Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Rachel

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

The erasmus life here is absolutely amazing. Homework is never on anybody's mind... or school in general. To be honest, the only thing erasmus students worry about is what time they get their nap in, and what time they drink afterwards. Most students are most concerned with traveling and don't give a second thought to school assignments. The night life here never dies, and there is always something to do.

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

Yes of course! I am having the best time of my life here.

What is the food like?

Spanish dishes are always composed of either ham or seafood. Seriously, nearly everything contains one or the other, if not both. Personally, I don't eat either, so I'd say that's been my biggest struggle thus far. All you have to do is go to the grocery store and buy what you like and prepare it for yourself at home. To be honest, I eat way too much pasta here.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

I live in a really well located apartment with my own personal bathroom and a living room and kitchen. My rent is 450 euros a month.

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

There are language courses offered here, so I'm taking a Spanish course myself. Honestly, even if you know absolutely no Spanish, you will be fine here. So many people speak english... no matter where you go. It really surprised me to discover this. Even some signs and billboards here are in English. Many more Spaniards here are fluent in English than Americans with Spanish. It's easy to get around. I'm taking the offered Spanish course because learning Spanish was my priority from the beginning... but if you feel like you're at a beginners level, really, no worries!

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

The biggest club here is Kapital...it has 7 floors. The second most known club is Joy. Both of these are super expensive, unless you get there early (before midnight) and get yourself on a list (easy to do... just like them on Facebook) Besides that, it's totally up to you! A lot of people like to visit the "American" bars (or "Irish Pubs") just to feel comfortable and get the vibe of being at home. If you want to do that, I recommend O'Connells and Dubliners. Besides that, you will ALWAYS find a place to go. If you don't know which bar you'd like to end up at, all you have to do is walk down the street and plenty of people will come up to you to coax them into their bar/club... telling you that you get this amount of free drinks with a certain entry fee.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You have to go to Retiro Park and Puerta De Sol. Both are the most common, well-known places. Besides that, the Royal Palace is a nice place to visit, and honestly everywhere you walk you see something incredible.

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

Do not worry! I had so much anxiety about coming here but I promise you, you will have the best time of your life.