Studying in one of Europe’s greatest cities is a dream for most students. Living and studying in Spain allows you to embrace a new culture and improve your Spanish. There is no better way to learn about a different culture than to live in the center of it , and as a student is arguably the best time to do it. You have time to live wonderful experience, you have a sense of adventure and you are open to new ideas and concepts.
Before you get too excited, where are you going to live?
Halls of Residence
There are plenty of options for student residence in Madrid. You can opt to stay with a family and if you can afford it, rent your own apartment. Although there are merits to these options, arguably the best option at least in your first year, is to live in a halls of residence. This is why:
- You get to make friends. You will be leaving home for the first time and travelling to study and live in a new country. Making friends is vital and staying in a halls of residence with others in the same position as you is a great way to make new friends.
- Location. Some halls of residence are located in the university grounds where you’re studying, which helps your budget and you have little commuting costs. Others are located in the heart of Madrid itself, which brings its own benefits. Many of Madrid’s cultural wonders and nightlife are in the centre. Living in the heart of it makes all of these things accessible, which is brilliant if you are a student.
- Exercise and recreation. The better halls of residence have their own gymnasiums and quiet places where you can study outside of your room but still within the residence. You may even have communal TV areas where you can enjoy a good movie with your new friends.
- Room choice. Many halls of residence offer a range of rooms where you can stay. The better halls of residence give an excellent basic option, for example rooms with your own balcony where you can watch life from above. When choosing a halls of residence go for one that offers a good basic room as the others rooms will be same too, no difference between best and worst rooms.
- Often staying in a halls of residence is the most cost effective way to enjoy Madrid. Budgeting and finance aren’t sexy, but they are important, and the more disposable cash you have, the more of the city will be accessible to you.
- Live by your rules. If you opt to stay with a family, you will have to live by their rules. You may have to be in at a certain time, and you will probably be assigned weekly chores. Staying in a halls of residence will have rules, but they will be flexible, giving you a greater feeling of independence.
Madrid is one of the world’s greatest cities, and if you have a chance to study in the city, you should take it. You will be more worldly, you will achieve fluent in Spanish, and who knows? Maybe you may settle in Spain after your studies finish.