Howdy! My name is Valentina Blanco, and I am currently studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain for the Spring 2026 semester. I wanted to share my first impressions of the city and the university for any students who are considering doing a study abroad on their own.
It’s hard to believe it’s only been two weeks since I arrived. The way the city welcomes you truly makes you want to stay forever. Adjusting to the time difference from Texas took a bit of time, during the first few days I was barely sleeping, but my body has finally adapted, and things feel much more normal now.
Life in Barcelona
Life here has a very easygoing vibe. There are Erasmus students from all over the world, especially from across Europe. People go out almost every day of the week, there’s always a plan at night. Days start a little later, and nights feel never-ending. If you join the Erasmus club, you can get free entry to clubs, parties, and events, which is a huge plus.
The food is amazing, tapas are sooo good, with so many options to choose from. If you’re a coffee or matcha lover, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how cheap it is. I’ve been paying around €2 per coffee. The weather in Barcelona is pretty cold right now, but luckily I arrived during sale season, so I was able to buy plenty of clothes for very cheap.
School Life at UPF
I’ve been really enjoying my classes at UPF’s Ciutadella campus. I’ve met students from all over the world, and UPF has an amazing Erasmus program with constant activities to help exchange students integrate and make connections during the first weeks. I’ve made friends from Italy, France, Belgium, and London, and I find it incredibly enriching to learn about different cultures and languages.
One big difference compared to home is class size, most classes have around 30 students, and the classrooms are quite small. The Business and Economics campus is located in Ciutadella, very close to the beach. You can choose to take classes in Spanish, Catalan, or English. The professors also come from diverse backgrounds, which has given me different perspectives on how business is done around the world.
Friends
Don’t be afraid to approach people, everyone has been so nice so far. Most students are here to have fun, meet new people, and build connections. You’ll learn so much from different cultures and backgrounds. And if you love pasta, make friends with Italians, trust me, they really know how to cook it! Take your time to settle in, but most importantly, enjoy the journey.
