wonderful place to meet people from all around the world who will make your experience even more interesting.