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Frequently Asked Questions about European University Barcelona
European University – The Business School in Barcelona, Spain
Student Life• What clubs and organizations do you have?
• How much do I need for personal expenses?
• Do I need to open a bank account? How would I do this?
• How or where do I change money?
• Do I need a student visa?
• What is the process for obtaining Spanish residence?
• What is the transition process for transfer students?
• What do students do for fun off campus?
• What sporting activities do you offer?
• Do I need a car?
• Do I need a cell/mobile phone?
• What should I bring with me?
• Should I bring a computer from home or wait to buy one when I arrive?
• Is there anything else that I should know about living in Barcelona?
Housing
• Is there Internet access in the classrooms?
• Can I ship some of my belongings ahead of time?
• When will I find out my housing assignment?
• Is there storage on campus?
• What type of accommodation is on offer?
Academics
• Are programs taught entirely in English?
• I have completed part of my education in UK/USA. Do I need TOEFL/GMAT?
• What is the average class size?
• How many students attend at the Barcelona Campus?
• What is the student/professor ratio?
• When do I register for classes?
• How many classes do students take each day?
Money and Financial Assistance
• What is the cost of tuition and accommodation?
• Do tuition fees cover book expenses?
• Can I earn money by working on campus?
• Do I need a work permit for on- or off-campus jobs?
• Do I pay in US dollars ($) or Euros (€)?
Student Life
What clubs and organizations do you have?
EU has a Student Council, which in collaboration with the Student Advisor organizes a diverse range of cultural and social activities. Student Council positions are elected in the fall; any EU student is eligible to run for office. The student council acts as the voice of the entire student body.
How much do I need for personal expenses?
The amount of money you will need depends on your spending habits. We recommend around 150–250 € per week as this should easily cover your food, travel and entertainment expenses.
Do I need to open a bank account? How would I do this?
Depending on how long you are planning on staying in Barcelona, you may or may not need to open a bank account. If you plan to be here for more than one semester we suggest you open a bank account. Upon request EU will issue you a letter for the bank stating that you are a student. If you take this letter to the bank you should have no trouble opening a student account.
How or where do I change money?
There are many places in the city to change money. You just take your cash to one of the following places and they will calculate the exchange rate and make the exchange which generally takes less than five minutes. You can use small private companies, American Express shops or banks. Exchange rates do vary so it may be best to look around before you exchange large amounts of money. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found all over Barcelona and usually give the best exchange rates. Most of them accept bank cards from around the world.
Do I need a student visa?
All international students require a student visa, except European Union citizens.
What is the process for obtaining Spanish residence?
STEPS FOR OBTAINING A RESIDENCE CARD (NIE) – NON-EU CITIZENS
• Locate the nearest Civic Office/ Council Building
• Register there as a Barcelona citizen (Empadronar)
• The papers you will need in order to do this are:
1. Passport
2. Proof of residence (Household utility bill/ Rental contract)
• Once you are registered as a citizen of Barcelona you can apply for your National Identification Number (NIE) and/or
Residence Card.
• The Foreign Office of Barcelona is located in Calle Marqués de Argentera 2, 2ª. In order to make an appointment phone or e-mail
the office at 935209530; citaprevia@oue.barcelona.map.es
• For your appointment you will have to bring:
1. Letter of residence (empadronamiento)
2. Passport (and a copy)
3. 3 passport photos
4. Application forms for NIE and Residence Card (available from administration)
5. Certificates from the University
STEPS FOR OBTAINING YOUR RESIDENCE CARD (NIE) – EU CITIZENS
• Locate the nearest Civic Office/ Council Building
• Register there as a Barcelona citizen (Empadronar)
• The papers you will need in order to do this are:
1. Passport
2. Proof of residence (Household utility bill/ Rental contract)
• Once you are registered as a citizen of Barcelona you can apply for your National Identification Number (NIE) and/or Residence Card.
• Go to the Police Station on Calle San Juan de Borbon, Barceloneta or contact them at 935209530 or
citaprevia@oue.barcelona.map.es. For your appointment you will have to bring:
1. Letter of residence (Empadronamiento)
2. Passport (and a copy)
3. 3 passport photos
4. NIE application form (available from administration)
5. Certificates from the University (available from administration)
What is the transition process for transfer students?
When you apply to EU we will evaluate your transcripts and let you know how many credits you can transfer. When you arrive you will meet with your academic adviser and discuss your educational goals and map out the rest of your degree program. Transfer students are welcomed to EU with open arms and soon feel at home. We offer many transfer opportunities across our worldwide campus network.
What do students do for fun off campus?
An easier question would probably be what students do not do off campus. As we are so well located, there is a huge range of activities to choose from. For example students spend time at the many pubs, clubs, parks, movie theaters and so on whilst also traveling around the country and throughout Europe.
What sporting activities do you offer?
EU offers students the opportunity to organize and participate in local football, basketball, tennis and beach volleyball leagues, as well as sponsoring one-off tournaments in minority sports such as padle. There is a dedicated member sitting on the student board to help coordinate such events.
Do I need a car?
As we are located within the metropolitan area there is no need to have a car. There are many options for public transport and we are located on main metro (subway) and bus routes.
Do I need a cell/mobile phone?
This is personal choice. Most students buy a mobile (cell) phone when they are at EU. There are many kinds of phones, service providers, and payment plans you can purchase. The two main types of payment plans are ‘contract’ and ‘pay-as-you-go’. With a contract payment plan you normally receive a free phone, but this requires you to have a bank account which the service provider can debit monthly. Generally new students have not been resident in the EU long enough or do not have enough money in their bank accounts to arrange a contract and therefore opt for ‘pay-as-you-go’.
