Thousands of students from all around the world come to Barcelona, a busy Spanish city, each year. The city is well-known for its beaches, architecture, and exciting nightlife. But the high expense of living is a result of its popularity. We will examine the cost of living for college students in Barcelona in more detail and offer some helpful money management advice in this post.
Housing cost in Barcelona
Housing is one of the biggest costs associated with attending university in Barcelona. While it is a possibility, living on campus can be expensive and scarce. As an alternative, students can split a flat with other students or rent a flat. Depending on the location and size, renting a room in a shared flat in Barcelona might cost anything from €400 to €800 per month. The cost of student housing rent and other expenditures can be cut in half by living in a flat with other students. Looking for a place to stay should be done as soon as possible to avoid the high demand and high costs.
Food
Another big expense for Barcelona's university students is food. Cooking at home is advised because eating out might be costly. Grocery prices in Barcelona are comparable to those in other European cities. For one individual, a weekly grocery budget of €50 to €70 can offer plenty of food. By purchasing their groceries from neighbourhood markets and supermarkets rather than specialised shops, students can save money. Students can also look for greater bargains by checking out the sales and promotions offered by the supermarkets.
Transport
The metro, buses and trams are all part of Barcelona's first-rate public transit network. €20 gets you unlimited public transport travel for a month. In Barcelona, bicycles are another well-liked form of transportation. Students can buy a used bicycle for about €100, or they can subscribe to Bicing for €50 a year. To save money on transport, students can choose to walk, cycle, or take public transport to their university from their Student Accommodation Barcelona.
Entertainment
Although Barcelona's nightlife is well-known for being energetic, it may be expensive. Drinks in clubs cost about €8 a piece, and entry fees range from €5 to €20. By taking advantage of happy hour specials and consuming alcohol prior to heading out, students can save money. Additionally, there are lots of inexpensive or free things to do in Barcelona, such as going to parks, museums, and beaches. Students can also participate in free events and activities that their university hosts.
Utilities
Additional costs for university students in Barcelona include those for utilities including gas, electricity, water, and the internet. The size and usage of the flat determine how much the utilities cost. A one-bedroom apartment's average monthly utility bill is about €100. To lower monthly utility expenditures, energy use must be carefully considered.
Healthcare
Students can receive medical care in Barcelona using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) thanks to the city's extensive healthcare infrastructure. Having comprehensive health insurance is advised, though, as private treatment can be costly. The annual cost of health insurance for students might approach €600. It's important to consult with universities before acquiring any insurance because some of them provide health insurance policies for their students.
How to lower living expenses for foreign students
- Select a college or institution in Barcelona with reasonably priced tuition.
- If you fit all the requirements, submit an application for a scholarship.
- Choose shorter-term programmes: intense 5-week summer programmes, January programmes, etc. In this manner, you'll be able to pay less for tuition while gaining the necessary abilities quickly.
- Make money as you study. Take up part-time work if your programme permits it to assist you in making that extra money.
- Purchase used study materials if you plan to live in Barcelona.
- Utilise student savings: Student discounts are available in a lot of stores, eateries, and entertainment locations. To take advantage of these savings, a student ID card must be carried.
In conclusion, living expenses for university students in Barcelona can be high; nevertheless, with careful preparation and astute budgeting, one can control costs and take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. Students can reduce costs while still having a nice time in this lovely city by preparing their own meals, cooking at home, using public transportation, and looking for free or inexpensive events. They can also save money by taking advantage of affordable housing alternatives.