Hola a todos! I’ve been a lurker for a while, but I’ve finally decided to make a post sharing a day in my life as a student at the Complutense University of Madrid. I’ve seen many guides that are quite broad, so today I’ll use a diary-style format with some vlog screenshots to show you what a real day for a university student in Spain is like. I hope this can be a small reference for prospective students who are applying or about to arrive.
My day starts at 8 AM, woken by the early morning Madrid sun. After a quick piece of toast and a coffee, I take the metro to the university campus (Ciudad Universitaria). My faculty is on the humanities campus, where the buildings are full of history. Today’s major course is Spanish Golden Age Literature. The professor’s accent and speaking speed are incredibly fast; I had my voice recorder on the whole time. It felt less like a lecture and more like a C2-level Spanish listening exam. There’s absolutely no room for slacking off, not even for a Spanish University Cafeteria Vlog daydream. If you lose focus for just a second, you’ll have no idea which galaxy the professor has drifted off to.
After class, the most budget-friendly way to get lunch is the “Menú del Día” at the university cafeteria. For about €8-10, you get a starter, a main course, a dessert or coffee, and a drink—it’s fantastic value for money. If I don’t have classes in the afternoon, the library becomes my second home. The UCM library has a wealth of resources, though finding a seat can be a challenge. I’m much more productive writing my papers and reading articles here than at home. When I get tired, I take a stroll around campus, watch the pigeons, and just relax. It’s incredibly pleasant.
Student life isn’t just about studying. An evening Tapas session with friends is a must! We head to a small bar near the university, order a caña (small draft beer) or a tinto de verano (summer red wine), and chat over the free snacks that come with the drinks. All the day’s fatigue just melts away. This is the true essence of Spanish life! I feel like integrating into the local culture starts with learning to enjoy this slow-paced lifestyle.
A Quick Look at My Daily Expenses & Money-Saving Tips
Here’s a breakdown of my typical daily expenses, for reference. Your mileage may vary.
| Item | Approx. Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|
| Transportation | 1.5 | Cheaper with a youth transport pass (Abono Joven) |
| Breakfast | 2 | Made at home |
| Lunch | 9 | University cafeteria’s Menú del Día |
| Coffee | 1.5 | Vending machine next to the library |
| Dinner | 5-10 | Tapas or homemade |
A few tips:
- Get a youth transport pass (Abono Joven). For just €20 a month, you get unlimited travel on all public transport within the Community of Madrid. It’s an amazing deal!
- Make the most of university resources, like free language exchange events, lectures, and sports facilities.
- Shopping at supermarkets and cooking for yourself can save you a lot of money. Mercadona and Lidl are my favorites.
Studying abroad in Spain comes with academic pressure, but it’s also full of the joys of life and cultural experiences, much like what you see in other Spanish university vlogs. I hope my post has been helpful! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
¡Hasta luego
!
