UICInternationalGuide
2014-2015
Welcome to Barcelona!
With its sophisticated international communications, mild Mediterranean climate, wide array of
recreational activities and Cosmopolitan feel, it is no wonder that Barcelona currently attracts over 7
million tourists a year. Throughout its 2000-year history, Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has made
significant contributions to architecture, art and culture. Traditionally open to foreign influences while
maintaining its strong Catalan identity, Barcelona has adopted a modern and dynamic approach to the
way it handles its commercial, industrial, creative and educational activities.
Barcelona also boasts one of the largest university communities in Europe, made up of nearly 200.000
students and 12.500 professors. In its 500 years of university life, Barcelona has shown a strong
commitment to providing quality education.
Welcome to the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya!
Within this community, the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), as its name suggests, has
created a unique place for itself, thanks to its international perspective. It offers comprehensive approach
to learning and provides professional training for today’s globalized world, while maintaining humanistic
values that respond to each individual’s personal needs.
The international Relations team at UIC coordinates the international exchange of students, professors
and staff members at the university level through the Erasmus and bilateral exchange programs. We also
offer support regarding a number of issues, such as legalizing foreign status in Spain, to incoming
students from overseas who enroll in one of the Bachelor’s or Postgraduate programs of studies offered
by UIC. Many of these topics are addressed in this guide.
Another resource we recommend consulting before departure is the website of the Barcelona Centre
Universitari (www.bcu.cesca.es) as it guides students through each step of preparations for their stay in
Barcelona and for admission or transfer process into the Spanish university system.
Finally, any remaining questions may be addressed to the International Relations Office, open from 9.00
to 18.00 (When classes are in session) in Barcelona and Sant Cugat campuses.
2 | Index
About UIC ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Things to do before you arrive ...................................................................................................................... 7
Things to do when you arrive ........................................................................................................................ 9
On arrival at UIC ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Accomodation and rent ........................................................................................................................... 14
Services................................................................................................................................................... 16
Banks ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Healthcare ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Opportunities to volunteer ....................................................................................................................... 19
Employment ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Leisure, culture and tourism .................................................................................................................... 20
Shopping ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Restaurants and cafes ........................................................................................................................ 28
Lunch and coffee ................................................................................................................................. 30
Coffee and tea ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Bakeries .............................................................................................................................................. 31
3 | About UIC
Our university
The Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC) is a private, non-profit institution, promoted by the
Fundació Familiar Catalana and recognized by the Catalan Parliament in 1997.
Over 4.600 students currently attend UIC, which are fairly evenly divided between its two campuses.
About 3400 of these students pursue studies in one of our 19 undergraduate degrees and diplomas; the
remaining 1200 pursue studies in one of nearly 50 Masters, postgraduate, and doctoral programs at UIC.
With approximately 296 teachers on staff, the resulting average professor/student ratio is 14/1.
Philosophy & Values
The Universitat Internacional de Catalunya offers you a highly personalized university education with a
strong vocational element. This high level of personalized treatment is achieved by ensuring that there is:
no more than one group per course; maximum of 80 students per lecture, and one university professor
assigned to every eight students. The teaching staff, as well as delivering vital academic training, is also
dedicated to providing students with advice and guidance throughout their studies.
A high proportion (40%) of teaching program is set aside for practical-based classes. Most of our teachers
have professional backgrounds and the university nurtures a very close relationship with business via its
work experience programs. The aim is to equip the student with all the knowledge, skills and talents
demanded by the market, while also providing a solid training in the fundamental values of Christian
Humanism.
The international character of the university is a basic and necessary feature for the student. In this
respect 10% of our alumni are from overseas; students study English courses which are personalized to
meet their academic and professional requirements and there is an extensive international exchange
program.
All of these features described above allow students to make the most of the university’s resources (both
in terms of materials and people). This in turns allows them to get the most out of their chosen university
studies and confront the world of work with confidence.
4 | The UIC organizes a wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting activities in an effort to encourage
the students’ full personal development.
In keeping with its ideals, which are based on Christian Humanism, the UIC provides the whole
community with access to the pastoral care delivered by the Chaplaincy Service, which is entrusted to the
prelature of the Opus Dei, an institution belonging to the Catholic Church. The Universitat Internacional de
Catalunya offers customized university courses designed to further your professional development.
The Barcelona Campus
The Barcelona Campus consists of four buildings: Alpha and Beta
(C/ Immaculada) and the buildings Gama and Delta (C/ Terré)
Buildings Alpha and Beta:

Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences

Faculty of Communication Sciences

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Humanities

School of Architecture (Esarq)
The Faculty of Education is located in the Gama and Delta buildings.
The Barcelona campus is easily accessible; thanks to the public bus service (buses 66, 22, 75, 64, 30
and 60) and train network (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, Sarrià station).
The campus is easy to reach from anywhere in the metropolitan area of the city and also from the Vallès
region (Sabadell, Terrassa, Rubi, Sant Cugat, etc.) due to its proximity to the Vallvidrera Tunnels and the
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat. A map is available at the end of this guide.
5 | The Sant Cugat Campus
The faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Dentistry are situated in the Hospital
General de Catalunya (south entrance) in Sant Cugat del Vallès, where 13.500 has been set aside for
academic purposes.
On this campus there are classes given in Dentistry,
physiotherapy, Nursing and Advanced Nursing studies and
Medicine. It is also the location for the University Dentistry clinic
and the dissection theatre belonging to the Area of the Structure
and Function of the Human Body.
The Sant Cugat Campus is easily accessible from both Barcelona
and the Vallès region. It has its own train station (Hospital
General- Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat) and direct link with the A-7
motorway. The campus also contains plenty of parking spaces. A map is also provided at the end of this
guide.
Academic Calendar
At the UIC, the academic year is divided into two semesters. Once incoming exchange and visiting
students have received their letters of acceptance, they can begin to prepare their trip and plan their stay
in Barcelona based on the dates of their respective study programs.
Please note that attendance is mandatory for most of the courses.
Welcome Session:
All incoming exchange students are invited to attend the welcome meeting which takes place at the
beginning of each new semester and to participate in the cultural, linguistic and immersion activities
organized by Dinamitzacio Linguistica, including free Catalan courses, and on-line forum for linguistic
exchange forum (through the UIC intranet) and cultural itineraries for both foreign and local students.
Campus Barcelona:
6 | 3rd September 2014 at 10:30
Campus Sant Cugat*:
5th September 2014 at 11:00
*Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, and the Faculty of Dentistry.
Academic Calendar 2014/2015

1st semester: 4th September 2014 – 16th January 2015

2nd semester: 7th January 2014 –22nd May 2015

Re-take Exams: middle June/July
** Those are general dates for the university, please see detailed calendar for each faculty or program.
Things to do before you arrive
Visas
If you are from a non-EU member state, you will need to apply for a Visa.
Visa rules vary in each country. However, people from the EU do not need a Visa. It is best to go to the
Spanish consulate website for the country where you are currently residing. Some people with certain
nationalities don’t require a visa to enter and stay in Spain for a period of three months, such as those
from Brazil or the USA, but others, such as those from India, do require a Visa to enter.
If you are planning to study in Spain, you should know that you might require a Visa and in this case, the
process may take some time. Be sure to plan ahead for your trip and gather all the necessary documents
to apply for a Spanish Visa.
Something that is important to know is that if you are applying for a Spanish Visa from a foreign country
(for example, if you are a US citizen living in the UK and applying for your Spanish student visa from the
UK) you might have to get all your documents translated into Spanish (it can vary from country to country
so please check your local Spanish Consulate directly for more information).
7 | If you need a Visa for Spain
1. Short-stay Visa (Schengen Visa):
This visa enables you to stay in or transit through the territory of Spain and the other Schengen*
States for a period of up to three months (90 days).
* http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-andvisas/schengen/index_en.htm
The application for short-stay visas must be submitted with a duly completed original and
photocopy.
This form can be can be downloaded for free from the official Spanish consulate website.
It is important to note that you must apply in person for your Visa.
2. Student Visas
Those wishing to study in Spain for more than 90 days, need to apply for this type of Visa.
All foreigners wishing to study in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for and obtain a Visa,
even those from countries with no need for a “short-stay” Visa.
This Visa should be requested in person at the Spanish Consulate/Embassy in the home country.
To apply for a student visa you must submit the following documents:
‐
Your application form.
‐
A photocopy of your passport.
‐
1 passport-sized photograph with a white background.
‐
Transcript or Diploma awarded by your school in the home country where you undertook your
most recent studies.
‐
A letter of admission from a public or private educational institution officially recognised by the
Spanish education authorities, to undertake or extend studies or undertake research.
‐
Your CV and details of any planned training or research.
‐
Proof of health insurance coverage throughout the duration of your stay in Spain, including
cover for medical expenses and repatriation associated with an accident or sudden illness.
‐
8 | Proof of accommodation.
‐
A document proving your economic resources for the entire duration of your studies.
‐
Flight reservation documents.
Bear in mind that all these required documents can be different or can change depending on your home
country.
For more information on potential Visa requirements, please contact your local Spanish Embassy or
Consulate.
When the duration of your authorised stay is longer than six months, foreign citizens holding a Visa must
request, their foreign student card at the Immigration Office or local police station within one month of
their entry into Spain. This is the case for those holding a Visa to undertake or extend studies or research,
training, an unpaid work placement, a student exchange or volunteering,
Things to do when you arrive
Apply for your NIE
Your NIE is a form of ID for foreigners living in Spain and it is required for students who plan to stay in
Spain for longer than 6 months. You will need it to open a bank account, buy a scooter or even to get an
internet connection. PLEASE NOTE: Once you arrive, you have 1 month to apply for your NIE card.
The process to obtain a NIE frequently changes. The most up-to-date procedure we know of is described
below, but please check that the information is still valid. At the end of this chapter you will find the
website where you can find information on the current procedures for obtaining a NIE (however this
information is mainly in Spanish and Catalan).
For EU-citizens
Process to apply for your NIE:
It is very important for you to know that you need to request a scheduled appointment via this website:
http://www.mpt.gob.es/ ---- Ir a extranjería --- Cita previa de estrangería --- Acceder al Proceso.
9 | Required documents:

