Details

• Spain
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Preparing for my exchange semester at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona required more organization than I initially expected. My main advice would be to start looking for accommodation as early as possible. Housing in Barcelona is relatively expensive, and many affordable options are booked several months before the semester starts. I chose to stay in a student residence, which simplified the process, but it was still one of the largest expenses during my exchange. I would also recommend completing all administrative tasks as soon as possible. While both WU and UAB provided clear information, some processes, such as the Learning Agreement and other exchange documents, required several follow-ups and took longer than expected. Starting early helped me avoid unnecessary stress before departure. For my travel, I chose to fly from Vienna to Barcelona, as it was the fastest and most practical option. I arrived a few days before the start of the semester, which gave me enough time to settle into my accommodation, buy the essentials, and familiarize myself with the city and the campus. Looking back, I am glad that I researched the available courses and academic requirements in advance. I would also recommend learning some basic Spanish before arrival. Although many university services are available in English, speaking Spanish makes everyday life easier and helps with integrating into the local society.

2. Accommodation

I decided to stay in a student residence (Xior Diagonal Besòs), which I arranged before arriving in Barcelona. Although it was one of the more expensive accommodation options, I appreciated the convenience, security, and the opportunity to meet other international students from the very beginning of the semester. Finding accommodation in Barcelona is challenging, especially if you are looking for affordable housing. I would recommend starting the search as early as possible, as prices are relatively high and many popular student residences fill up quickly. Private rooms in shared apartments are often cheaper, but they usually require more effort to find. My residence was well connected to public transport and located close to the beach. However, one disadvantage was the distance to UAB. Depending on the connection, the commute took around 1.5 hours each way. This was particularly challenging on days when classes started at 9:00 a.m., as it required leaving home very early in the morning. UAB also offers student accommodation directly on campus, which is a convenient option for students who prioritize a short commute. Nevertheless, I would still recommend living in Barcelona itself. The city offers an incredible student experience, vibrant international atmosphere, beaches, events, and countless opportunities to meet new people. For me, being able to experience everyday life in Barcelona outweighed the inconvenience of the longer commute

3. Academic life at host university

UAB has a large and very green campus, which makes it a nice place to spend time between classes. Compared to WU, however, the campus is not as modern and some facilities feel a bit older. One thing that is quite different from WU is that attendance is mandatory in most courses. There are also many group projects, presentations, and smaller assignments throughout the semester, so your final grade is usually based on more than just one exam. I took courses in Marketing, Financial Accounting, International Economics, and Finance II. Overall, I was happy with my course selection and enjoyed getting a different perspective on subjects I had already studied at WU. What I liked most about UAB was the smaller class sizes. It was much easier to ask questions and interact with professors, and there was generally more personal contact between students and lecturers. The professors were approachable and willing to help whenever needed. Although UAB has libraries and study spaces, I personally hardly ever used them. Most of the time, I studied in cafés around Barcelona or in the study rooms at my student residence, which I found more comfortable. The campus cafeteria options are quite limited, and I would not particularly recommend eating there on a regular basis. Many students bring their own food or eat elsewhere.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Barcelona was definitely one of the best parts of my exchange semester. The city is very lively and there is always something happening. Barcelona hosts countless events throughout the year, from festivals and concerts to cultural events and sports activities. I never felt bored because there was always something new to discover. What I also really liked is that there is a lot to see not only in Barcelona itself but also in nearby places such as Sitges, Costa Brava, Girona, or Montserrat. Many of these places can easily be reached by train, making them perfect for day trips. Public transport is well connected and easy to use. I mainly relied on the metro, tram, and trains. Although my commute to UAB was quite long, getting around Barcelona itself was very convenient. I generally felt safe in Barcelona, although it is important to be careful with personal belongings, especially in tourist areas and on public transport, as pickpocketing is quite common. The social life is very active, and it is easy to meet both international and local students. There are many Erasmus events, language exchanges, sports activities, and trips organized throughout the semester.One thing I particularly enjoyed was the lifestyle. People spend a lot of time outdoors, the weather is pleasant for most of the year, and there are many opportunities to stay active. Personally, I enjoyed walking around the city, spending time at the beach.Another thing I really enjoyed was the food. The quality of food in Spain is excellent, and there is a huge variety of options, from traditional Spanish restaurants to international cuisines. Eating out is also an important part of the local culture, and I enjoyed exploring different cafés and restaurants around the city. Barcelona exceeded my expectations and became much more than just a place where I studied. It was a city where I could enjoy student life, travel, meet people from all over the world, and experience a different culture on a daily basis.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Barcelona exceeded my expectations. Besides gaining international academic experience, I met amazing people, improved my adaptability, and had the opportunity to explore not only Barcelona but also many beautiful places around Catalonia. The combination of university life, travel, great food, and the city's atmosphere made this semester truly unforgettable.