Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Preggy Reddy

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I chose Madrid, Spain because the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos had the expertise to support my research focus area.

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

The scholarship is six months. I receive €1500 per month to use for my living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

It largely depends on what you want to do, there are many activities that you can join, for free and some language interchanges that are either free or cost something. http://www.meetup.com is a great site to find out about all types of activities.

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

If you want to benefit from the extensive and safe transport network, countless places to choose from to satisfy all your food choices or drinking, or enjoy the numerous green spaces that are everywhere in every district, Madrid is the place the be.

What is the food like?

The food is interesting and varied, unique and distinctive, from typical Spanish dishes to traditional dishes of other countries (like Indian, Lebanese, American, etc. ) Of course you can always cook your own dishes if you are missing home food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

Yes, I used Uniplaces and paid €84. Of course later on I found other websites that don't charge a service fee - https://www.idealista.com does not charge a fee.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

I pay €400 for rent, transport for me is about €70, food about €500 - so about €1000 is enough but it depends how often you eat, what you eat, how much you party and drink etc. Also where you live makes a big difference, if its shared its much cheaper, some areas are more expensive then others.

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

It is difficult to grasp the language and there are language courses but if you are working in English for your research it is difficult to dedicate effort and time to learning the local language as well.

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

Metro and Cercanas and busses are the cheapest. Metro is faster than the other systems since their network is more extensive.

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

Chamartin Bowling at Charmatin station, SOL - many nightclubs around here

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

La Libanesa (Gran via), Shapla (Lavapies), El Corte Ingles - Gourmet (Floor 9) - Gran via

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Faro Moncloa, Palacio Real de Madrid