International Student Accommodation in Barcelona
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Sant Pere mes Alt 08003 |
Apartment | ||
| 1100€ pcm | Map | View | |||
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Sant Pere Mes Alt 08003 |
Apartment | ||
| 850€ pcm | Map | View | |||
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barcelona 08002 |
Apartment | ||
| 800€ pcm | Map | View | |||
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Sancho de Avila 22 08018 |
Apartment | ||
| 650€ pcm | Map | View | |||
City Guide
A Bit of History
One of Barcelona’s main traits is the pride of its people, as a community which has suffered many changes and never achieved independence.
Spain has passed through a number of hands: originally Roman, then conquered by Muslims for 700 years, Spain pushed out the moors in 1492 and became an Empire. The country experienced an economic fall and passed to the French in the 18th century before returning to the Spanish King Ferdinand VII. Spain lost its Empire and the country was divided, resulting in many civil wars. Franco took control of Spain at a time of desperation and imposed Catholicism and Nationalism. Catalan was thus forbidden in schools and Catalans were murdered for their communist views and sexual preferences.
Catalonia’s fight for independence is not over, although the enthusiasm of its people has died down. The region has two national languages (Castillian and Catalan) but there is an obvious preference for the latter. As a foreigner, it is important to respect their past and appreciate Catalan as a language.
The City
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is most famously described as “Gaudi’s city”. The French multi-lingual film “The Spanish Apartment” has added to Barcelona’s attraction for students: it certainly is representative of Erasmus life and the Catalonian capital.
Barcelona operates in areas, most of which are characterised by the attractions within them: Sagrada Familia, Gracia, Montjuic, Ciutat Vella, and Barcelloneta being the most popular. Each district is very distinct from the next, combining old and new.
La Sagrada Familia obtains its name from the architectural brilliance of Gaudi’s incomplete church. Its construction work is endless, funded by the many visiting tourists and sponsors. The church’s ever-growing nature allows you to visit it over and over again, finding new additions every few months. The Sagrada Familia district is also an interesting area to live, with its New York style streets leading down to the sea and up to Gracia.
Gracia is at the top of Passeig de Gracia, the Champs-Elysées of Barcelona with its never-ending shops, cinemas, restaurants and cafes. This wide street is also home to two of Gaudi’s houses: Casa Battlò and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Gracia is also home to Casa Vicens and the nearby Casa Calvet.
The Military Museum of Montjuic sits on a hill, west of Barcelona, with a spectacular panoramic view overlooking the beachfront and city centre. Its immense park and gardens are ideal for escaping the busy city life. From Plaza d’Espanya, the illuminated fountain leads up to the castle-like building. The Mirò museum is also a must-see, holding a vast amount of his work and other temporary art exhibitions. Montjuic also hosted the Olympics in 1992, contributing to Barcelona’s economic and architectural development.
It is not by chance that Ciutat Vella means “old city” in Catalan. The history of Barcelona permeates every stone of the old town hall “Ajuntament” and Cathedral “Generalitat”. Wandering the narrow streets of Bari Gotic will lead you to the Plaza Reial, a traditional Spanish square. The most famous street in Barcelona also belongs to this neighbourhood: La Rambla or Les Rambles. Running from Plaza Catalunya down to Columbus’ needle, street performers line the promenade and entertain its many walkers. There are small stalls and the popular Boqueria meat and fish Market. Due to the many tourists, look out for pickpockets! This district also holds the Parc de la Ciutadella which is not only the city’s zoo but a relaxing place to row a boat on the lake or stroll through the gardens. El Raval occupies the West of the neighbourhood, previously renowned for its dangerous nature but recently improved. The area now has its own Rambla del Raval and is a lively place dotted with bars and restaurants.
The Barcelloneta is a long promenade along the beachfront stretching across the length of the city. There are many fish restaurants to choose from and music played at the busy beach bars below.
Transport
Barcelona has a reliable and frequent metro system. They offer a "Barcelona Card" with unlimited journeys, depending on the period you choose to use it. The "T10" is another ticket that lasts ten trips for 6,90€, which you can share with others. The metro opens at 5a.m. and runs till 2a.m.
Buses are less trustworthy but take the same tickets as the metro. At night, it is hard to find a taxi and the night buses can be crowded with a long wait at the stops. I found it easier to walk home!
