Sean – University Carlos Iii De Madrid – Spain
Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Business
Studying abroad will be one of the most transformative experiences of your life, and there’s no better place to do it than Madrid. This city has everything: fantastic universities, unbeatable nightlife, rich culture, and an energy that pulls you in from day one. Whether it’s stumbling through Spanish conversations at a tapas bar, navigating the metro like a local, or meeting new friends at Temple de Bod sunsets, Madrid will push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible.
Landing in Madrid for my semester at Universidad Carlos III (UC3M), I quickly realized that no amount of research could fully prepare me for the daily life in Spain. The rhythm of the city, the university system, and the social norms were all different from what I was used to in Australia. If you’re considering an exchange here, these are the things you should know.
Prepare to wait:
Getting the student visa was my first challenge. The Spanish bureaucracy moves slowly, and the embassy is nearly impossible to contact. I submitted my application as early as possible and still found myself anxiously waiting for approval much longer than expected. I would suggest having your application ready for submission prior to receiving your final approvals for travel so you can ship your application as soon as possible.
UC3M and provided services:
UC3M’s campuses are located in Getafe and Leganés, about 30-40 minutes from central Madrid by public transport. This commute became a significant part of my routine. At first, I underestimated how much time it would take, but eventually, I learned to plan my days around it. Thankfully, public transport is very cheap in Madrid for students (8 euro per month). Try book an appointment for your transport card as soon as possible or look to order it online to avoid unnecessary train tickets.
The university also provides multiple trusted housing platforms that helped me find an apartment in the city centre – a good decision, as it kept me close to Madrid’s social life while making those early morning commutes slightly more bearable. UC3M will send out an email before the semester starts with information regarding these services and relevant discounts so keep an eye out.
Academically, UC3M was more demanding than I expected. Theres a big emphasis on exams rather than assignments, attendance is strictly monitored, and participation is encouraged. The teaching style is less relaxed than in Australia, with a heavier focus on independent study. Skipping readings or lectures wasn’t an option if I wanted to keep up. That being said, the majority of my classes were final year subjects. So, depending on what degree you’re studying and how far through your degree you are, your academic semester may be easier.
Living in Madrid:
Adjusting to the Spanish schedule took time. Lunch at 3 p.m. and dinner at 9 p.m. felt strange at first, and I often found myself hungry at what would be normal meal times back home. The nightlife is also as intense as people say—bars don’t get busy until after midnight, and clubs stay open until dawn. It’s fun, but it also means that early morning classes can become significantly harder, so try get classes around midday or in the afternoon.
Social life:
This one’s tough for introverts but push yourself to initiate conversations. Early semester is prime time – everyone’s in the same boat and eager to connect. Some of my closest friendships started from random encounters. I would even encourage you to try meet people outside of university. I met my best friend who works in Madrid by randomly approaching him in Retiro park. From that initial interaction I met the majority of my close friends, most of which I ended up travelling with. Whether it’s orientation/Erasmus events or pub chats, most people are up for a conversation if you start one. The language barrier wasn’t a huge issue in Madrid, but knowing basic Spanish made Madrid’s social life easier to digest. UC3M offers an intensive Spanish course before the semester starts, which I’d recommend—it gives you a foundation in the language and helps you meet other exchange students early on.
Budgeting and finances:
Save as much as possible – enough that you don’t have to rely on the OS-HELP loan if possible. Once you’re overseas, budgeting tends to go out the window. Between the brutal exchange rate and overall expensive lifestyle, you’ll want a healthy savings buffer. Thankfully beers and groceries are quite cheap in Madrid, but if you’re thinking of travelling I’d suggest planning your funding accordingly.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
