What makes Barcelona one of the most seductive cities in the world? Is it its Catalan Art Nouveau architecture, its sunny beaches, its cosmopolitan character, its immense cultural offer, or its privileged location?
It's all this and much more! Barcelona is a constant inspiration, a perfect city in which to study and live unforgettable experiences. Below we have put together some practical tips to bear in mind before you arrive.
ACCOMMODATION | WHERE TO LIVE
Students can choose between university residences or shared flats. Most book temporary accommodation (hostel) to look for a flat before starting the course.
You can choose to look for a whole flat to rent with other flatmates or a room to share. Landlords usually ask for two months in advance as a deposit. We recommended not contracting from the country of origin in order to check the conditions of the flat. In Barcelona, there are no neighbourhoods or districts that are considered high-risk, and the public transport service can take you to other areas or towns. Some neighbourhoods close to the IL3-UB are Clot, Poblenou and Sagrada Família.
These are some of the many options for university accommodation:
HOW TO GET AROUND | TRANSPORT
There are several options for getting around the city of Barcelona. Barcelona has an extensive metro and bus network. There are also other means of transport such as the tramway, the funicular and the cable car, the latter two of which are more tourist-oriented. The city has a large taxi fleet
but is also committed to more sustainable mobility, making it perfectly suited to cycling. Barcelona has an extensive network of bike lanes that encourage healthy and environmentally friendly cycling and a public bicycle rental system called Bicing.
VISAS FOR NON-EU STUDENTS
HEALTH INSURANCE
All foreigners must take out insurance with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain that covers the period of their requested stay, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
To have access to free health care through Social Security, students must be entered into the municipal register of a municipality in Catalonia for a continuous period of at least 3 months immediately prior to the submission of the application for access to public healthcare.
Primary health care is the first point of access to the health system and is mainly provided in primary healthcare centres (CAP). Teams of primary care professionals solve most health problems and attend to emergencies, in some cases 24 hours a day.
You can check which CAP is yours as assigned by CatSalut by entering your address here: http://catsalut.gencat.cat/ca/centres-sanitaris/
BANKS AND CREDIT CARDS
The banking system meets all international standards and has a large network of branches and ATMs. To open a bank account, you must be in possession of a NIE number or card.
If you are staying for a long period of time, it is advisable to open a bank account in Spain.
We also recommend that, before leaving your home country, you check the fees for using your card abroad, as well as the conditions for transferring money.
The main Spanish banks are:
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La Caixa (902 200 202)
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BBVA (917 416 904)
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Banco Santander Central Hispano (902 242 424)
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Banco de Sabadell (902 32 30 00)
UB ADVANTAGES
The University of Barcelona has an advantages package that allows the entire university community to enjoy a large number of discounts, offers and promotions in various establishments and services in the following categories: insurance, responsible consumption, gastronomy, training, health, vehicles, travel, beauty, wellness, financial products and culture, among others.
To get most of the advantages, all you have to do is show your UB ID card!
LIVING IN BARCELONA
Museums and exhibitions
The city’s main museums boast significant collections and holdings spanning all artistic styles. In addition to their permanent collections, they also host first-rate temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, on the first Sunday of every month, admission to some of the museums is free.
Music and theatre
The performing arts have a strong tradition in the city. Music, theatre, concerts and festivals keep the cultural scene alive all year round.
- The city’s main music venues are: the Auditori, the Palau de la Música and the Liceo. For large-scale concerts, the Palau Sant Jordi or other sports venues in the city are used.
- With the arrival of fine weather come the major music festivals such as Primavera Sound, Sònar, the GREC festival, BAM, etc.
- The theatre programme offers a chance to enjoy both large-scale and small-scale theatrical productions throughout the year. Avenida del Paral·lel is the hub for musical theatre.
Festivals and traditions
Festivals and traditions define the character of every culture. The main festivals in Barcelona’s calendar are as follows:
- 6 January, Three Kings’ Day
- 23 April, Sant Jordi
- 24 June, Sant Joan
- 11 September, La Diada, Catalonia’s national day
- 24 September, La Mercè, patron saint of Barcelona
- 25 and 26 December, Christmas and Saint Stephen’s Day