University of Barcelona; A short guide to the student life.

Continuing my “Promoting Erasmus and studying abroad” pages, I now introduce you to the University of Barcelona. 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 University of Barcelona!

Background info; The university; The University of Barcelona is the most formidable public institution of higher education in Catalonia, catering to the needs of the greatest number of students and delivering the broadest and most comprehensive offering in higher educational courses. The UB is also the principal centre of university research in Spain and has become a European benchmark for research activity, both in terms of the number of research programmes it conducts and the excellence these have achieved.

Its own history closely tied to the history of Barcelona and of Catalonia, our university combines the values of tradition with its position as an institution dedicated to innovation and teaching excellence: a university that is as outward-looking and cosmopolitan as the city from which it takes its name.

The life in the city

Barcelona is a wonderful city and walking around is a really good way to get to know it. A [high quality of life, exceptional architecture, some of which was designed by Gaudí, and the fast-paced life are among the factors that make living in Barcelona such a special experience. ](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/a-list-of-must-sees-for-your-first-time-in-barcelona-xyon)Living in Catalonia’s capital also means experiencing the locals’ pride in their language and history firsthand.

There is always something happening in Barcelona, from small concerts of local artists to big festivals with the best international artists such as Sonar Festival, which takes place all around the city during the month of June. Clubbing is also amazing for those on the clubbers side. At the same time, culture plays a big role in Barcelona’s daily life. In this vibrant city, there is no need to go to a museum to enjoy cultural events because you can find them everywhere in the street!

Housing and accommodation;

Scattered throughout Barcelona, the University of Barcelona campuses maintain a close relationship with the city. This interdependence adds to the cultural vitality of Barcelona and it gives the university community access to the services provided by city and the University.

Useful websites while searching for accommodation;

Important info;

Average rental in shared accomodation; 400 euros. Monthly transportation subscription; 50 euros . Monthly food cost; 190 euros. Average lunch price at a restaurant; 9 euros. Average Fitness subscription; 40 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 Barcelona as your Erasmus or studying abroad destination! Cheers!