I just joined and would like to post a message on the board. I will be starting my MBA in Madrid this November. I'll probably arrive in Madrid in October sometime. I was just wondering if anyone has any good apartment tips (shared or studios). If I can be of help to anyone else here just drop me a message. I've minored in Spanish, taken the D.E.L.E. and now have pretty good experience with dealing with a Spanish Univ.
'sta luego!
Mike
"He who hath not a dram of folly in his mixture, hath pounds of much worse matter in his composition".
Posts: 334 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 06 June 2003
to get an idea of what prices are for rooms and apartments.
As far as neighborhoods are concerned, you will have to be specific as far as what you are looking for in one. Everyone on this board has their favorite parts of Madrid.
Ask away and we will answer all of your questions.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Welcome to the board. Unless things have changed since I studied in Madrid, it might be challenging to find a place to live in October, because so many pisos are rented at the beginning of the school semester (in September). Just a heads-up so you can plan ahead.
"An honest man is always a child" - Socrates ...no wonder I'm so immature!
Also, look through the MANY threads on this board for info and tips on finding housing, it is JAM PACKED with great info.
Paul is on the money, October is THE worst month for looking for digs here in Madrid. All or most students return in early Sept. and take all the best places
Id it possible for you to come a month earlier? I think it would make a world of difference.
Mike, if it's not possible to come earlier, DONT WORRY. Just look at all the places to find housing, and start contacting people now. I know that sounds nuts, but I am moving over in August, and started writing people whose places sounded good in FEB because I was so freaked out by the entire housing thing!! And, I found one and don't have to worry about it anymore! Do you have any friends or any contacts in Madrid that could go check it out for you if you find something and leave a downpayment if they like it and you trust them? Just another idea! I hope it works out! Keep us posted, Joy
Posts: 541 | Location: Madrid (but from Boston) | Registered: 16 December 2002
One other idea Mike, if you found somewhere, if you have the funds, would be to offer to pay for Sept, to hold it for you, because that way they're not losing anything by not giving it to a student that would be coming for sept. Then maybe it could be subletted for the month, who knows!
Posts: 541 | Location: Madrid (but from Boston) | Registered: 16 December 2002
You always come in with such great advice in addition to what others have said. Now, the true test will be if Mike returns and gives us an update of what he plans on doing.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
My apologies to all those who responded!!! I didn't know this message board is so active or I would have responded sooner. I kinda figured that looking in late sept. or october was too late. I plan on going in August to look for something and like what was mentioned offering to pay half the rent or something to hold it in Sept. so I can ship my stuff down. However, the airline tix are pretty steep and I don't know if I can spare the cash. If I can't my gf (who lives in Madrid BTW) will set me up with something in august/sept. Ideally I would have liked a small studio for myself as I am pretty maniacal when it comes to studying, but since I had to pay 20% of the tuition out of my pocket I think I may have to room with someone instead. I've been to Madrid about 7 times and know the neighborhoods pretty well. To me it really doesn't matter where I stay if it's cheap. Of course I wouldn't rent something in a horrendous area but I think you know what I mean.
"He who hath not a dram of folly in his mixture, hath pounds of much worse matter in his composition".
Posts: 334 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 06 June 2003
As you can see, we DO respond very quickly on this message board. You may want to have your girlfriend set up something for you BEFORE you come. I can attest to what Jer has said. When I started my MA with Middlebury, I got here on September 4 and boy was it a MESS. Many places has already been scooped up and it was a lot of leg work.
Many students walked around and looked for SE ALQUILA signs on pisos on various streets. They were in for a shocker because may had already been rented and the sign hadn't been taking down.
Not to deter you or anything, but, try and set something up earlier, if you can. As far as rooms are concerned, I've never seen one in a piso advertised with it's own bathroom. this doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I've never seen an ad with it.
GOOD LUCK in your search and check back often for new info and responses to your questions.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Good luck with the search. In my program, we arrived in late August, and stayed in a dorm until September 30. I waited too long to find a place and it was difficult. Those who started at the end of August to early September did well and found nice places....I just wanted to save you the pain I went through.
"An honest man is always a child" - Socrates ...no wonder I'm so immature!
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- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