Most students do prefer the flexibility of a ‘pay-as-you-go’ phone. In order for your phone to have service, you must add credit to it. This comes in the form of ‘top-up’ vouchers, which come in denominations of 5–50€ and can be purchased everywhere. As your phone runs out of credit, you buy a ‘top-up’ voucher, enter the voucher number into the phone, and it's ready to go again. You are only charged for the phone calls you place and not incoming calls.
What should I bring with me?
• Credit Cards (with photocopies for your records)
• Debit/ATM Card (with photocopies)
• Document Folder to keep relevant documents:
1. Valid Passport and student visa (and a photocopy)
2. Copy of offer letter, visa letter, scholarship letter, any other materials sent to you by EU as well as payment receipts for all fees
3. Your medical records and certified copies of academic transcripts, educational work or work qualifications that you may have completed
Should I bring a computer from home or wait to buy one when I arrive?
You can purchase a computer either here or at home. For convenience a laptop is recommended. But please be aware that in Spain electrical appliances run on 220/240 voltage. For laptops it is better to buy a whole new power cord to use in Spain than to use the original power cord with a converter/adaptor. It is also best to compare prices for computers in your home country and in Spain.
Is there anything else that I should know about living in Barcelona?
• Electricity – the standard voltage throughout Europe is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs have two-round pins and adaptors are available.
• Food – Students are responsible for their own food and meals, however there are plenty of supermarkets or affordable restaurants nearby if students do not want to cook. Students must be aware of the accumulated costs involved in eating out on a regular basis.
• Linen – sheets and bedding are provided in some of our housing facilities. Towels are not provided.
• Medical Insurance – Students studying at EU for less than 6 months should ensure they have adequate medical insurance.
• Optical needs – if you wear glasses or contact lenses you should bring spares.
• Other personal items – you might find it useful to bring a battery operated alarm clock, a small sewing kit and a copy of any regular
medical prescriptions that you require.
Housing
Is there Internet access in the classrooms?
EU Campuses have WiFi and study rooms with computer terminals.
Can I ship some of my belongings ahead of time?
Boxes can be sent ahead of time to the main campus. Please keep in mind that we will not be able to store very large boxes and that you will have to transport your belongings from the campus to the residence. If you have large boxes you will have to take a taxi to the residence.
When will I find out my housing assignment?
The Admissions Office will contact you about a month before the beginning of the semester to help you with your room assignment, you can email admissions and we will be happy to help you look for housing.
Is there storage on campus?
There are no lockers on campus, books and various daily supplies will need to be carried with you. Luggage can be stored in the student council office during semester breaks, however items will be left at the owner’s risk. European University will not be held responsible for loss, theft or damage of items.
What kind of accommodation is on offer?
There are different types of accommodation available but the majority of our students share apartments (private renting). European University administration helps students find accommodation. Please contact our administration office on info.bcn@euruni.edu in order to receive an updated list of available apartments.
Academics
Are programs taught entirely in English?
Yes, all of our classes are taught in English
I have completed part of my education in UK/USA. Do I need TOEFL/GMAT?
The TOEFL is not required if you have proof of study in American or English schools. The GMAT is sometimes required for the MBA. Email admissions department if you have further questions.
What is the average class size?
20–25
How many students attend at the Barcelona Campus?
300–320
What is the student/professor ratio?
9/1
When do I register for classes?
Registration takes place on the first day of every semester. It is not possible for new students to register early.
How many classes do students take each day?
EU students take 8 classes a semester; these classes generally meet once or twice a week, from Monday–Friday. The number of classes a day varies depending on individual schedules.
Money and Financial Assistance
What is the cost of tuition?
Click here for complete details of our fees.
Do tuition fees cover book expenses?
No, the tuition fee only covers tuition. You will need approximately 500€ for book expenses.
Can I earn money by working on-campus?
EU has a limited number of student jobs on-campus. However, your student visa will allow you to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week.
Do I need a work permit for on- or off-campus jobs?
Your student visa will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during vacation. This applies to both on-campus and off-campus jobs.
Do I pay in US dollars ($) or Euros (€)?
All of our prices are in Euros. If you wish to pay in US dollars you can. The amount you pay will be based on the current exchange rate to Euros.
Tips for New Students
Luggage
Please check the weather before coming. It is not often extremely cold here but rain is not uncommon so a waterproof jacket is useful. Try not to bring too much luggage as storage space is limited and remember that the airlines usually limit you to two pieces of checked-in luggage.
Linen
Sheets, bedding and pillows are provided depending on your housing arrangement.
Computers
EU has Wi-Fi access as well as computer labs with web access and printers.
Food
All students pay for their own food. However there are plenty of places to eat nearby if you do not want to cook.
Living in Barcelona
Barcelona is an enchanting city – a booming business as well as cultural capital. It provides the perfect balance between study and pleasure and keeps its citizens and visitors busy day and night.
It is an aesthetically unique city where many famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró and Gaudi have left their mark. People come from all over the world to marvel at the ‘wonders’ of these artists and to stroll down the city’s world-famous feature, ‘La Rambla’, a tree-lined boulevard providing constant leisure and entertainment.
Barcelona’s unique location, set between the beach and the mountains, endows the city with an impressive charm. The city’s 1992 hosting of the Olympic Games brought huge investments in transport and infrastructure, leaving the city with a high standard of living.
There is plenty to see and do in Barcelona so you will not be bored! The university is located in the city center. To find out more about the local area, take a look at these Barcelona websites: www.barcelonaturisme.com and www.bcn.es/english/ihome.htm
