Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain. With an impressive population of approximately 3.3 million in the city and 6.5 million in the Madrid metropolitan area, it is the third largest city in the European Union. Madrid is located in the heart of Spain. Some of the most significant sights and landmarks in Madrid include the Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Vía, Museo Nacional del Prado, Parque del Retiro and Templo de Debod. Madrid is full of history given that it has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Although the cityscape mostly embraces historical architecture and monuments, Madrid is an extremely modern city with a well-functioning infrastructure and a relaxed atmosphere.

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Universidad Europea de Madrid is the largest private university in Madrid. It was founded in 1995 hence it’s a relatively new university. Universidad Europea de Madrid has approximately 16 000 students on all campuses. The business campus is in Villaviciosa de Odón, which is a municipality that is located approximately 40 minutes from the city center by bus. The campus itself boasts an artificial lake, a massive library, various buildings and 14,000 square meters of sports facilities including an outdoor swimming pool.

Tips From Previous Exchange Students

Living

• Accommodation: € 350-450 a month per person in a shared apartment.
• The most affordable way to get an apartment is rent it from a private person
• The university also provides accommodation options but the price level is relatively high.
• Make sure that you have enough cash when you enter the country because most initial payments and deposits are done in cash.
• Cold houses in the winter so don’t abandon all of your winter clothes in Finland.

University

• Previous exchange students have had problems with course enrolments so arrive to Spain on time.
• No introductory period for exchange students.
• Even though your courses are in English, everything from the course titles to the online-exam system is in Spanish.
• There can be various tests throughout the courses.
• Classes usually start in the afternoon, at approximately 3 p.m., and last for 4 hours.
• Since the campus is located outside of Madrid (approximately 40 minutes) you will need to take the bus to the campus if you choose to live in the center.

Lifestyle

• ¡Aprende español! Don’t forget that most locals rarely speak English so it’s a good idea to study Spanish in advance.
• You should have numerous (at least 5) copies of your passport when you arrive to Madrid because you need them in order to registrate to the university and in order to open a Spanish bank account. You will also need several passport photographs.
• Prices are cheaper than in Finland.
• Good public transportation system (monthly bus ticket costs € 42 if you’re under 24 and € 72 if you’re over).
• Madrid comes alive at night, which is why the night-life is one of Madrid’s primary attractions.
• Recommended bars/restaurants (with student-friendly prices): 100 Montaditos and Lateral.
• Be patient since certain things might take more time and effort than what you are used to.

 

Mia E.Varis