Barcelona is a fantastic city to explore while studying. But like any other big city, it comes with its share of quirks and things to keep in mind.
We spoke with one of our former international students, who shared some useful tips based on their experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind when arriving in Barcelona for your bootcamp or course:
Double-check rental details in advance
“Make sure the landlord is in town when you arrive in Spain.” It might sound obvious, but a surprising number of students have arrived to find out that their landlord or key contact is traveling or unavailable. Confirm that someone will be there to hand over the keys and walk you through the flat when you land.
Clarify who you’re actually dealing with
“Do not assume the person who is listed as the contact is the landlord.” Sometimes, rental listings are managed by intermediaries. Always ask directly if the person you’re speaking with is the owner or just managing the apartment. It helps to know who’s ultimately responsible in case anything goes wrong.
Exchange money smartly
“You will get best rates for your currency if you go to a public/national bank.” Avoid airport exchanges or flashy currency exchange booths on tourist streets. Instead, head to a major bank like CaixaBank or Banco Santander for fairer rates.
Use a translation apps
“Download an AI app for translation.” Even though many locals speak some English, having a translation app handy (like Google Translate or DeepL) makes everyday tasks a lot easier.
Document your rental unit
“Take pictures/videos of the renting unit immediately upon arrival and before departure.” This is good advice for any city. Photos of the condition of the apartment protect you from unfair deposit deductions when you leave. Also, if anything happens during your stay, take photos and send to landlord or agent for the same reason.
Get familiar with public transport early
Barcelona has a great metro, bus, and tram system. Get a T-usual card (monthly unlimited travel) a card for 10 trips (T-10). They allow you to use any kind of public tranport within the city. You can buy them in teh vending machines in any subway station.
Be cautious but not paranoid
Barcelona is generally safe, especially in residential neighborhoods. Still, like in any major city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Most places are closed on Sunday
If you need to buy groceries it's better to do it in advance.