Proof of your scheduled appointment.

Student NIE application form filled out and signed (original plus 3 copies)

A valid passport or identity card from your country of origin. (original and one photocopy)

Letter of enrolment for the UIC (you can get this document from the International Relations Service).

A European Health Card or a private health insurance policy that covers all risks in Spain during your
studies (original and photocopy). If you take out a private health insurance policy issued in your
country of origin, it must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).

A sworn statement that you have economic means sufficient to cover your stay in Spain.

The census register (empadronamiento) that contains information about your official address in
Barcelona. More information about this procedure is provided below.
‐
Bring approx. 15 euros with you to pay the fees for these documents
You must deliver these documents to the police station located on Rambla Guipúscoa, 74, in
Barcelona, from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 2pm.
At the police station, you will also receive an application to pay a fee of approximately €10. You will
have to go and pay it at the bank. When you return with proof of payment, you will receive a small
letter/card containing your NIE number (Identification Number for Foreigners). You can use this NIE
number to (among other uses): open a bank account in Spain or use the “BICING” service offered by
Barcelona City Council. This letter/card also provides proof that you have been registered on the
Central Spanish Registry for Foreigners.
For Non-EU Citizens
Step 1: Find a flat and sign a lease. You have to do this first so that you can get your empadronamiento
(see Step 2)
Step 2: Get your empadronamiento certificate (registering in the neighbourhood where you live confirming
your local address in Barcelona – more on this in the next chapter)
Step 3: Applying for your NIE
10 | It is very important for you to know that you need to request a scheduled appointment via this website:
http://www.mpt.gob.es/ ---- Ir a extranjería --- Cita previa de estrangería --- Acceder al Proceso.
Required documents:

Proof of your scheduled appointment.

Your current passport and photocopies of it (You need a photocopy of all the pages in your passport,
including the photograph page, the Visa, and the page with the stamp indicating the date you entered
Spain)

Your Visa

A letter from the UIC stating student’s passport number and your acceptance.

Your student NIE application form filled out and signed (the original plus 3 copies)

3 recent colour photographs, 32 by 26 mm, with a white background, taken from the front with the
head fully uncovered. Ensure you are not wearing dark glasses or any other garment that may
prevent or hinder your identification.

A sworn statement that you have sufficient economic means to cover your stay in Spain.

A private health insurance policy that covers all risks in Spain during your studies (original and
photocopy). If you take out a private health insurance policy issued in your country of origin, it must
be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).

The census register (empadronamiento) that contains information about your official address in
Barcelona. More information about this procedure is provided below.
You must deliver these documents to the police station located on Rambla Guipúscoa, 74, in Barcelona,
from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 2pm. Note: It takes a month to receive your physical NIE
card/letter (they actually won’t let you pick it up before then); you get the NIE number immediately.
Before you go, it is useful to take a look at these websites. You can also call 012 for information about
your NIE, required documentation, etc.
More information about the NIE:
http://www.policia.es/documentacion/comunitarios/est_resid.html
http://www.policia.es/documentacion/no_comunitarios/nie.html
11 | NIE renewal process for non-EU citizens

http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/empresaiocupacio/menuitem.46359e2a2a4d6511a6740d63b0c0e
1a0/vgnextoid=c1c495fc81d05210VgnVCM1000008d0c1e0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=c1c495fc81d052
10VgnVCM1000008d0c1e0aRCRD
Empadronamiento (“town hall registration”)
This is an official list of people living in Spain and their corresponding addresses. You need to fill it in
depending on the neighbourhood you reside in, however, you can go to any office to register, no matter
where you live. It is preferable to go first thing in the morning as this way you will not have to wait in line.
You will get the document immediately. Required documents:

Identification for the individual who is registering: Passport, DNI or NIE

A document that verifies your address: a signed lease (with a 6 month minimum duration) providing
your full name and address. These documents must be originals.

