Hi! My name is Margulan, and I’m currently a study-abroad student at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain. I chose this university because it’s one of the most reputable in the country—and yes, the classes are challenging! But what truly drew me in was Madrid itself: a vibrant, dynamic city full of history, culture, and life.

Today, I want to take you through a typical day in my life as a study-abroad student. From early-morning classes to late-night tapas with friends, every day here feels like a new adventure.

8:00 AM – Rise and Shine

The morning sunlight pours into my room, warming the space and gently nudging me awake. I lie in bed for a few moments, debating whether I should skip my first class (I usually don’t!). After a little self-motivation, I get up and step out onto my small balcony. It overlooks a quaint square and the beautiful Mercado de la Cebada. The spring breeze fills the room with a refreshing crispness.

After enjoying the view, I take a quick shower and eat a light breakfast—very typical of Madrid: yogurt, fruit, toast, and a cup of tea or coffee. Then, I pack my bag and head to the train station.

Morning – Spanish Class

My university has two main campuses: Leganés, where I take my Computer Science courses, and Getafe, where I attend my beginner Spanish class. The commute to Getafe takes about 50 minutes by train, which I usually spend reading or listening to music.

Spanish is my favorite class—I’ve always loved learning languages. Our professor speaks entirely in Spanish, which helps us learn quickly through immersion.

After class, I meet up with friends for lunch. We often eat at the university cafeteria or a nearby Brazilian café. We try to speak a bit of Spanish with the waitstaff—and with each other—which is both fun and good practice. We usually chat about our travel experiences and the cultural differences between Spain and our home countries.

Afternoon – Software Development Class

After lunch, I take the bus to the engineering campus in Leganés. Madrid’s public transportation is fantastic—whether by metro, train, or bus, you can get just about anywhere.

With some time to spare before my next class, I often study in the library or relax in the quad, soaking up the sun. Then it’s time for Software Development. Classes here typically last two hours, which is longer than I’m used to in the U.S., but with only two sessions per week for most courses, it balances out.

Evening – Unwinding in the City

After class, I take the metro back home. Even in the evening, Madrid stays lively—the sun doesn’t set until around 9 PM in the spring, so the city is still buzzing.

On days when I finish early, I love visiting El Retiro Park. Whether I’m reading, meeting friends, or simply taking in the culture, it’s one of my favorite places to unwind.

Fridays are for going out. Madrid has a rich nightlife scene, with many thematic bars and venues to explore. There’s always something happening, and it’s a great way to meet people and experience Spanish culture firsthand.

No two days are ever the same here. Studying abroad has made every moment feel like an opportunity to explore, connect, and grow. There’s always something new around the corner—you just have to be open to it.

¡Hasta luego!