Experience, ENJOY Madrid

What is it like to live in Madrid? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's very chill, very easy to live in. Supermarkets are not expensive at all, as well as the public transportation system; I recommend to get the monthly ''BONOS'' which include all the different types of transportation for only 20€ a month (for people younger than 25, I think) which makes it very cheap and easy to use. On The Internet you can find the places where you can get your transportation card.

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

If you're in the Universidad Complutense, Universidad Autonoma or Universidad Politecnica you have very easy access to the centre of the city, and lots of connections for transportation anywhere through the city.

From walking through downtown or wandering in Malasaña, Madrid Rio or the Retiro park there are a lot of options for stuff to do (and all if we don't mention the parties, clubs and pubs, which are endless and usually don't close till 6a. m. )

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

It's really not expensive at all, much cheaper than the north European countries.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Madrid? Is there any advice you can give?

The universities offer student residences with all the amenities and services included on the price, they might look a little expensive but it's actually the best option. but I really don't know the exact prices for students apartments, studios or apartments themselves.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Traditional Mediterranean food os one of the greatest diets in the world, one of my favorites is actually traditional from Catalonia and it's for the breakfast (it's basically toasted bread, better if its baguette bread, with olive oil, crushed tomato on top and a pinch of salt), students usually end up going for Tapas as they're the less expensive and one of the traditional ways to eat out.

What places would you recommend visiting in Madrid?

All the city centre, Opera, the Royal Palace, The Sabatini Park, The Debod Temple, Plaza España, Sol, Plaza Mayor, The Retiro Park, Madrid Rio Park, El Matadero, the Museums and also I recommend getting lost in the streets of Malasaña, you'll probably find amazing places.

Is it good to eat out in Madrid? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

The 100 Montaditos is always a great and cheap option, I also recommend Takos al Pastor (I'd recommend going BEFORE they open because the queue might get quite long), the B13 BAR (vegan cheap but great food), and any restaurant or cafeteria in Malasaña, really.

Is the nightlife good in Madrid? Where is good to go?

There is an endless list of clubs, pubs and bars to go to, just look throughout the internet, with a great range of different prices and types of places, almost all of them are LGBT friendly as well.

What advice would you give future students heading to Madrid?

Use the public transportation system, It gets you anywhere, it's very easy to use and for just 20€ per month. And also download the Transportation apps (moovit works great and shows you routes and the time you'll have to wait for everything)

Get a few Spanish friends they'll help you get used to everything, Spanish people are usually VERY friendly.

Get lost in the city, at the end of the day you have the Google Maps app and you really won't be lost, but it's great to just wander around and find great places yourself.

Learn a little bit of Spanish, not everyone speaks English, it's actually very easy and it will make things easier for you.

And Finally, Welcome to Madrid, ENJOY!