Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by L

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I wanted to be part of the capital, and I wanted to experience city life in Spain. I knew I would never be bored, and I knew I would meet a vast range of people!

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

I went for 4 months and my university gave a grant of a few hundred euros/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

Really active and really funny!

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

Yes, absolutely, 100%. It is such a fun, dynamic, sometimes scary, but always worthwhile experience.

What is the food like?

It won't help you to lose weight! The food is rich, varied and tasty...but quite expensive because it is such a tourist hotspot.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

No I used internet searches.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

It depends on your lifestyle. If you buy food from the supermarkets or local markets during the week then you can afford to eat out at the weekend. You can find plenty of affordable accommodation, and buy the monthly "abono" metro pass, it is much better value than paying for single trips.

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

Yes, you will be surrounded by it, and sometimes it is really really fast. But you will never be more confident, even if you don't feel it. Yes, I took 2 free Spanish courses at the Universidad de Autonoma - highly recommended and great for making new friends.

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

Fly from the UK!

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

Yes - it is a lot of fun and you will be awake until it gets bright. Even though it is the culture, avoid drinking in parks and in the plazas, it is illegal and not worth it.

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

Taberna Alahambra, Fatigas del Querer and Malaspina are really good value for money, very tasty and all convenient to reach. They are all based around Plaza de la Puerta del Sol.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Museo del Prado - most famous art gallery in Madrid, absolutely huge art collection.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - art gallery near to the Museo del Prado. Private collection, more famous artists (Monet etc.) and lots to see despite it looking small!

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia - another art gallery - more modern and conceptual art than the above 2 galleries, most famous for Picasso's "Guernica" and also some Dali paintings

Parque de Retiro (huge impressive park with a boating lake!)

Plaza Mayor

Plaza del la Puerta del Sol

Palacio de Cibeles - Free entry I think. The old and grand post office. Free entry to the Mirador observation area, you'll see a panoramic view of Madrid

(Other attractions include the Palace in Madrid which is nice, but similar to other palaces you may have been to!)

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

Best advice I can give is to throw yourself in and immerse yourself with new people, places, sights, sounds, smells...everything! If you will be studying or travelling with friends from home, be brave and meet new people too. Otherwise you are limiting yourself.

The friends I made in Madrid 2 years ago came to my wedding this year!