From the airport, trains run every half hour and only take 20 minutes to Plaza Catalonia at the cost of 1,70€. There is also a shuttle bus service outside each terminal every 15 minutes that takes you to the same square at twice the price: 3,20€. The taxis take half an hour and cost 15-20€ plus a supplement for each item of luggage.
The University
The University of Barcelona can be found just off the Passeig de Gracia, very central. It is more than 550 years old and the main Spanish University with the most students. The courses offered are not only Bachelors but also Masters and PhDs. It is proud to be a university that uses both national languages and most of its graduates are from Catalonia.
One of the problems Erasmus come across is the language barrier between Spanish and Catalan. For those who speak French, it can be easy to read and even understand but does not allow the student to practice their Spanish. Be aware that most courses are taught in Catalan and if enough people ask, they may teach in Spanish.
Food and Drink
Barcelona has a wide range of restaurants varying from cheap local bars to expensive fish restaurants.
"El Bigote" is tucked away near the Barceloneta on Carrer de la Reina Cristina. Here they will make you any kind of “bocadillo” filled with local meats and vegetables or provide you with nibbles and tapas. The atmosphere is heaving as the crowds munch away, standing up and drinking their fizzy home-made wine. The shop at the back allows you to buy their local products. This is a perfect place for a cheap snack near the sea.
For sushi-lovers, I highly recommend Kynoto, a Japanese restaurant in the heart of Gracia. Book before you go as it is very popular for its delicious and inventive menu at a reasonable price (0034 932 682 540).
Most fish restaurants along the beachfront can be too touristy and a rip-off. It is often better to eat just off the Barceloneta, in the port area, Plaza de Pau Villa. It is pricy but well-worth an expensive meal out with a view overlooking the port and succulent dishes.
Out on the Town
Barcelona is brimming with life, especially at night. There are various areas of the city which suit different types of people.
Maremagnum is a large shopping complex by day and club scene by night. Mostly tourists and teenagers are entertained by the cheesy club music and reggaeton. The Barceloneta port also has a similar atmosphere, with the additional option of salsa bars and older men, encouraging you to dance.
For a more sophisticated night out, El Born is packed with cocktail bars and tapas restaurants. My personal favourite is Miramelinda.
The big night clubs such as Razzmatazz and Salvation play drum and bass, House and more clubbing tunes. In the summer, the best place to go is Terrazzza.
Day Tripper
North of Barcelona, the church on the peak of Mount Tibidabo towers down onto the whole city. It’s at an impressive height and decorated by a Rio de Janeiro-like figure of Jesus. A small theme park also overlooks Barcelona, with rides that feel so high you get vertigo just watching!
The Dali Museum of Figueras is a must-see. Probably the largest museum dedicated to the Catalonian artist, it houses all his famous work including the Monroe room. There are buses and trains which take a couple of hours.
The Virgin Montserrat is the patron saint of Catalonia who is buried in the "monasterio benedictino”. It is a monastery, in-set into the rock of the mountain named after her. This spiritual and historical place is a wonder, as its geographical nature contributes to its beauty.
Festivals
Barcelona is renowned for its lively festivals, rich in culture. In February, the Carnival takes place all over Spain. Barcelona celebrates in style, where everything becomes possible, organised by the “mercados municipales”.
Sant Joan marks the summer solstice in June. Millions gather on the beaches for the music, dancing and drinking till the small hours! Similarly in December, the day of Santa Llucia prepares for the winter and Christmas festivities.
La Merce is the festive day of Barcelona and is celebrated in September. The whole city joins in with the 382 diverse and entertaining shows that take place.
Every district also has its own "fiesta mayor" for its traditional patron saints. The inhabitants get together to revive their neighbourhood’s culture.
The boring stuff
To view information about Bank Accounts & Money transfers, Internet & Telephone and Health, visit our Spanish homepage.
Guide written by Rosanna Lewis, English exchange student Barcelona, 2006/2007.
:: joedean, Leeds | 07 Jul 2008
I am an English student just back from studying at Universitat de Barcelona. It is an awesome city and i really hope to go back again one day. International students are well looked after but you need to get involved in the sports and organised erasmus events to meet as many people as possible. Make sure you get to the Nou Camp as well, unbeliev...
read the full review:: Kirstin, Edinburgh | 19 Jul 2008
I was in Barcelona to study for a year at ESADE, and I can't explain what an amazing time I had! I made some amazing friends and had so much fun. The shopping is fantastic, the city is beautiful and the parties are amazing! Having great beaches so near the city centre is another huge advantage. All the districts in Barcelona have their own chara...
read the full review