Leaving your comfort zone behind and going to study in a new city is a big step not only academically, but especially on an emotional level. That’s why choosing your university residence in Madrid can be an overwhelming decision, especially considering that it is a city with a high density of both universities and residences.
If you are looking for more than just accommodation, and want your stay in the city to be an unforgettable and enriching experience, you have come to the right place. At Collegiate AC we know first hand what advice and factors you should consider when making your decision.
1. A location close to your university
If you want to make the most of this stage, we recommend that you look for residences close to your university campus. The journey from your residence hall to your university will be part of your daily routine and, as far as possible, you should try to make it easy and comfortable for yourself.
Furthermore, the fact that your residence hall in Madrid is close to your university will not only prevent you from wasting time but can also save you a lot of money. This is the case of the residence hall of Collegiate Aravaca Madrid, with excellent connections by public transport to the centre of Madrid and to universities such as La Universidad Complutense, ESIC, UFV, etc.
2. Rooms and services tailored to your needs
So you are going to be moving to a new city, and you have no idea where to start. First things first, make sure your new home, feels like, home! It is important that your surroundings convey a sense of well-being, comfort, and safety. In this sense, the student residence you choose should make you feel at home; from the treatment of the staff to the personalisation of its facilities and services. For example, you may want to have your own kitchen and take care of your diet, or you may prefer to be provided with healthy food for a student directly from the dining room.
Another major concern is security, and while it is true that Madrid is a predominantly safe city with a good student atmosphere (one of the factors that make it one of the best cities for students), it is always comforting to know that your accommodation has 24-hour security and surveillance systems. Of course, this type of service, as well as the cleaning and laundry services, free Wi-Fi in the whole building, the use of a private gym, or the inclusion of a parking lot. We would advise you to weigh carefully what surroundings and comforts are most important for you.
3. The opportunity to meet interesting people
The student residence will not only become your space for rest and study, but it will also determine whether you feel comfortable on a personal level. One of the most exciting, fun things about starting university is meeting lots of new people and potentially making lifelong friendships within your private student halls of residence. From the moment you move into your student residence, you will become a part of a large, vibrant community.
For this reason, another important criteria when choosing your accommodation is to see what the student residence has in place for promoting socialising and to see what social spaces are in the building, where you can make new friends, or invite your own. Also, make sure to have a look to see what organised events are happening throughout the year, and make sure to see if they have something that suits your tastes, whether that be a movie and game nights or theme parties and maybe even trips.
4. Spaces to enjoy privacy
Just as you must ensure that your student residence in Madrid includes common places where you can enjoy your friendships, it is also important that you have your own space where you can concentrate, relax or simply enjoy your privacy.
In fact, the lack of privacy may be one of the reasons why you do not take advantage of your experience as you should, especially if you have not yet experienced living with other people. This is a factor you’ll especially appreciate when you’re under pressure because of exams or other responsibilities.
5. Having first-hand information
One step that can provide you with very valuable information when choosing your university residence hall in Madrid is to consult what students who have already lived the experience or are currently studying say. Thanks to the Internet and social networks it is easy to access the opinions of the residents, and you can also establish contact with some of them so that they can tell you more about their experience.
Likewise, it will also help you to get in touch with the residence hall so that they can provide you with all the information you need and even invite you to visit (virtually) the facilities so that you can assess whether they offer the atmosphere you are looking for. In any case, avoid making your decision “blindly”; the more you can know for yourself, the better you will be able to assess it.
We hope that our advice has helped you with your research in choosing your residence hall in Madrid. Remember to not put pressure on yourself immediately it’s important to look over the options and take your time doing the research. Making sure you understand and know what is important for you in making your move to Madrid the best experience yet!