Erasmus Experience in Madrid, Spain by Rick

Why did you choose to go to Madrid, Spain?

I knew I wanted to live in Spain for a long time, mainly to learn the language and to experience another culture. My school only had connections with UEM Madrid so I ended up there. And it was awesome.

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

5 months. 200E Erasmus Scholarship per month. (If your from Finland you get sooo much more ;) )

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

The weekend lasts from Wednesday till Sunday.

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

Oh yes. Many nice and very different neighborhoods with the real Spanish culture on every corner of the street. Cheap for going out and very friendly people.

What is the food like?

Great. And restaurants are relatively cheap. Unfortunately there is no real tapas culture like in the south of Spain, but if you look hard enough, you can still find some great tapas places.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Madrid?

I found one when I was still in The Netherlands. 500E a month. I lived there (next to sol on Calle Montera, centre) for 1,5 months before I moved to a cheaper place (375,-) in Chueca.

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

Rent is quite low, since many local students still live with their parents. They can simply not afford a room since not many have jobs. This results in a lot of available space. Supermarkets are relatively expensive, but for fresh food like fruits and vegetables you can find better prices at smaller stores. Going out for food or drinks is also very afforable. Besides, it's quite normal to drink out on the streets, so you can drink your own bevarages!

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

Spanish is not a very difficult language. Especially if you know French or Italian (and obviously Portugese). I didnt attent this uni. I went to UEM.

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

Plane. Tip: Take a straight bus from the airport instead of the metro. The Madrid Metro is perfect. But between the airport and the centre you have to change lines a lot.

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

The best thing about Madrid is all the different places that make every night a new experience.

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

Lateral.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Cibeles, Bellas Artes, Caixa Forum, Prado, Reina Sofia.

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

Montaditos. 1E for half a liter of beer. Great place, all over town.
La Surena. Ice Bucket of 5 small beers for 2E.
El Tigre. Get free tapas with your beer. Lot of food, but not the best quality. Still nice.
Every Friday night there is a big Botellon at the Templo Debod. Hundreds of students drinking at a panorama view of Madrid. Lots of musicians present.