Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Aaron

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Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

Well, I didn't anticipate that we'd actually leave the EU. I knew the exchange rate was very promising at the time, and when I arrived everything was so cheap. Then we left and everything became really expensive. So keep in mind that Madrid isn't a cheap city. However I wanted to learn Spanish and also learn about a different culture. I'm still pretty much pointing at things in the shop, so keep in mind just because you're in a different country that doesn't necessarily mean you will learn the language quickly. You have to put time and effort in yourself and this is sadly something I haven't done yet. But it's only December, still plenty more time.

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

It lasts an academic year. I got around £ 1800 which was very generous. I mainly used this for rent and bills. It's hard to get a job here if you don't speak the language which is another incentive to learn, but you really have to control your spending.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

It's interesting because there are so many different people with different backgrounds so it's cool to learn about their cultures aswell as express you're own. The Spanish have loads of days off for some reason. Almost every month there's like three days in a week where they just randomly have off. On three occasions I have woken up at 6am left for uni got to the gate and turned around again. Uni starts really early like 8, and finished around 12 for me.

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

Yeah sure, it's cool.

What is the food like?

Tapas!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

Me and my mate were living in a hostel for two weeks which cost quite a bit. Now we're living in a two bed apartment which took a while to find but its cool I guess. Got a balcony which faces a wall, but it's still a balcony.

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How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

As I said before we left the EU, so it's like living in London. I'm on the outskirts of the main part of Madrid so it's slightly cheaper.

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

As I said before you have to put the effort in. There are language courses at the university. I should probably start.

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

Easiest way to come to Madrid is, obviously, by plane. As for moving in the city: tube. Underground. Metro. Big tube that goes underneath cities. However you want to call it that's the easiest way. 20 euros a month for a card which is like an oyster (tap in, tap out) easiest way. Paying 1. 50 each time for a journey will add up its not worth it. Pay the 20 euros a month and you can travel as much as you want.

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

First two weeks me and my mate went crazy. Went out most nights in the week, again when we had money because we were in the EU. I don't need to recommend places. All you need to right is go into the middle of 'Sol'. Walk to the music, and promoters will take you in places and you have to make you're own mind up. Dubliners is a good place for pre drinks. 8 euros for a pint of vodka, and a free shot. Drinks are expensive everywhere. Genuinely makes me miss going to clubs in Coventry with £30 for entry, 10 drinks, a Maccys on the way home, and change for washing. Here £30 you're lucky if you get in. Also keep in mind that it's not like England where you start pre drinking at 7 and go the club at 11 and leave shattered by 3. Here you have dinner at 9 start pre drinking at 11 and get to the club around 2-3 ish. Don't leave till like 6 ish. That's one of the major differences. Pre drink at home with a 4 euro bottle of vodka, because you're wallet will get rinsed if you decide to pre drink out. To watch Football, check the Irish bars out. Dubliners is my personal favourite. They pretty much show all the games and give you really dry crisps that have definitely been left out for too long but you can't resist eating the whole bowl.

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

Tapas!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Every person on this is gonna say Retiro Park so I'm gonna say go ahead and have a look in Primark. The one here is 4 stories and is simply magnificent to look out. However there is a 95% chance of getting lost in there and a 99% chance that you won't find what you need.

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

Be careful of the dude outside KFC with the mask and two hand puppets hiding under a table. He will definitely jump out at you, and even though I've told you this you will still definitely s**t yourself.

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