Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Gašper

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

Compleetly by accident. It was my second choice, i first wanted to go to Paris but it didn't work out and then i choose Madrid because a friend of mine was also going there and it was the best decision i could make.

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

I got a scholarship for every month that i was there, but i only recieved a portion of the money before i got there and the rest after i would return home with all the credits, which is really stupid because then you need to have more of your own money and you could really use everything while doing Erasmus. In the beginning i got 1200euro and after i got back home another 1050euro.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

Amazing. If you want an Erasmus experience it's definitely the best place because in Madrid you have not only the people from all over Europe, but it's also a gateway into the Latin America so you normaly have more diversity than in other countries. In Erasmus you can do preety much everything you desire, you just have to look for it. The ESN has so many things organized and Madrid itself can offer anything you want. A friend of mine told me once that in Madrid you will find out who you really are and it's compleetly true because it is the only city i've ever been to that has Live and let Live way of life..amazing!

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

Yes, if you want to have a social Erasmus, meet most diverse people, experience the craziest parties go to Madrid. As far as the university goes it really differs to which one you apply. I had a bit of a bad luck here because it wasn't that great but others seemed ti enjoy.

What is the food like?

For me it was horrible because there are things in my country that you cannot find in Spain. But other than that it's ok, nothing really special i think.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

I first got an appartement with an agency before i went to Madrid and it is the worst thing you can do. Never do that because you need to see for yourself the flat and flatmates! I had to change the flat after 4 days and i was lucky to get another really fast. So yea at the end it cost me:)

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

Between 300-600 euros per month. It really differs from location, flat size, room size, condition of the appartement...hard to say but somewhere in between what i wrote.

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

Really easy. I came to Madrid without any knowledge of spanish and after a month or so i was able to speak more or less normaly. But the beginning was really hard for me so i advise you study a bit before getting there, it's much easier and you learn so much if you already know some spanish. You have courses at all universities.

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

Transfer to Venice airport from Ljubljana and then by plane to Madrid.

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

Anywhere where there's Erasmus people. Either botellon at Templo de Debod, Joy, Orange,..choose your pick:)

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

I wasn't eating outside much because it was too expensive for me, but you definitely want to try 100 Montaditos and Museo de Jamon.

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

Yes...Just go to Madrid, everything else always works out once you're there!