5 Tips to Survive (and Enjoy) Your First Erasmus Exchange

Sponsored by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).

Studying abroad can be a wonderful experience if you arrange your trip and stay well before arriving in the host country. If you have chosen to study in Spain as part of the Erasmus program, it may be interesting to choose a university from Madrid because of the city’s great climate, culture, public transport, numerous national and international travel connections, and the diverse range of sights and services a city like Madrid has to offer.

The Autonomous University of Madrid (known by the Spanish acronym UAM, for Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) has received the Campus of International Excellence quality recognition. Public, modern, student-centered and internationally recognized, UAM is ranked within the top 200 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings®. Having hosted students from the Erasmus program since 1989, UAM has extensive experience in providing all the support and services exchange students need.

The university’s Cantoblanco Campus is located in a privileged area of easy access and connections with Madrid's public transport system. In fact, it has its own Cercanías (commuter train) station, Cantoblanco Universidad, which connects with Puerta del Sol in 20 minutes. The Cantoblanco Campus also has numerous educational, cultural and sports facilities.

The Oficina de Acogida Internacional, located on campus, is responsible for offering assistance to international students, researchers and academic staff, providing them with academic and administrative information, and helping them find answers to all their questions. There you will also learn about the process to obtain the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (ID card for foreigners, known as NIE), which should be started during the first month of stay in Spain. This office will also help you with contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spanish Consulates and Embassies abroad, to solve potential problems with student visas, return authorizations, or travel documents during your stay in Spain.

This office will also inform you about the functioning and structure of UAM and its services (university card, website, location, accommodation), and give you advice on finding scholarships.

The UAM offers student accommodation within the Colegio Mayor Juan Luis Vives and the Residencia Universitaria Erasmo, both located on campus. In addition, the webpage aluni.net offers information about student housing in shared furnished apartments or studios with internet service. Thanks to collaboration agreements, UAM students can receive a 40% discount on contract preparation, upon presentation of a Aluni brochure stamped by the university. For more information visit www.aluni.net or send an email to [email protected].