Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Luka

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I found a good master programme and I also wanted to practice my Spanish. As the capital of Spain, Madrid seemed like a great option to experience Spanish culture and lifestyle.

Source

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

I recieved a scholarship for 5 months. The amount was 400 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

It was a really great experience. My teachers were all very friendly as well as the faculty staff I communicated with. It was easy to meet other students and our faculty's erasmus volunteers organized different activities for us (field trips and Christmas dinner).

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

I studied on UPM and I would definitely recommend it. Madrid is a good city for people who like big cities and don't mind the rush and longer distances.

What is the food like?

I liked the food, but I think it misses some variety and the most popular things are not so healthy, but you will survive.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

It wasn't so easy to find a room as I didn't want to pay a high price. Some people who rent places prefer students who stay during the whole year and most of the places are rented very quickly, there isn't much time left to decide between different options, you have to take the place you like without waiting.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

One room with expenses usually costs 300-400 euros, but in central locations it's more expensive.

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

I think Spanish is easy to pick up for beginners, but it takes time to become proficient. The people I met who didn't speak it before coming to Madrid have managed to learn the most important words and phrases quickly and they could use them in everyday life. In our University there were language courses for students on different levels and they were well organized. I have to say I had a really great teacher and learned a lot.

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

Definitely the plane because the distance is too big to use other means of transport. Plane tickets are usually cheaper from Budapest than from Zagreb and other Croatian cities, so you can consider that option also.

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

This one is hard to answer. Depends on your preferences, but I think most of the places you end up will be fun because everything is new and different. I loved Malasaña and nights around Plaza 2 de mayo, where it's mostly alternative places and rock music (but not only). La Latina and Lavapies are also fun, as well as places close to Sol, but sometimes I had the feeling there are too many tourists in that area.

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

A lot of small restaurants offer daily menu for 8-10 euros, so you can go to La Latina and easily find a place to eat there. There was a good place to eat Galician food (probably the best regional cuisine in Spain) close to Sol.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

A lot of them. If you like arts you won't be disappointed, just go to Paseo del Prado and visit Reina Sofia for modern arts and the museums of Prado and Thyssen Bornemisza for classical works. There are also a lot of other less famous museums and cultural centres. I could recommend Matadero Madrid for modern arts (including performative arts and cinema).

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Madrid?

I think Madrid is easy to navigate and live and although it's a big city it's quite spontaneus. As there are so many things going on all the time you won't get bored for sure, but try to inform about the things you're interested in because it's the easiest thing to follow the crowd and go to typical "erasmus places" all the time.