If your name is not on the lease (but your partner’s/friend’s is), then to complete your town hall
registration (empadronamiento) you will need a signed authorisation document from your
partner/friend, stating that you live there. You will also need a photocopy of their DNI, or passport and
NIE (if they arrived before you and already have a NIE).
Offices to register by neighbourhood:

Sarrià/St. Gervasi – c/Anglí 31

Eixample – c/Aragó 328

Les Corts – Pl. Comas 18

Gràcia – Pl. Vila de Gràcia 2
The full list of offices can be found here: http://justlandedbcn.com/moving-to-barcelona/beinglegal/empadronamiento-barcelona/list-of-offices/
12 | On arrival at UIC
On arrival at the UIC, each incoming exchange student must arrange an appointment with his/her
academic coordinator (see below) for the purpose of reviewing the student’s Learning Agreement.
Once enrolled at UIC, the student can begin to use the library and request a computer password from
International Relations Department – essential for being able to check their enrolment and academic
records, and download learning material for some classes- and an official university
ID card from Student Services. Any tuition fees, for exchange programs that require
them, must be paid at the time of enrolment.
Any subsequent change to the Learning Agreement enrolled must be made under the
supervision of the coordinator during the first two weeks of the term. In such a case,
the student must prepare the changes to the Learning Agreement form, which must
be set to their home university for approval.
IMPORTANT: After enrolling at the UIC and applying for any modifications to the
study program, students must log on to their personal network account to ensure that
the subjects on their academic record have been changed. If they are not modified in
time, it will be impossible for the records to accurately reflect the subjects covered, or the results attained
by the student.
Questions regarding course content and/or structure, and other academic issues should be addressed to
the appropriated Academic coordinators, as follows:
Architecture: Marta Benages, [email protected]
Communication Sciences: Marina Pereda, [email protected]
Economic & Social Sciences: Hugo Zarco, [email protected]
Barcelona Campus:
Education: Miguel Angel Comas, [email protected]
Maria Pujol, [email protected]
Humanities: Rita Cavalloti, [email protected]
Law: Maria Mut, [email protected]
13 | Dentistry: Maria Arreguiz, [email protected]
Sant Cugat Campus:
Nursing: Pilar Fuster, [email protected]
Physical Therapy: Montserrat Girabent, [email protected]
Medicine: Maria Dolores Ponce, [email protected]
In addition to meeting the Academic coordinators, we also invite you to read the UIC student guide (Guía
del estudiante) , available on-line and from Student services, and to familiarize yourself with another UIC
services than can help make life easier and/or more enjoyable during your time at UIC.
UIC Services
Chaplaincy (Capellania) [email protected]
Computer Services (informática) [email protected]
Copy Desk (Copisteria) [email protected]
Information & Admisions (Servei d’Informació, Marketing, Promoció i Admissions) [email protected]
Language Services (idiomas) [email protected]
Linguistic & cultural Exchange (dinamització linguistica) [email protected]
Sports (Deportes) [email protected]
Student Services (Servei d’estudiants) [email protected]
University Support Services (Univesritaris Solidaris) [email protected]
Budgeting
The minimum budget that we recommend for a student to have is 800 euros per month. However, please
bear in mind that the costs of living in Barcelona can vary a lot depending on the lifestyle you choose to
live.
Accomodation and rent
Unfortunately no universities in Spain make accommodation arrangements on behalf of students.
Students who require information will need to register directly with university agencies- in our case, we
recommend BCU (www.bcu.cesca.es) in order to find out about accommodation options, depending on
their personal preferences.
14 | Should BCU request any additional confirmation regarding the student’s admission to the UIC, we would
be pleased to issue such a statement, however students must register at BCU first themselves. You can
visit our website to find out about other options: http://www.uic.es/en/international-housing
In relation to renting a flat, there are two ways to rent an apartment in Barcelona: directly through the
owner (you can find their contact information via adverts on the street or posted on the building itself thus
walking around the city to look for apartments is often helpful), or via an agency, who will charge a fee for
this task (usually the equivalent of 1 month’s rent). It is important to know that you will usually have to pay
a deposit of a few months rent (possibly up to 3 months) in advance.
Bear in mind that agencies may take a while to answer emails (if they ever do). So don’t give up, be
persistent. And, if this doesn’t work, call them. It’s not good for their business, but they make clients work
hard to get an answer about an apartment. You can also just walk into any agency office and ask to see
some flats. The search for an apartment in Barcelona is not an easy task, but it is one of the most
important ones upon arrival in the city. For that reason, if you have any queries you can consult the
Association of Real Estate Agencies of Barcelona’s website (www.apibcn.com), where you can find
information about the legislation covering renters and owners, as well as a list of the agencies that have
been approved by this association.
List of letting agencies:

