Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

If you get the opportunity to go study in UCM, do it! You'll work hard but make the most of it and you'll have a year to remember.

Try to use spanish travel agencies.Travelling around Madrid is very easy and cheap, with a lot of possibilities. I found my appartment through a newspaper called segundamano (second hand) where there is a big offer for flats and appartments. It is very important to look for it before september, because the spanish students always do it in summer, and after it is almost imposible or very expensive. If you don´t have the possibility to come in summer, just do it by internet: www.segundamano.es (I did it so)

I have to say, I truly believe that in general Madrid is has a wonderful social scene and nightlife. The most wonderful thing about it is that everyone goes out to have fun and really dance! Nobody really dances in the US. People are too proud or shy to move their hips a bit. However, this is far from the truth in Madrid, Espana! There everyone from the ages of 16 till death do you part, likes to get up and go out and enjoy life with a couple of canas (small beers) and good friends of course. A couple of my favorite dance spots were La Mona Lisa bar, Zuristan, Sol, and Kapital. Now all of these places that I've listed go up in size and energy level in accordance to the order I have arranged them in. Mona Lisa for example is a bar/nightclub with some of the best music and an unbeatable atmosphere! And the latters ones are great as well however they are much bigger and not as intimate. But they are always fun. As far as cafes go, this is a hard question to answer since Madrid is one big Cafe! That is what I loved so much about Madrid and most of Europe for that matter. Everywhere you go there are so many patios set up (when it's warm of course) where you can enjoy a wonderful Cafe con Leche in the sun or some great aceitunas (olives) with a wonderful Cana. That along with some Jamon Serrano are my personal favorites! That is probably the first thing that I would eat once landed in Madrid. But if I had to name my favorite cafe, it would have to be one of the Museo's de Jamon off of Sol. This place is typical to Madrid and Spain. It's cheap, personable, and you really get to see the Spaniards in action! I love the way the workers yell out the orders to the kitchen. I go there just to hear them do it! The atmosphere is wonderful, but I warn you, don't go in there if you are a Vegetarian!!