How to Prepare for Living in Spain as an International Student

Spain has become one of the most attractive countries for international students. It’s beautiful and sunny, the locals are friendly, and the educational system has a huge array of academic programs for people around the world. You can join high-end universities like the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid to get a degree, and then travel around the country during your days off. The possibilities are endless.

But being an international student is not an easy fit. You have to collect a lot of documentation, learn a new language, get around a city you don’t know, and find good accommodation before you move. Here’s a guide that’ll help you navigate the process.

Main Takeaways:

• You’ll need a student visa to study in Spain if you are a non-EU citizen.
• eSIM is one of the recommended options for connectivity in Spain, especially when you just arrive at the destination.
• You can find a room in a shared apartment for about €350 to €700 a month.
• An apartment will cost you more than €800 a month in Spain.
• Public transportation in Spain is well-developed and includes trains, trams, buses, and the metro.

Visa and Other Paperwork

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to get a student visa to enter the country and stay there. There are a few options you can get, but the main two are a long-term student visa and a student mobility visa.

Those planning to study for more than 90 days and are not part of an educational exchange program should choose the first option. This includes university programs like the following:

• bachelor’s degree;
• master’s degree;
• PhDs;
• advanced technical training.

Whenever you need more time for another program or to finish the current one, you can also renew the visa. With this document, you’ll be able to work part-time or full-time, depending on the time of year. But what kind of papers do you need to get the visa?

First, you will need to fill out and sign a national visa application form. Then, you’ll have to get a letter of acceptance issued by the educational institution of your choice. For your visa, you’ll need a valid passport and a recent photo in passport size.

To make sure you can stay in Spain without any medical or financial issues, the relevant institutions will ask for a medical certificate, international medical insurance, and proof that you have enough money for housing, tuition, and living expenses. Last but not least, the authorities of your country of origin will have to issue a criminal record certificate.

Searching for Accommodation

There are many accommodation options for students, regardless of the budget. Yet, it’s important to search for one in advance, because the housing demand is high in major cities before the year begins.

The prices may be different, depending on the city, location, neighborhood, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For example, you might find an average room in a shared apartment for as cheap as €350 a year. If you want to live alone, however, expect to spend over €800 a month for a private apartment. You can also look into student residences and living with host families.

Make sure you look for listings with verified photos and reviews. Don’t ever pay in advance if the payment options are not secure, for instance, via a bank transfer. Only check the rooms and apartments on popular rental websites in Spain.

Logistics and Navigating the City

Before you arrive, you should think about everything you need to navigate the city, find your accommodation, and talk to locals. This includes a mobile and internet connection. Your best bet is to invest in a good eSIM to make sure you can use online maps, translation apps, and messengers to contact your family. You can either get a regional plan or a local one.

For example, if you’re heading to Barna, as the Spanish call it, getting an eSIM for Barcelona is enough. With that, you won’t have to worry about connectivity once you arrive — just activate it, and you’re set.

Thankfully, public transport in Spain is very well-developed, so you won’t have to search and wait for the right connection for hours. The entire country, including big cities and smaller villages, is connected through buses, trains, trams, and the metro.

Large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao rely on the metro. The network is well-developed, fast, and convenient. It’s suitable for students because the passes are affordable. Buses also run at short intervals across the country, with over 4,000 routes available to passengers. If you want to travel cross-country, you can buy a railway ticket.

Relaxing and Leisure Time

Being a student is rewarding, but it can also be draining. That’s why it’s important to leave some room for yourself between lectures and assignments. Spain makes this easy, though. You can spend your afternoons on the beach or wander through local markets. Many cities also have student clubs you can join, and other cultural events you can attend that are either free or discounted for students.

At the same time, there’s no shame in spending a quiet evening at home and picking up the hobbies you dropped while traveling. Be it drawing, playing an instrument, or any other arts and crafts you’re interested in.

Another soothing option is to either catch up on your favorite shows or tune in to live sporting events you’ve been looking forward to. However, due to geo-restrictions, the content you want to stream might not have the airing rights in Spain. So if you’re wondering how to watch the English Premier League, for example, getting a VPN would serve you well. A VPN will help you catch up on your shows and live TV without friction.

Ready to Study

Being an international student in Spain requires you to gather the required documentation, find accommodation, and understand how to navigate the new city in advance. At the same time, don’t forget to throw in the towel and get some well-deserved rest! We hope that this guide helps you get your degree without unnecessary distractions.

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Laura

Welcome! I'm Laura, the founder and creative heart of Crazy Laura. After years of honing my skills in crafting, cooking, and decorating, I launched this site to be your trusted resource for creative living. My mission is to provide you with clear, easy-to-follow tutorials and thoughtfully designed printables that empower you to create with confidence.

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