Erasmus in Madrid. In a word? GO!

Why did you decide to go to Madrid, Spain?

My university doesn't offer many choices, and Spain was clearly the best of them all. Initially I couldn't decide between Granada, Valencia and Madrid, but the circumstances (and other factors that don't need to be mentioned) required that I choose Madrid.

Madrid is really a "people-oriented" capital city. There's a saying that fully represents it, which you'll only understand by living there:

"Madrid es como una mujer no demasiado guapa, pero que no puedes vivir sin ella"

(Yes, you can use Google Translate! )

How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

My scholarship was 9 months, basically a whole academic year. I only received money from the EU, so €230 a month. It wasn't so bad, but I'm sure that no one can afford to buy drinks with that!

How was student life in Madrid?

The atmosphere was very international, you'll find yourself meeting people from all over the world.

It was all very open, diverse and friendly, you'll never feel alone.

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

The city is well-known for having infinite merits, from its tourist attractions, safety (even if you're a girl on your own coming back home from a night out), high quality transport (electric bikes, metro every 5 minutes, cheap taxis), non-stop nightlife and the leisurely pace of the people, to the half-price beer (which will be painful to leave behind when I return home) and the ever-open Chinese places (they will be useful, trust me).

There are few cons, personally, not being near the sea is quite a big difference. The rest is too insignificant to mention, compared to all the pros.

My university was the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), private, American campus, free bus service, great staff and well-organised. Despite this, it's not perfect, for example the "superior" method of Italian-style studies, attendance is compulsory, and there is no advantage to being an Erasmus student (the exams will not be simplified), poorly organised exam dates, (forget the issues we have in Italy with the thousands of exams, it's worse in Spain). With regards to the rest of it, it's interesting to experience a different system from ours.

How did you find accomodation?

I made a lot of contacts through websites online (look at Idealista) and then I went to see them in person. I did everything quite late, so I had few choices, but if you get it done early you'll easily find a place to live.

How much did your accomodation cost? And what were other general expenses?

I lived in an incredible house, with 12 people from all over the world (a family, honest to God), with 7 bathrooms (I had an ensuite), and a cleaner three times a week. Right in the centre, 200m from Puerta del Sol. I paid €500, all-inclusive. It isn't little, but the quality of relationships/price was very high!

Generally it will cost you between €300 and €600 (bills included, if intended). It's up to you to decide.

How was the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

I didn't take any Spanish courses. After a couple months there you will have learnt enough to communicate successfully, at the end of the year you'll prefer speaking Spanish over Italian.

Of course, you probably shouldn't live only with Italians and don't be afraid to make mistakes, no one's going to laugh at you, relax.

Where are the best places to go out in Madrid?

Malasaña, La Latina, Chueca are the best areas to "fuel up", to wander around and discover your favourite bars. An important name: Casa Camacho. I will say nothing more.

Or the classic house party!

As for the clubs, they all have their best days, if you're clever you won't have to pay! To name a few:

• Kapital
• Gabana
• Independance Club
• Fabrik
• Star Studio (it's more of a disco bar, but it's amazing)
• Joy Eslava
• Teatro Barcelò (Ex Pacha)
• Sala Marco Aldani (Zoologico)

And wherever the heart takes you, or booze in this case!

And for a cultural visit?

Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Palacio Real, Museo El Prado, Museo Reina Sofia, Parque del Retiro, La Tabacalera, the Estación de Atocha, El Rastro, everywhere in the Lavapiés and Malasaña areas, the Templo de Debod, Plaza de España... Everything and everywhere!

Any advice you want to give to future students going to Madrid?

Enjoy your freedom, immerse yourself in this new culture, travel on your own, get lost on the narrow street, read between the lines. It doesn't matter if you're tired, wake yourself up, go to university, return home and do what you gotta do. No matter what

Talk, laugh, cry, argue with your travel companions, because these will become the memories you take away.

You will return home a different person, definitely for the better, with bags full of unimaginable experiences that people won't comprehend.

You'll be sad, angry, depressed, but stronger, more independent and liberated. Although the nostalgia will always be just around the corner.

I know that you'll definitely want to go back, of this I'm sure!

I feel like I'm about to cry, so I'll stop here. I only hope that if you have any doubts about leaving, your mind is now changed!

¡Buen viaje hermano!

**If you have any questions write to me! **

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