Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Ákos

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Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I had the opportunity to join the work of a specific lab in the Universidad Autonóma.

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

It lasts 3 months and I receive approximately 600 euros per month.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

There are many students and a lot of universities in Madrid. There are all kinds (almost endless amount) of places where students can get together and have fun, like bars, public parks, theatres, movies, etc. There are many places and organisations offering discount for students/people under 26 (transportation, museums, bars, etc. ).

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

Yes, I would.

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What is the food like?

One of the best things in Spain is the food. Everyone can find something for their taste. There are a lot of affordable bars/restaurants where you can try most of the typical Spanish dishes/plates/cakes/drinks/etc. even with a student budget.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

Yes. I paid 280 Euros a month for a small room in a quite good located flat with three other flatmates in it. The light/water/gas/internet/etc was not included, I payed more or less 40 euros a month for them.

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How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

The rent is around 200-400 Euros a month for a room in a flat with flatmates, depending on the location of the flat. I think approximately 50-80 euros (not including the rent/transportation) a week is more or less enough for a normal quality student life. With this budget you can eat/drink in a restaurant/bar once or twice a week and go to party sometimes. The other days you can cook at home, since the grocery is relatively cheap, especially fruits and vegetables. If you want to travel around it costs more of course. Buses and trains are relatively expensive, but there are other ways to get around, like BlaBlaCar. Public transportation in Madrid is really good (many metro lines, and a lot of buses), it costs 20 Euros to buy a monthly pass (you can use everything with it and as many times as you want) for people under 26, you just have to register in specified offices (there are many of them) and buy a personalised plastic card for a few Euros. Above 26 it is around 60 Euros I think, but I'm not sure.

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

Not so many people speak English, especially the older generations. Spanish is a relatively easy language on the basic level. I don't know if they have any language courses, I did not look for them at all.

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

The best way to go there is through low-cost airlines.

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

There are almost endless amount of bars/clubs in Madrid, and almost every night you can find some parties for your taste. The most popular areas for going out is Malasana and La Latina district, but I think that you can find some bars or smaller club all around Madrid.

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

There are millions of bars and restaurants in Madrid. Some places for students: 100 Montaditos (there are lots of them, it is a franchise), El Tigre (there are four of them in the Chueca district), Museo del Jamón.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I think Madrid is not even in the top 5 cities to visit in Spain (maybe not even in the top 10). Most of the historical buildings and landscapes can be visited in a few days, and in my opinion most of them is not really special. But since it is a city of 4, 5 million peoples and a lot of tourists every day you can find many cultural sites and events, as well as festivals, throughout the year.

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

Do not go there in the summer. If you go anyway, buy a fan and prepare for suffering (especially if you come from a norther country).

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