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New in the city? Let's find out what you should know about living in Barcelona
Students and Interns coming to Barcelona every year with different thoughts and mindsets. Some of them fear living in the big city, but also they feel excitation with curiosity what simply let them start their new chapter. It's always a good idea to do some basic research before coming to the city, or at the very beginning.
Are you looking for some tips and advices which can help you feel in Barcelona like a true local? Read further and you'll gain this knowledge quickly!
If you're an international student or intern, you're probably wondering how it is with the English language in Spain. Basically, in every shop, restaurant or gallery you can easily use English. However, locals truly appreciate it if you know some Spanish or – when we talk about Barcelona – Catalan.
Beside language, it's good to know a little about local culture, habits, accommodation or possible uncomfortable situations you can and should avoid.
Number 1 – How to rent a flat in Barcelona?*
Be aware of scams! Never send your money up front before checking the person on the video call or personal meeting. Always ask for complete information – like real ID, full address and if you make up your mind to do the transfer – do this with a bank guarantee.
If you come to do your internship at Dpoint Group the company will help you find accommodation. Otherwise, you can use a home finding service which will search and visit homes for you until find the perfect one.
Number 2 – Request a European Health Insurance Card
Accidents happen, and it's always better to be aware of problematic situations, especially with your health. Make sure that you have valid insurance during your stay in Spain. You can buy it in your country, or here in Barcelona.
If you feel sick, head up first to a pharmacist before consulting a doctor (you can end up waiting for a long time in a public health centre). An Insurance Card will let you use the private hospital when it's needed.
Number 3 – Learn Spanish and Catalan
Did I mention before how the locals appreciate when you try to learn their native language? Yes, people here in Barcelona adore that! This is also a great opportunity to gain new skills and use them daily. In restaurants, shops, café's, but also during simple walks around the city.
This will help you with integration in the local community and communicate with locals not only in English. You can easily download a language application like Busu to start your journey with Spanish language, or you can look for some lessons in Barcelona.
Number 4 – Adapt to the local culture
You're probably wondering about some habits that maybe can be wholly different compared to your home country, right? Barcelona is one of those cities where you can reduce your stress and rush to the low level. People here love a slow life, they enjoy siestas and chat in a café or restaurant with friends.
The typical schedule in Barcelona and Spain is unlike most other places in Europe. Lunch is usually around 2:30 p.m. and dinner not earlier than 9 p.m. You can expect closed shops, especially during the weekend between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m – including some sports industries like gyms.
Number 5 – Explore the city and the neighborhood of Barcelona*
Barcelona is not only about beaches and nightclubs – here you can explore museums, art galleries, bookshops and – if you're a fan of football – Camp Nou stadium. You can also easily find places where you can enjoy the view of the city and the nature.
Gothic, Born, La Barceloneta etc. – you can find huge lines at the most important museums in town, so it's better to book your tickets in advance online, or wait until Sunday when the museums are mostly free!
Number 6 – Enjoy the food*
Are you a fan of trying new dishes in different countries? Barcelona is a perfect place where you have an opportunity to try local food in many places. Who knows, maybe you'll find here your favorite cuisine?
You can find both traditional Spanish and Catalan food, but also food from all around the world. There is a wide variety of restaurants for all tastes and budgets, especially when you are a student or an intern. Try the local street food and unique restaurants!
Number 7 – Pay attention to pick-pockets
At the end, let's focus on a less comfortable topic but also significant one. As you can suppose, living in a big city like Barcelona exposes you to scams and pick-pocketing, which is really common in crowded areas.
We suggest you to wear your backpack upfront and do not put important things in your back pockets, specially wallet, keys and your mobile phone. Keep your things close to you and make sure that you zipped your purse. Following this advice, you'll be safe and ready to explore the city!
Barcelona is waiting for you!
Moving to the new city can be difficult in some ways, but mainly it's an exciting and fulfilling experience. It's essential to prepare yourself mentally and technically, so everything can go well.
If you're planning to do your internship at Dpoint Group you can be sure that your coordinator will help you with this journey. After getting known better with tips and advices, check our main website right now!
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