It’s been 2 years and I’ll never forget my first few months in Madrid. I was so confused, trying to make some friends, learning Spanish and on top of that, going through a breakup. But hey, by some miracle, I actually made it. 2 years later, I am living in an incredible studio apartment in Madrid city centre, have a steady (and crazy) job and plenty of lessons to share about living in Madrid. Trust me, there are some CV-worthy skills that can come out of these lessons.
Living in Madrid taught me that...
- Summer + Madrid = a very strong need for AC
- Paperwork + Madrid = more complicated than Rocket Science
- Accommodation search + September = a challenge you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy
- Making friends with Spaniards = well worth it
- Madrid + learning Spanish = an even better experience
- Exploring the city = obligatory
- Exploring the continent = a limitless adventure
What I learned from living in Madrid
1. Summer in Madrid is pure hell
“Oh, 40+ degrees (Celsius) can’t be that bad!”
I remember those words and I’m deeply ashamed of them. Sure, when it’s 20 degrees at night and you’re blessed with air conditioning. It’s not bad. But when none of those things are available, then it’s hell and you become really good at surviving the summer heat. Do yourself a favor and don’t visit Madrid during the summer. Or, if possible, get out. Investing in AC is highly advisable.
Skills gained: Being able to adjust to any situation
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
2. Doing paperwork in Madrid is bigger hell
Oh hello, paying bills, getting your visa, getting a NIE, Spanish citizenship and more. Even just doing the simplest things can seem practically impossible when you are living in Madrid. Dealing with paperwork in this city will test every ounce of patience and you’ll learn how to meditate it all out. Either that, or you’ll just go insane.
Skills gained: Patience of a zen-master
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
3. Don’t search for accommodation in September
Trust me – I work for a real estate company. September is the high season of apartment hunting and it brings out the worst in people. Although we have plenty of properties available, your chances will be even bigger if you do yourself a favor and book in advance – luckily for you, Spotahome allows you to do that.
Skills gained: Planning ahead
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
4. Make friends with locals
Unfortunately, many people live in Madrid temporarily. They might be around for a year or two and then suddenly, you have to start all over again. Hanging out with only au pairs made me miss my friends so much more after they left the city and returned back home. I don’t mind long-distance friendships, but if you’re truly looking for a likeminded crowd of awesome people, you have to get to know the locals.
And that means learning Spanish, which brings me to my next point.
Skills gained: Friendly and outgoing
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
5. Make effort to learn Spanish in your first year
Practice every day. By the end of your first year, you should have basic Spanish knowledge. We’ve covered some efficient ways you can learn Spanish fast before, so you literally have no excuses.
Yeah, it might still be hard to crack a few jokes and you might still look like a fool in the gym when a random person comes to speak to you, but making an effort to learn Spanish in your first year will help you make your second year awesome. Once you get down the small chitchat and puns in Spanish, you’ll feel like a king.
Skills gained: Learned Spanish in a year
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
6. Really explore your city
I mean, really explore it. Once you’re done with Madrid’s history and touristy places (do become a basic tourist at some point) go past the city centre – you never know what you might find in areas such as Lavapies, Tetuan or even Alcobendas. There’s definitely more to Madrid than Malasaña or Salamanca (although those neighborhoods are both equally awesome). Go hiking or take a day trip to a nearby town – you’ll be amazed by the different cultures!
Skills gained: Being fit and healthy
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
7. You have to get out of town
Speaking of day trips, living in Madrid for long enough can make anyone crazy. Do yourself a favor and go explore other parts of Spain and Europe. With tickets as cheap as €40 (Return. to London. and Mallorca. and Brussels.), it’ll give you a chance to travel more than you ever did before in your life.
Skills gained: Good at travel planning
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
Bonus lesson: Madrid says relax
Being able to take a chill pill and just accept that sometimes repair work won’t be done until a month later has been the most important lesson I’ve learned while living in Madrid. Although I’m still struggling to fully agree with this lifestyle, taking in the Spanish way of life has helped me to be more relaxed and not worry about the little things.
Skills gained: Keeping calm
Photo source: Mandy Lutman
I think I might be getting too much sun.