LUXHABITAT: www.luxhabitat.com

RENTBARCELONA: www.rentbarcelona.com

VISCASILLAS: www.viscasillas.com

IDEALISTA: www.idealista.com

HABITACLIA: www.habitaclia.com

EN ALQUILER: www.enalquiler.com

FOTOCASA: www.fotocasa.es

LOQUO: www.loquo.com

SUITELIFE: They speak Spanish and English, and are quick to answer emails and phone calls.
www.suitelife.com

SH Barcelona: www.shbarcelona.com (They also have a lot of information on the city, it’s a good
website to visit)

Ficaso: www.ficasso.com/

Apartment Barcelona: www.apartmentbarcelona.com/
15 | 
SHORT-TERM RENTALS (for visitors, or even for you, if you would rather spend longer looking for
somewhere long-term)

Chic Rentals: www.chic-rentals.com
Friendly Rentals:www.friendlyrentals.com
House Trip: www.housetrip.com
Services
Spanish language courses
The classes that the UIC offers allow students to develop strategies and skills for different needs: basic
communication, advanced studies and business Spanish.
For more information: http://www.uic.es/en/spanish
Transport
Public transport in Barcelona is very good; most places are accessible. There are single tickets for one
trip or tickets for various trips; the more often you travel, the cheaper it becomes. You can purchase the
tickets directly at the station.
Bus, metro & FGC
General information can be found on this website http://www.tmb.cat/
The following link will help show you how to plan your trip:
http://www.tmb.cat/vullanar/es_ES/vullanar.jsp
Note that all buses are accessible for people with disabilities and people with pushchairs and prams.
Single tickets
Bus, metro and FGC train: (cost for 1 ticket/journey)
Combined tickets (Bus +TMB + FGC + Tram + Rodalies de Catalunya)
16 | 
T - 10: 10 trips, valid for 30 days, (one ticket can be used by several people on one trip, you just
validate the ticket once per person).

T - Día: unlimited trips for one day.

T- mes: unlimited trips for 30 days for 1 individual.

T- 50/30: 50 trips in 30 days for 1 individual.
Current prices can be found here: http://www.tmb.cat/en/bitllets-i-tarifes
You can find a metro timetable here: http://www.tmb.cat/es/detall-linia-metro
Train
Visit the websites below for more information:

http://www.renfe.com/

http://www.tgv-europe.es/es/

http://www.raileurope.eu/

http://www.eurail.com/home
Bus
More information is provided on the following website:
http://www.barcelonanord.com/eng/horarios/pantalla1.asp
Car Rental
You can find information by visiting the following websites:

