Madrid is such a vibe! With its buzzing energy, stunning architecture and unbeatable social scene, this city is the ultimate destination for international students. There’s all sorts to do from pub crawls to tapas crawls, from park runs to scenic hikes, Madrid offers an experience like no other. In today’s blog, we will run you through the best events and activities for international students in Madrid.
Why Attend Events for International Students in Madrid?
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and a little intimidating – we’re only human after all. That’s why going to events specifically made for international students can really help you settle in:
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Make new friends:
Meeting people from different backgrounds and who are in the same situation as you can help ease the move to a new country.
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Networking opportunities:
Events provide a platform to connect with professionals and potential employers, which is great if you’re going to be looking for an internship or to develop an international career.
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Cultural immersion:
Whether it’s through foodie events or reggaeton events, engaging in local traditions will help you understand the Spanish culture better.
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Language learning:
If you’re looking to brush up on some Spanish, going to language exchanges is an excellent way to improve your Spanish language skills.
Top Events for International Students in Madrid
Cultural and Language Exchange Events
Two birds, one stone: make friends and practice Spanish while doing so.
- Language Meetups: Hop onto Facebook and join a ‘Madrid Language Exchange’ group where you can buddy up with people looking to learn English. You may want to meet up for a coffee in person or you may want to keep this one online (which is what we would recommend).
- Cultural Exchange Nights: When you arrive in Madrid have a look at the Erasmus Madrid website to see what international student events they are hosting. Erasmus often organises international student networking events at bars and restaurants and sometimes even organizes trips away.
Networking and Careers Events
Looking to set up an international career? You’ve come to the right place.
- University Fairs: Each university in Madrid will have some kind of careers fair. When you first arrive, be sure to sign up to your university’s careers board to keep up to date with when and where these events will be held.
- Eventbrite: There are far too many networking events to list here but Eventbrite will have you covered. This website keeps a list of upcoming careers and networking events in Madrid so you can take your pick.
Social and Nightlife Events
Madrid is such a vibe. With the Spanish sometimes not eating their dinner until 11pm, it sure is a city that never sleeps.
- Pub Crawls: A tad touristy but these pub crawls are great fun and a fantastic way to get to know the best bars in the city. Pub Crawl Madrid, is the most famous organised pub crawl with events hosted daily, at Christmas and New Year’s too.
- Mad Cool Festival: Since its launch in 2016, Mad Cool has become one of Europe’s largest festivals, featuring artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Green Day and Foo Fighters. Tickets are a touch pricey but if you get the opportunity to go, definitely take it.
- Nightclub Events & Parties: Madrid is jam-packed with all sorts of events and parties from your traditional reggaeton to DnB raves. Here’s a handy website that will keep you posted.
Outdoor and Sport Events
For students who love staying active. Here’s the list of things to do:
- Football Matches: Home to Real Madrid, one of the biggest football teams in the world, it would be impossible not to recommend going to see at least one match.
- Running Clubs: Retiro Park has a fantastic running club called Retiro Running that is open to international students too.
- Hiking Trips: Believe it or not, Madrid has lots of amazing hiking trails nearby. Our favourites include: Siete Picos, Peñalara and La Pedriza.
Food and Gastronomy Events
Saving the best till last: the food.
- Tapas Tours: Secret Food Tours Madrid, is a great trip to go on with some friends to discover the authentic foodie hotspots around Madrid.
- Food Festivals: A blend of music and food, the Jadín de la Delicias festival, usually held in September, is a great place to try some delicious food and listen to some local artists.
- Cooking Classes: Madrid has a wealth of cookery schools that offer a range of courses and classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced chefs. The best one to try is the paella and Sangria workshop… need we say more?
Where to Find the Best Events for International Students in Madrid
Don’t miss a single event and stay up to date with these platforms.
- Meetup.com: A great platform for finding social and professional events.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups like “International Students in Madrid” to stay updated.
- University Bulletin Boards: Most universities have an events calendar specifically for students.
- Eventbrite & Fever: Online platforms that list upcoming social and cultural events in Madrid.
Make the Most of Your Time in Madrid with Collegiate
Your student experience in Madrid is more than just academics, it’s about living life to the fullest. At Collegiate Madrid, we provide premium student accommodation that has a vibrant community, ensuring you’re always connected to the best social events. Our common areas, study spaces, and exclusive student events make it easy to meet new people and really enjoy the city. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study or a lively social scene, Collegiate Madrid is the perfect home base for your international adventure.
Ready for your next adventure? Click here to find out more.