Whether you’re staying for a semester or a full year abroad, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the ins and outs of Madrid. However, knowing where to start and keeping to your budget throughout the year can be a little tricky. So, at Collegiate, we have put together a quick guide to some of Madrid’s must-do plans along with how you can get access to some cheeky student discounts.
What are the Best Plans for Foreign Students in Madrid?
Picnic at Casa de Campo
Maintaining your well-being while studying is essential, and there’s no better way to do this than by spending some time outdoors. Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park, offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its huge green spaces, it certainly makes an ideal spot for picnics, jogging, or chilling out with friends. With a zoo and an amusement park, the park has plenty to explore.
Catch the Sunset at Cerro de Garabitas Viewpoint
For breathtaking views of Madrid, a visit to the Cerro de Garabitas viewpoint is a must. After you take a short climb to the top, you can enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset, making it one of the best budget-friendly activities in the city. Being the perfect opportunity to take some Instagram-worthy pictures, it’s no wonder why the viewpoint is popular with students, locals and tourists alike.
Wander Around the Prado Museum
Immersing yourself in the local culture is a key part of studying abroad, and Madrid’s host of museums is the perfect place to start. The Prado Museum is Spain’s main national art museum and showcases a range of pieces right from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Spending a day here is a great starting point for understanding more about Spanish culture, its heritage and history.
Watch a Film at the Callao Cinema
One great thing about Madrid being the capital of Spain is that the majority of its cinemas will show films in English with Spanish subtitles. There are plenty of cinemas dotted around the city, but the Callao Cinema is Madrid’s most famous. Given its popularity, if you do decide to go, play it safe and book your tickets beforehand so you are guaranteed good seats.
Discounts for Foreign Students in Madrid!
While Madrid has plenty on offer, it’s important to keep an eye on your budget and stay away from breaking the bank. Luckily, if you’re a student there are plenty of ways you can access student discounts.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC) – For
For those studying a full-time course in Madrid, for just €11 a year, you can have access to an ISIC card. The ISIC card is a student ID card recognised by over 130 countries, including Spain. Having this card means you can have access to lots of discounts across various products and services around the world so getting the card really is a small investment that pays off in big savings. To find out more about the ISIC card click here.
International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)
For those under 30 who aren’t enrolled in full-time courses, the IYTC offers similar benefits to the ISIC. Whether you’re participating in an exchange program, summer classes, or a short-term internship, the IYTC provides access to discounts on cinema tickets, theater performances, and much more. Like the ISIC, it costs EUR 11 and is valid for a year, making it an affordable way to enhance your Madrid experience. To learn more about the IYTC card click here.
The Best Residences for Foreign Students are Those of Collegiate Madrid!
Planning your time abroad can take up a lot of time, so why not make finding accommodation easier for yourself? At Collegiate, we provide great student accommodation that’s designed to help our students make the most out of their time abroad.
At Collegiate, we have several locations across Europe that come with a whole host of facilities including quiet study rooms, a gym, an indoor swimming pool and shared dining rooms.
Click here to find out more about our locations across Europe!