PEPECAR: http://www.pepecar.com/

EUROPCAR: http://www.europcar.es

EASYCAR: http://www.easycar.es

SIXT: www.sixt.es

Avis: http://www.avis.es
17 | Bicycle
Another great thing about Barcelona is that most of the city is fairly flat, so it’s easy to find your way
around on a bicycle, even if you’re not used to it. A lot of the streets have bike lanes, and cars are usually
respectful of the cyclists. Many students get on bikes; you can buy or rent one, but Barcelona also has a
public bike system called Bicing. There are many Bicing stations all over the city. You take a bike and drop
it off at any other station once you have joined the network. The bikes can be used for free for a period of
30 minutes; after that, 0.60 euros is charged every half-hour, up to a maximum of two hours. When you
reach the limit-limit of two hours, the charge is 3.00 euros.
To use Bicing, you will need a Bicing card. To get one, all you have to do is register on their website; you’ll
need a credit card, your NIE number, and your address. After you register, the card will arrive at your
home within a period of ten days. The annual fee for Bicing is around €40. For more information click
here: https://www.bicing.cat/
Banks
The bank accounts listed below provide benefits for students and young people.
http://lkxa.lacaixa.es/lkxa/descubre_es.html
http://soy.bluebbva.com/productos-blue/cuenta/
https://www.bancosantander.es/cssa/Satellite?pagename=SantanderComercial/Page/SAN_Index
Carnet Jove (young-person’s card)
If you are between 14 and 29, you can apply for a Carnet Jove, a Catalan Government initiative to
improve the life of young people. The card gives you a lot of discounts and benefits, not only in Spain but
also all over Europe.
http://www.carnetjove.cat/shownode.tjc?id=1923
http://lkxa.lacaixa.es/productos/tarjetascarnetjovecatalunya_es.html
18 | Healthcare
Medical Insurance:
If you are from the EU, you should get a European Health Insurance Card.
The European Health Insurance Card is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, stateprovided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries, or Iceland, Lichtenstein,
Norway and Switzerland, under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as
people insured in that country.
Cards are issued by your National Health Insurance provider.
If you are not from the EU, you have to get your own insurance if you move to Barcelona before classes
start. Various companies offer this service, such as MAPFRE, ADESLAS, DKV, etc.
Opportunities to volunteer
The Universitaris Solidaris service in the UIC provides students with the opportunity to become involved in
volunteering. It both provides information on entities requiring volunteers and creates and promotes
volunteering campaigns. The activities undertaken over the year include:
‐
Food collections
‐
Study aid
‐
Selling roses for charity
‐
The promotion of activities for charity during the academic year in collaboration with other
entities.
‐
Collaboration with summer camps abroad.
Finally, support is offered to various initiatives suggested by students themselves in connection with
volunteering.
For further information: [email protected]
19 | Employment
Finding a job in Spain is not very easy at the moment. Building a network is one of the best ways to find a
job. Jobs are also posted online. Here are some websites to help you with your job search:
www.infojobs.net (make sure to sign up as you will receive emails regularly regarding new positions
available in the fields you select).
www.hacesfalta.org (website to search for volunteer positions and employment opportunities at non-profit
organisations, etc.)
www.jobsinbarcelona.es/ http://barcelona.xpatjobs.com/ www.loquo.com
Leisure, culture and tourism
Cultural life in Barcelona
Barcelona is an incredible city, one that you will greatly enjoy during your time here. We are sure you will
love it! To assist you in discovering it, we have listed a few websites where you can gather information
about the city, its surroundings and more. It is also important to know that museums are free on Sundays
after 3pm, and also that most of them are closed on Mondays.
Do not hesitate to check them regularly because there is always an event going on in the city!
www.bcn.es
www.barcelona.com
www.totbarcelona.org
www.timeout.com
www.butxaca.com/
www.casaasia.es/
www.guiadelociobcn.com/
http://guia.bcn.cat/
20 | Cultural events in Barcelona and Catalonia
If you are interested in getting to know Barcelona, Catalan culture and its gastronomy, etc., then you
should find out about some of the festivities and cultural events that take place throughout the year. Here
is some information that we hope will be helpful to you:
AUGUST
15 August: Saint Mary’s Day
Castellets: “castells” or human towers, involving significant coordination and collaboration, has been a
long-standing tradition in Catalonia since the 18th century.
SEPTEMBER
11 September: National Catalan Day, also known as the Diada.
24 September: Festes de la Mercé: the main annual festival in Barcelona, which celebrates the birth of
the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Mercy. Big and small events that focus on popular Catalan culture,
music festivals, parades, horse rides, a castells contest, traditional dances such as la sardana, concerts,
firework displays, air shows and many other events in Barcelona in various locations.
OCTOBER
Catavast: Cava & Catalan Food tasting in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, a village near Barcelona.
Fiesta de Sarrià: this is held around 7 October, some of the highlights include La Cercavila de les
Escoles, el Correfoc, Sarrià en flames and la Trobada de Gegants.
NOVEMBER
1 November: All Saint´s Day, and a national holiday.
DECEMBER
25 December: Christmas Day.
26 December: Saint Stephen's Day, a holiday in Catalonia.
21 | JANUARY
1 January: New Year's Day
5 January: Twelfth Night procession, the Three Kings ride into town on horses, it’s a great show,
especially for kids.
6 January: Three Kings Day.
FEBRUARY
Carnivals: there are carnival parades all over Spain and several in Catalonia, such as the one in Sitges.
APRIL
18 April: Good Friday
21 April: Easter Monday
23 April: Sant Jordi’s Day, one of the most popular celebrations in Catalonia. According to legend, Saint
Jordi saved a princess from the clutches of a dragon and became Catalonia´s patron. It is a day when you
can enjoy the spring and the tradition is to give roses and books as gifts to loved ones.
MAY
1 May: May Day
JUNE
9 June: Pentecost
Nights of 23/24 June: Night of Sant Joan, the celebration of the summer solstice. Parties and celebrations
are held around a bonfire on the beach. The festival fills the night with light, colour and sound, due to the
fireworks and firecrackers.
You can also visit these websites for more information:
http://www.barcelona.world-guides.com/events.html
http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-events/categoryevents/2-festivals-in-barcelona
22 | http://w3.bcn.cat/turisme/0,4022,495525130_651016575_3,00.html
Outside the city there are a lot of good places to go, for a daytrip or for longer. Take a look at them so you
can plan your trip:
Tourism
www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-catalonia-tours.html
www.gencat.cat/turistex_nou/home_ang.htm
http://en.costabrava.org/suggestions/default
www.spain.info/en/
www.citytoursbarcelona.com/index.html
www.gencat.cat/temes/eng/turisme.htm
www.yumping.com/multiaventura/barcelona
www.turismodeportesaventura.es/index.php
www.portaventura.co.uk/theme-park
Sports
The UIC Sports Service offers students the option to complement their academic work by doing a physical
activity in their free time. The main objective of the university’s sporting activities is to promote, encourage
and organise sporting activities, amongst members of the university community. The aim of this is to
encourage the holistic education of each individual by means of the values that sport promotes. The
programme includes activities to learn sports, sporting competitions and advantages and discounts for
accessing facilities and organisations where sport can be practiced in the most enjoyable way.
The UIC’s official teams are: rugby for men and women, men's basketball , football and volleyball for men
and women. Joining these teams means spending one day training and a weekly match, besides
representing the university in the Catalan university league.
The internal league, known as Champions UIC, is a competition which runs from October to May. It has
more than 15 teams, there is a weekly game and it is good way to become involved in the university
community.
23 | The one-day tournaments, known as the Rector’s tournaments, allow for friendly competitions in sports
such as football, basketball, paddle tennis, chess or even kart racing.
More information is provided here: [email protected]
Gyms
Besides the facilities provided by the UIC, here are a few other options:

