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Welcome to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; A short guide to the student life.

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Continuing my “Promoting Erasmus and studying abroad” pages, I now introduce you to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid;. Let’s suppose that you are an Erasmus student or in general a student planning to study abroad for a semester or so. What are the factors that you would take into consideration before choosing your next destination and university? How would you organize your background research? What are the things that you’d love to know about your university in advance? Here’s a short research I did about one of the biggest universities in Spain that welcomes thousands of Erasmus students every year.

Welcome to the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid;

Background info; The university; The Autonomous University of Madrid (Spanish: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; informally La Autónoma), commonly known by the Spanish acronym UAM, is a Spanish public university established in 1968. It is located in northern Madrid; its main campus, Cantoblanco, is located near the cities of Alcobendas, San Sebastián de los Reyes and Tres Cantos. Throughout its history, UAM has been one of Spain's most prominent higher education institutions, being ranked first amongst Spanish universities by the El Mundo University Supplement (known as "Las 50 Carreras”). Specifically, for the subject "Mathematics" the university was ranked within top 51-75 universities in the world (within top 12 in Europe). In another similar ranking "QS Top 50 Under 50" by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the Autonomous University of Madrid recently achieved 9th place in international comparison.Its Faculty of Law is the most prestigious one in Spain.

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid- UAM
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid- UAM
Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Ισπανία

Location; Madrid! The city is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful architecture, beautiful people and beautiful weather. If we look at statistics, Spain is the most popular Erasmus destination country. And now, Madrid has won the title of the best Erasmus city. They must be doing something right! As you might have noticed, Madrid was recently elected the best Erasmus city in Europe. Just in case there is anyone who still needs convincing of this fact, we have collected just some out of hundreds of reasons why this award is so well-deserved. There are tapas on every single corner! It has amazing views and sunsets. Everything is close by. There is always something going on! The streets are full of culture and history. Buildings like the Town Hall of Madrid will take your breath away.

https://www.itinari.com/discovering-madrid-in-a-few-days-l33z

The life in the city; “In the world, there are 194 countries and thousands of cities, but none other is as vibrant and magical as Madrid. Being an Erasmus student in this city is, without any doubt, the best choice anyone could ever make. If you feel like chilling out, you can walk around Retiro Park. If you want to learn about art, you can visit plenty of museums and you can also walk through Gran Vía and enjoy the majestic architecture. At night, you can enjoy the best night clubs, meet people and dance all night long in a multicultural environment. Madrid is unique and unforgettable. It is for everyone. When people say: “The Erasmus life, the best life” it is absolutely true, but even more in my Erasmus city: Madrid.”

https://www.itinari.com/madrid-s-parks-that-shouldn-t-be-missed-out-zwhs

“First of all, Madrid is the capital of Spain so there are a lot of monuments and museums you can visit; most of them for free. Secondly, there is always something to do with ESN such as tandem, salsa lessons and parties. Thirdly, I feel Madrid is a multicultural city, there are people from all over the world! And last but not least, even though it is the capital, it is not as stressful as other cities because it has a lot of green areas.”

https://www.itinari.com/a-cultural-and-artsy-visit-to-the-spanish-capital-4wkq

Housing and accommodation;

The "Juan Luis Vives" Residence Hall is the only public installation of a residential nature intended for university housing that is directly managed by the Autonomous University of Madrid. It has a recognized trajectory in its sector and is projected to favor the maximum academic performance in the stage of university formation. For this, you have the professional experience of a team with a long career professionals in the field of university accommodation and the training of young people. The intense artistic, theatrical, sports and musical activity that its residents develop also make it one of the centers of greatest roots in the university and cultural life of Madrid. Its urban location north of Madrid is unbeatable, in a quiet residential neighborhood, next to the main axis of the city, the Paseo de la Castellana, perfectly connected.

The "Juan Luis Vives" Residence Hall
The "Juan Luis Vives" Residence Hall
Calle Francisco Suárez, 7, 28036 Madrid, Ισπανία

How am I going to find an apartment in this big city that I've never been to before? And do it in Spanish?!

Well, you can do it! Here are some tips and information to help you on your apartment hunting. Get excited, because you're going to find a great apartment and have an incredible time living in Madrid! If you're out walking around while soaking in the different barrios, keep your eyes peeled for "se alquila" signs -- which are everywhere. Many people put up signs with phone numbers when they're renting a room. Rip off a number and start collecting them! Sometimes apartment doors themselves will have a "Se alquila" sign with a phone number posted up next to the building number, or up on a balcony. If you like the area, you can call the numbers while you're there to find out more information.

Websites with Madrid apartment listings

I would also suggest using the interwebs to enhance your search. Here are some websites that you may find useful while looking for housing:

Segunda Mano - https://www.vibbo.com/

Idealista - https://www.idealista.com/en/

Spotahome https://www.spotahome.com/

Fotocasa https://www.fotocasa.es/es/

Important info!!!

Average rental in shared accomodation; 400 euros. Monthly transportation subscription; 20 euros (Abono Joven-till 26 years old). Monthly food cost; 193.88 euros. Average lunch price at a restaurant; 9euros. Average Fitness subscription; 30 euros. Beer Price at a bar; 2,50 euros.

..and of course do not forget to join the local ESN community!

ESN works in the interest of all international students, not just for Erasmus students. ESN offers a clear introductory programme for all international students to introduce them to the laws, rules and customs of their host country.

Pack your bags and choose Madrid as your Erasmus or studying abroad destination!

...and for dessert (since I've already convinced you) ...here you have a few extra recommendations made by Itinari! ENjoy! :)

https://www.itinari.com/day-trip-suggestions-starting-from-madrid-kr1k
https://www.itinari.com/the-best-foodmarkets-mercados-in-madrid-2twl

Enjoy!

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The author

Chrisa Lepida

Chrisa Lepida

My name is Chrisa and I come from Greece. As nature lover, winter sports addict and Erasmus obsessed, I’m always writing about these topics.

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