Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Hannah

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I chose to go to Madrid to improve my Spanish skills and to learn about local politics.

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

I only received a little bit of money. Not enough to cover living costs or anything like that, just a bit of tuition.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

People are serious about what they studied but in a very laid back way. People don't panic before exams and have a nice balance between their social/academic lives.

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

Yes, it's one of my favourite places in the world.

What is the food like?

I'm a vegetarian so I wasn't able to try the jamon or anything like that, but I normally found good food when going out. I love the tortilla and the vegetable bocadillos (when you can find them).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

No, but I was already in Madrid before the program started so that made it very easy.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

You can get a room as cheap as 250/300 but to live in the centre with a nice room is closer to 500. Groceries normally average about 15/20 per week or week and a half. Going out never costs more than 20 euros unless you go to the big clubs like Kapital or Joy. Going out to eat can also be very cheap. There are filling tapas that cost only 3. 50 or less.

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

I already spoke a high level of Spanish before coming here so it was easy for me. There are language courses.

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

It depends on how far you are from your university. If you are in the center and going to Compultense, the Madrid bike share is the cheapest at 50 cents a ride and many discounts available. After that the Abono joven is only 35 euros per month for bus/metro/commuter trains within the central zone A. It goes up if you are over 22 or you are travelling into zone B1 or B2.

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

Malasaña, Las Huertas, or Cava Baja.

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

I love Calcutta on Calle Lavapies, El restaurante vegetariano in Malasaña, El Estragón, and La Musa.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Palacio Real, Templo de Debod, El Prado, El Museo de la Reina Sofía, Plaza Mayor, Retiro.

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

Run on the river or in Retiro, go to open-air markets and flee markets, don't let people speak to you in English because you are here to learn Spanish and try everything you can while you can. Don't look at something and say you don't feel like going and you'll go next week, or at a different time because you don't have a second to spare!