5 Essential Tips For Erasmus Students to Thrive In Barcelona: From Language Basics to Local Life
- jessevisionfactory
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Author: Edanur Akay
Erasmus is a vital program that helps students explore different cultures, see how things work in other countries, and build intercultural relationships.
Barcelona, with its historical charm, modern architecture, and multicultural environment, offers a rich academic and social experience, making it a highly attractive destination for Erasmus students.
It is an ideal city for studying, enjoying life, and meeting people from all over the world. With iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, Barcelona also enchants visitors with its art and architectural beauty.
Basic Spanish/ Catalan Phrases To Know
If you plan to live in Barcelona or join Erasmus, knowing basic Catalan and Spanish makes daily life easier.
It helps with communication, shopping, transport, and university. The official language of Catalonia is Catalan, but Spanish is also widely spoken.
Understanding both will help you communicate and manage your daily tasks smoothly. You can also gain people’s sympathy.
If you want to say hello, the Spanish and Catalan equivalent is the same: hola. Good morning in Spanish is buenos días, while in Catalan it is bon dia.
How To Use Public Transport Efficiently
Barcelona has a rooted and efficient public transportation system operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), which includes metro, bus, tram, and regional trains.
The metro is often the fastest way to get around the city. Tickets can be purchased from automatic machines at stations, through the official TMB website or mobile app, TMB office or directly from bus drivers.
Additionally, you can see bicycles in many places while walking on the road.
With extensive bike lanes, rental systems like Bicing, and plenty bike parking areas, cycling is a popular choice for daily transportation, especially among young people and students.
Its environmentally friendly and pretty cheap.
Tips for Living on a Low Student Budget
Student life is open to new experiences, but it also requires managing your budget effectively.
When living on a limited income, knowing and applying some saving tips can help you meet your basic needs and make your life easier.
Here are some budget-friendly living tips for students:
Sharing a flat: You can get a roommate to pay less rent. It won’t strain your budget and will help you expand your social network.
Check Out Student Dorms: University or private dorms are usually safe and more affordable than renting alone. You’ll have your own space.
Cook at Home: Prepare meals at home instead of eating out. You can avoid large expenses by shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl, Dia, or Aldi.
Take Advantage of Student Meal Deals: Many university cafeterias and local restaurants offer discounted menus for students.
Get a Public Transport Pass: It’s cheaper to buy a monthly or three-month pass than a daily pass.
Walk or Bike Whenever Possible: In cities like Barcelona, walking or cycling is inexpensive, healthy and a great way to explore.
Follow Free Events: Enjoy free concerts, exhibitions, and festivals around the city. They’re fun and cost nothing. You might also find art-loving or high- energy friends
4. Must- Know Cultural Etiquette
As expected when moving abroad, you may find the new culture that you’re suddenly immersed in is different to what you’re used to back home.
To help you adapt, here are some general (unwritten and legal) rules to bear in mind when relocating to Barcelona.
Greetings: People great each other with a kiss on both cheeks
Queuing Culture: You should always ask who is the last in the queue (el último) and wait your turn
Escalators: Never block the escalators. Always stand on the right- hand side and make a clear pathway, so that those in a hurry can walk up the left side
Public Transport: Before entering the metro or any other form of public transport, wait ( by the side) for other passengers to get off first
Bus: When taking the bus, make sure you use the front door to enter and the back doors to exit.
Leave a tip: In Barcelona it isn’t obligatory to leave a tip. However, if you’ve received particularly good food and service, the tip is usually a couple of euros as a nice gesture.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buldings, on public transport and the beaches in Barcelona
Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol in public places (streets, parks, beaches) is prohibited and is punishable by large fines
Best Ways to Meet Other International and Local Students
Meeting new people is one of the most exciting parts of studying abroad.
Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow international students or make friends with locals, building a social network can make your experience richer, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.
Here are some of the best ways to meet both international and local students during your time abroad:
-Attend local cultural activities.
-Hang out in bars
-Visit the city’s highlights
-Spend time at the beach
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