Studying in Spain

Misstique

Hello all

I've searched and read the previous threads about studying abroad which have been very helpful.

My daughter will be spending a year in Granada, Spain and I am just wondering if there are any hints/tips parents or students can share, particularly relating to accomodation. It seems she has to go across to find her own accommodation and just wondering if you guys have any recommendations of cheap places to stay for the year preferably inclusive of all utitilities etc.

Many thanks in advance.

Angua2

Ooooh! Hiya. I spent 2 years (under & post-graduate) in Madrid. I'll tell you all I can. Do post or PM me! Where in Spain? I might even be able to give you some contacts so your daughter won't feel so all alone.

I had FAB time - learned heaps as person & as student, if you see what I mean.

Cheers for now.

SuziQ

I wll be watching this with interest. My daughter starts her english and spanish law degree next month and spends the third year in Madrid or Bilbao (hopefully Madrid though!) I think she was under the impression that her Uni may organise the accomodation but perhaps not, reading this.

Angua2

Just 1 quick point:

With specific reference to accommodation, make sure your child has letters of reference with him/her - from people like minister, teachers, etc. - so that if he/she looks into a private tenancy, the landlord will be reassured as to the character/responsibility/etc. of the student.

Letters of reference can be invaluable, so do sort them now!

Another quick point: If not already done so, look into:
http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm?fx=discount&location.gid=L0180000435&country.code=ES&discount.gid=D0180000076

Yet another point (lol): If at all possible, rent room from a family, or share a flat with mix of English/Spanish speakers.

Angua2

Some quick finds from Dogpile:

http://www.studentrooms-in-spain.com/
http://www.studentfreestuff.com/student_accommodation.php
http://internacional.universia.net/espanya/tips/eng.htm
http://spain.accommodationforstudents.com/info/student_guides.asp
http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm?fx=discount&location.gid=L0180000435&country.code=ES&discount.gid=D0180000076
http://www.justlanded.com/english/Spain/Tools/Articles/Housing-Rentals/How-to-find-affordable-accommodation
http://www.centerforstudyabroad.com/housing.html
http://www.easyexpat.com/madrid_en/accommodation_finding-accommodation.htm
http://www.madridconnect.com/Links.asp
http://www.unispain.com/FAQ.htm

Oldernotwiser

Angua2 wrote: »

Yet another point (lol): If at all possible, rent room from a family, or share a flat with mix of English/Spanish speakers.

Have to disagree with your last point; the worst thing you can do on a year abroad is to spend it with people who speak English. It always amazes me the number of students who return to university having spent the majority of their leisure time speaking English.

Angua2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Have to disagree with your last point; the worst thing you can do on a year abroad is to spend it with people who speak English. It always amazes me the number of students who return to university having spent the majority of their leisure time speaking English.

S'ok to disagree, of course - would only point out that I specified a "mix", precisely for the reason you highlight! :beer: (I shared flat with native Spanish and some Latin American students - all of whom could speak English to greater or lesser degree. Have to say that when my Spanish failed - I was very ill - they came to rescue and spoke to quack for me....)

Misstique

Gosh, thanks all for all those responses! I have been trawling the internet and finding the process slightly overwhelming. so ideally I am looking for recommendations from those with experience of Granada.

Thanks very much for hose who posted the links, looking forward to hearing more from you allregarding accommodation and any further tips.

Keep 'em coming!

Misstique

Bump!

Oldernotwiser

If your daughter were doing this for herself she'd be able to search in Spanish, which might lead to a wider range of possibilies.