MAD CITY

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

Incredible, would 100% recommend it to anyone for a city break, an extended holiday, ESPECIALLY to students who have the chance to erasmus there! And even to live, from talking to british expats!

I'm particularly fond of their metro system, a lot more modern and cleaner than London's and many other cities for that matter, and is very easy to get around the city in good time, apart from the more than necessary worker strikes throughout the semester..

What is the student lifestyle like in Madrid?

It is like the city encourages a student lifestyle and pulls out all the stops, not just for the students, it felt to me that a madrileno lifestyle is the same as a student lifestyle, in this city you just can't escape it, where fun and people having a great time is in ABUNDANCE

How much does it cost to live in Madrid?

Compared to England considerably less, I had adequate accomodation with cool flat mates at around 400 euros a month, the vegetables and fruit are especially really cheap! And actually going out is cheap, great deals in the bars, with a few clubs having high entry fees

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

Not so much difficult, but you need to be on the ball to sort yourself the kind of place you want, my second flat I actually found on the erasmusu website, but from talking with study mates, - aluni.net, easy piso, - and general word of mouth and ask for help from your uni!

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

Delicious, I always ate spanish inspired dishes whenever I could, my favorite was the Pulpo a la Gallega!

What places would you recommend visiting in Madrid?

Parque del Retiro in the summer
Parque de Europa
Circulo de los bellas artes - the views from the roof, especially in the summer for the sunset will be the best pictures you take of Madrid!

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

Cheap and cheerful - Cien Mondatitos, very cheap and quick food and drinks when your with your uni buds in the day just exploring around the city!
Also the Mercado de San Miguel, a gastronomic wonderland!

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

Again Incredible, obviously head to the big student nights and erasmus parties at the typical clubs for some crazyness and get yourself involved but also to malasana for a night out more how the locals do it

What advice would you give future students headed to Madrid?

Brush up on your spanish and get ready for an amazing time! And don't think twice about going on your own or not knowing anyone, you owe it to yourself to be truly independent at least once in your life! :)