Exchange Report

University: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Country: Spain
Semester: WS 2025
Duration of stay: 4 months
Level: Bachelor level (undergraduate)
Degree program: Bachelor's Degree Program in Business, Economics and Social Sciences / BW
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1. Preparation

I didn’t prepare that much for my exchange semester because I wanted to let the experience come to me naturally. The only things I really organized in advance were my accommodation and my course selection. I would definitely recommend taking the course selection seriously, as it increases your chances of getting the courses you actually want. Looking back, I was quite lucky with my apartment because it had a very good connection to the university. Since the university is located a bit outside the city, I would strongly advise paying attention to this when choosing your accommodation. Another tip is to take care of the student transport ticket in advance. However, it’s also possible to arrange this once you arrive.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation through a family contact and stayed in a private apartment. My place was located near Atocha, one of the main train stations, which turned out to be very convenient. From there, it took me around 35 minutes to get to the university, which was relatively short. The exact area I lived in was not the most residential or charming, but I still felt very comfortable and safe throughout my stay. One of the biggest advantages was the excellent public transport connection – I could easily get anywhere in the city.

3. Academic life at host university

I didn’t spend much time on campus outside of lectures, mainly because many of my friends were studying at different universities and the area around the campus itself was not particularly lively or exciting. In terms of academic culture, I found the system to be quite similar to WU Vienna. There was a strong focus on continuous assessment throughout the semester, including mandatory attendance and regular assignments.

4. Cost of living in €

Number of months at the partner university (Count from the orientation session to your last exam.)

Preparation before departure (e.g., insurance, vaccinations, visa, university fees)

Travel to/from the host destination (round trip)

Accommodation (rent, utilities)

Everyday living (groceries, local transport, phone, basic expenses)

Total cost of living for complete stay in €

Monthly living costs (includes accommodation and everyday life expenses)

Monthly living costs in host country compared to those in Austria

Student received a mobility grant administered by WU (e.g. Erasmus+, WU Mobility Grant, CEEPUS)

Yes No

Grant type

Other grants received

5. Everyday life

There is always something to do in Madrid, so you definitely won’t get bored. Public transport is very well organized and reliable, which makes it easy to get around the city. I always felt safe. I also continued playing field hockey during my stay, which was a great way to stay active and meet new people.

6. Exchange semester in a nutshell

I absolutely loved my exchange semester and would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. What made it truly special were the people met in Madrid.

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