DiR: http://www.dir.cat/

METROPOLITAN: http://www.clubmetropolitan.net The Metropolitan gym also has a beauty bar for
non- members, offering manicures, pedicures, waxing and a spa, etc.

Putxet Sport: http://putxetsport.cat/

Centro Wellness: http://www.o2centrowellness.com/

Aqua Diagonal: http://www.aquadiagonal.com/index.php

Spazio Wellness: http://www.spazio-wellness.com/

Fisic: http://fisicbcn.es/web/

Pilates Barcelona: http://www.pilates-barcelona.com/

Nova Icaria: http://www.novaicaria.com/index.asp

Piscina San Jordi: http://www.piscinasantjordi.cat/
There are also the Municipal Sports Centres. There are various all around the city. They are cheaper than
most gyms, and some are particularly good. You can find a list of them here:
http://w3.bcn.es/ab/asia/equipament/controller/0,2317,5004038_5184167_1,00.html?transcode=true&acci
o=llista_eq&primera_busqueda=true&tema=0040103008001011_Centres%20esportius%20municipals
Dance schools
Barcelona is an active city when it comes to dancing! Flamenco, salsa, rumba, bollywood, classical,
tango, jazz, contemporary and many other types of dance classes are available, you can find a dance
school on every corner at all different prices!
24 | Here are some good options:

Asi Se Baila: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 432 08015 Barcelona (Eixample). This school
provides all types of dance: http://www.asisebaila.com/

Solpico: Sancho Marraco, 6, 08004-Barcelona (Eixample). Contemporary dance classes on Tuesday
and Thursday evenings. There is no need to register, just pay as you go (around 8 euros for 1 one
and a half hours): http://www.solpico.com/

Espacio Sol Luna Tainos: Parlament, 35, 08015- Barcelona (Eixample). Bollywood dance classes,
salsa, yoga, salsa, oriental dance. The prices are reasonable (around 35 euros per month/ per course
and the teachers are good)

