Queen Mary University of London Languages student, Klevisa, discusses all things study abroad: the joys and the challenges.

After arriving in Madrid, it’s safe to say I was pretty excited to spend my semester there. The city welcomed me with warm sunshine and bustling crowds from day to the late evening in Puerta del sol and Plaza Mayor. From Queen Mary to Comillas, things felt promising despite the nerves of living away from home.

Universidad Pontificia Comillas has lots to offer for its incoming exchange students, with classes tailored for internationals but also the opportunity to take other classes that their home students take. Taking both types of classes introduced me to a plethora of people from different backgrounds, bringing that melting pot feeling that London has to Madrid. It wasn’t only the professors there who made me feel part of the university, but some of the home students too, who helped to make me feel more settled in, especially when I would feel homesick.

Speaking of homesickness, it is definitely a normal and valid feeling that many of us experience when we go abroad, but you can overcome it. For me, the remedy was going on ‘solo dates’, whether it was visiting the Reina Sofia Museum (free entry for students!) or going for a walk in Retiro Park with a matcha latte and music playing in my headphones. Another thing could be to give yourself a small push and meet up with a friend, even if you’d rather stay in bed. It can help to take your mind off it, or you may feel like it’s a relaxed way to talk to someone and release your burdens.

One thing I can guarantee is that Madrid won’t leave you feeling bored. You want to do that thing? Madrid’s probably got it! I particularly loved going around to Malasaña and Chueca, Madrid’s bohemian neighbourhoods, known for their vintage stores and independent, trendy bars and restaurants. La Latina is another great area, especially to satisfy your cravings for tapas and have a drink in the many Spanish tabernas that fill those streets. If you want museums, there are plenty to boost your cultural capital. I particularly enjoyed Galería de Colecciones Reales, which also had temporary exhibitions such as the Sorolla: 100 years of modernity.

Madrid’s transport system is well-connected within the city and also to other cities across Spain via high-speed trains. In Madrid, you can get a personal transport card and buy a 30-day young person’s pass to use all transport in the city for 8 euros! For national trains, the Más Renfe Joven programme gives you 30% discount on various trains across Spain, giving you the opportunity to travel around the country and enjoy its other beautiful places. I went to Barcelona and Valencia, which were some of the most exciting places I visited.

My time in Madrid will be unforgettable; I learned to embrace every aspect of studying abroad: the good days full of adventure, days out, the people I met but also the homesickness, dealing with paperwork, budgeting and academic challenges. I wouldn’t have had it any other way and if you have the opportunity to go abroad, take it. You won’t regret it!