Report from Lisa-Marie Draxler

Introduction

I started my first Erasmus semester at the renowned Universitat de Barcelona (UB) with
great expectations and a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The time I spent in this
fascinating city proved to be as challenging as it was enriching – a unique experience that not
only opened up new academic perspectives for me, but also shaped me personally. I arrived
together with a fellow student, safe in the knowledge that two other friends were waiting
for us on site. This report is intended to provide an insight into the most important stages
and experiences of my semester and at the same time give other students an orientation for
future stays abroad.

Arrival and first impressions of the accommodation situation

The first accommodation my girlfriend and I secured for the start of our stay was an Airbnb.
However, the conditions on site turned out to be rather sobering. The cramped rooms and
the simple standard were noticeably different from our usual living conditions. Nevertheless,
this was the safest option for us, as we already knew about the many scammers in the
housing market. This initial challenge immediately introduced us to the reality of the Spanish
rental market and forced us to quickly develop flexibility and patience.

The pitfalls of finding accommodation

Finding accommodation in Barcelona proved to be an almost Kafkaesque challenge. The
market was highly competitive and the requirements for affordable housing proved to be
extremely demanding. Despite persistent efforts and countless viewing appointments,
suitable accommodation initially seemed out of reach. However, in a moment of good
fortune, we were both able to find a room shortly before the start of the lecture period –
surprisingly in two shared flats in the same building. While my friend moved into an allfemale shared flat, I found my new home in a men’s shared flat. In the end, this arrangement
turned out to be a stroke of luck and I haven’t regretted the decision to move into this
community for a moment. We are all still in touch with each other and plan on visiting each
other in our home countries.

Everyday life and academic challenges at the Universitat de Barcelona

After successfully completing the apartment search, I was able to start focusing more
intensely on life in Barcelona and the academic challenges at the UB. The city immediately
captivated me – from the lively streets of the Barri Gòtic to the expanses of the beaches of
Barceloneta, which offered me both relaxation and inspiration. The UB proved to be a
cosmopolitan institution rich in tradition, which enabled me to learn from exceptional
lecturers and at the same time get to know and appreciate the international study
community. The balance between academic immersion and experiencing the vibrant city
gave my stay a unique dynamic.

Extension of the stay – a logical decision

After just a few weeks, I felt the desire to extend my time in Barcelona beyond the planned
semester. The prospect of deepening my studies here and spending more time in this vibrant
city seemed irresistible to me. With commitment and determination, I managed to extend
my stay for another semester. This decision filled me with great joy and gave me the
opportunity to further expand my experiences and knowledge in Barcelona.

Conclusion and outlook

My first Erasmus semester at the Universitat de Barcelona was a profound experience –
characterized by challenging moments, inspiring encounters and incomparable impressions.
The beginning was by no means without hurdles, but the solidarity with my friends and life
in the international community made every effort worthwhile. This semester not only
broadened my horizons, but also taught me to be flexible and open to the unexpected.
Barcelona has long since become a second home, and the opportunity to stay for another
semester fills me with gratitude and anticipation for the coming months in this fascinating
city.