Lately, I’ve seen many prospective students on the forums asking about choosing a university in Madrid. Many have mentioned the Autonomous University of Madrid, and as a former UAMer (though I’ve also written about the Complutense University of Madrid), I felt compelled to start a thread to share my thoughts on this university I have a love-hate relationship with. Hopefully, this can offer some guidance if you’re feeling undecided.
First off, UAM’s campus is truly impeccable! The main campus is in Cantoblanco, a bit of a distance from the city center, about a half-hour ride on the commuter train. At first, it might feel a bit ‘isolated’, but you’ll grow to love the university town vibe. The entire campus is like a giant park with excellent green spaces, full of lawns and woods. On a nice day, you’ll see students lying on the grass, reading and soaking up the sun. When you’re tired from studying, just looking up at all the greenery can instantly lift your spirits.
UAM’s Academic Strengths and Top Programs
When it comes to academics, UAM is undoubtedly one of Spain’s top public universities, especially in certain fields. If you want to study Law, Economics, Business, or certain sciences, then UAM is an absolute top-tier choice. Its Law school is renowned in Spain and across Europe. However, because of this, the academic atmosphere is very rigorous. Professors are demanding, and exams are not easy to pass. If you’re just looking to breeze through and get a degree, you might want to think twice—failing a course is no fun.
Application Difficulty and Living Costs
In terms of applications, UAM’s entry requirements are quite high, and competition for popular programs is fierce. For undergraduate admissions, the required score from the national college entrance exam (or equivalent) is very high. For master’s programs, a strong emphasis is placed on your undergraduate institution’s reputation and your GPA. So, for those aiming for UAM, make sure to prepare early and boost your grades
!
As for living expenses, Madrid is quite cost-effective for a major European city. I’ve made a simple table for a rough monthly budget:
| Item | Average Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Shared Apartment Rent | €350 - €500 | Areas near Cantoblanco or along the northern train line are convenient. For more tips, check out this guide on renting an apartment in Madrid’s university area |
| . |
| Transportation | €20 | Youth travel pass (for those under 26), valid throughout the entire Community of Madrid. |
| Groceries/Food | €200 - €300 | This assumes you mostly cook for yourself. Campus cafeterias are also inexpensive. |
| Other Expenses | €100+ | Socializing, shopping, entertainment, etc. |
The Autonomous University of Madrid is a school with very clear pros and cons. The pros are its high academic reputation, beautiful campus environment, and strong learning atmosphere. The cons are its remote location and significant academic pressure. It’s suited for students who genuinely want to focus on their studies and have strong self-discipline. If that sounds like you—and you’re considering it alongside other great schools like the National University of Madrid in Spain—then UAM will definitely not disappoint you. Fellow UAM alumni or prospective students with questions, feel free to leave a comment and discuss below!
