Things You Need To Prepare for Before Going to Spain To Study

No matter which country you choose to pursue your studies, it is important that you prepare for it. 

Remember that you will be staying for some time in an unfamiliar country, like Spain, for example. 

Although Spain is known for its laid-back lifestyle, it is still important that you prepare for some of the basic things that can make your stay there easier.  

Read below to know the things you need to prepare for before going to Spain to study. 

Prepare Your Accommodation

The most important part of staying in Spain is ensuring you have the right accommodation, no matter if you will only be staying there for a short time (a couple of weeks to a month), or a long time (one to four years). 

If you want to stay in on-campus accommodation, it is important that you immediately call your institution about reserving a slot as soon as you get your letter of acceptance. Remember that on-campus accommodations are usually in-demand, thus, it is important to do it as soon as you can. 

If you don’t want to stay in on-campus accommodation, you can book at a hostel for a short-term stay while looking for other private rentals in Spain, or directly look for one with the help of real estate agents. You can also ask your institution if they are offering services to help you look for a good rental place. 

Process Your Health Insurance

Spain has one of the best healthcare in the world, per the World Population Review. Spanish citizens get free access to healthcare through social security. 

Moreover, although Spain has an amazing healthcare system, they are only free to its residents. Thus, international students are required to have health insurance to cover their whole stay abroad. Most foreign nationals in Spain, including students, choose private health insurance. Not only are the services faster, but, it also makes it easier to look for English-speaking doctors, an important factor if the student is not yet that familiar with speaking Spanish. 

Some of the most famous health insurance providers in Spain chosen by international students include the following: 

• Axa
• Sanitas
• ASISA
• Adeslas

Set Up a Bank Account 

There are many reasons why you should open a Spanish bank account. 

One is that it can help you save more money since you don’t have to pay foreign fees when using bank services while in Spain. 

Second, it can help make your life in Spain easier. For example, when paying for your tuition fees at school or your monthly rent and utilities, you can just course it through your bank. If you are planning to work in Spain, your employer can easily send you your wage through your bank. 

Check out our guide to banking in Spain, from choosing the right bank account for you to set one up. 

Familiarize Yourself With Spain’s Transport System

Being familiar with Spain’s transportation system before you arrive there can save you a lot of time learning about it, once you are already in Spain. 

Also, instead of automatically choosing a taxi or uber to deliver you from the airport to your accommodation, it can help you choose more practical options as soon as you arrive in Spain. 

Those are just some of the few things you need to prepare for before going to Spain to study. Learn more preparation tips, from things to pack, and scholarships you can apply for if you want to study in Spain by checking our articles at MSM Unify.