Esther Bosh: C/Ricard Villa 7-9 bajos - 08017 Barcelona. Classical dance classes and other types of
dance: http://www.estherboschdanza.com/
Yoga, meditation, relaxation
There are many yoga courses in Barcelona. You can find some in dance schools, gyms, and also at
specific centres (they are the best and usually cheaper). Some meditation courses are also free on
certain days.
One of the best is Yoga Bindu: Ramblas 40-42, Passatge de Bacardí, close to Plaza Real. There is n
need to register, just pay as you go at 5 euros for an hour and a half of yoga. They have classes all the
time: http://yogabindu.info/home/
Community/civic centres
Each neighbourhood in the city has centres that aim to further the development of skills and hobbies of
Barcelona residents. With this in mind, drawing, painting, cookery, pilates, yoga, art & crafts, photography
and dance classes are offered, among others, and at a lower price than in other places. Please click on
the link below to find the centre closest to you:
http://www.bcn.es/centrescivics/es/
You must sign up in advance and classes fill quickly. Courses are approximately 60-80 euros for 3
months.
25 | Libraries
The university Library aims to give support to the University community in terms of teaching, research and
ongoing learning. To do this, the necessary resources and information tools are selected, acquired,
processed, stored and disseminated by the Library.
The UIC Library has 17 rooms where students can meet. These rooms can be reserved at the Library
counter in advance.
In order for users to take full advantage of the Library, sessions are offered to teach people how to make
use of the resources and services it provides.
You also have the option of getting to know various libraries in Barcelona. Library membership is free.
Website: http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/Biblioteques
You can apply for a library card online: http://sinera.diba.cat/screens*spi/formulari3_spi.html
Shopping
The areas where most shops can be found include:
The area around Plaza Cataluña: Portal de l’Àngel, c/ Pelai, c/ Portaferrissa, Paseo de Gracia, Rambla de
Cataluña. El Triangle: shopping centre in Plaza Cataluña.
Diagonal: there is a shopping centre between Plaza Francesc Macià and Paseo de Gracia. L’Illa shopping
centre is located on Avinguda Diagonal, at number 565.
Pedralbes Centre: the most exclusive shopping centre in Barcelona, located on Avinguda Diagonal, at
number 615.
Shopping centres
Diagonal Mar: http://www.diagonalmar.com/
Arenas: http://www.arenasdebarcelona.com/
Glories: http://www.lesglories.com/W/do/centre/tiendas
La Maquinista: http://www.lamaquinista.com/W/do/centre/tiendas
26 | Maremagnum: http://www.maremagnum.es/tiendas (the only one open on Sundays)
Supermarkets
Name
Link
Home delivery
Caprabo
http://www.caprabo.com/web/es/conoce_tucaprabo.html
Yes
Carrefour
http://www.carrefour.es/hipermercados/guia_hipermercados/index.asp
Yes
Consum
http://www.consum.es/
Yes
Dia
http://www.dia.es/
No
El Corte
https://www.elcorteingles.es/supermercado/sm/login/login.jsp
Yes
Lidl
http://www.lidl.es/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_es/hs.xsl/4222.htm
No
Mercadona
https://www.mercadona.es/ns/index.php?nidioma=1
Yes
Bon preu
http://www.bonpreu.cat/index.php?&idIdiomaCap=2
Yes
Condis
http://www.condis.es/index_cast.php
Yes
Alcampo
http://www.alcampo.es/
Yes
Ingles
Organic supermarkets
Here is a list of all the organic supermarkets in Barcelona:
http://www.biobarcelona.com/bio-shops.html
Asian supermarkets
Here is a useful list of Asian supermarkets:
http://suitelife.com/2011/08/02/bring-a-piece-of-asia-in-your-kitchen-list-of-asian-grocery-stores-inbarcelona/
Indian Supermarket
El Curry: C/ Hospital, 103, Raval, 08001, Barcelona.
27 | Markets
The Mercats, or open markets, are an excellent option for food shopping and, in general, there is one in
each neighbourhood. They are often slightly more expensive than a supermarket, but the fresh produce,
dairy, meat and fish products are better quality. There are 39 markets in Barcelona. The most famous is
¨La Boqueria¨ market, close to Las Ramblas. To visit the one closest to you, please click on this link:
http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/Mercats/
Recycling
http://elblogverde.com/como-reciclar-en-barcelona/
Special waste bins include elements that identify them and make it easier for everyone to locate and
distinguish between them in public spaces: Each waste category is associated with a colour:
Organic - Brown
General waste - Grey
Cardboard and paper - Blue
Plastic packaging – Yellow
Glass - Green
The waste bins are lined up in the same order everywhere to make it easy for the blind or visuallyimpaired to identify them. They also have braille markers indicating the type of waste collected in each
container.
Restaurants and cafes
Name
Area
Food
Address
Tel
COMAS
Les Corts
Mediterranean
Pl. Comas 6
93 330 50 39
FRAGMENTS
Les Corts
International
Pl. de la Concordia, 12
93 419 96 13
C/ Europa, 29
93 494 93 29
pub
SANDVICO
28 | Les Corts
Mediterranean
LA TERTULIA
Les Corts
Mediterranean
C/ Morales, 15
93 419 58 97
PIZZERIA TROCUA
Les Corts
Italian
C/ Masferrer, 14
93 330 68 60
VARADERO
Les Corts
Mediterranean
Pl. Comas, 8
93 490 42 24
CAL PEP
El Born
Tapas
Pl. de les Olles, 8
93 310 79 61
LA CORONELA
El Born
Mexican
C/ Consulat del
93 268 16 76
Mar, 23
MERENDERO
Barceloneta
Paellas
C/ Palau del Mar
RITA ROUGE
Raval
International
C/ Carme, 33
CERVECERIA
Eixample
Tapas
C/ Mallorca, 236
93 216 03 68
CATALANA
izquierda
EL TRAGALUZ
Eixample
Pasaje de la
93 487 01 96
izquierda
Concepción, 5
L’OLIVÉ
LA FLAUTA
Eixample
Catalan-
izquierda
Spanish
Eixample
93 221 31 41
C/ Balmes, 47
93 452 19 90
Tapas
C/ Aribau, 23
93 323 70 38
International
C/ Roselló, 242
93 906 10 72
C/ Pau Claris, 142
93 467 21 62
Tapas
C/ Diputació, 269
93 488 09 77
izquierda
D’E
Eixample
Derecha
RELAIS DE VENISE
Eixample
Derecha
TAPAS 24
Eixample
Derecha
KIBUKA
Gràcia
Sushi
C/ Verdi, 64
93 415 92 17
LAS DELICIAS DE
Sant Gervasi
French
C/ Muntaner, 434
93 201 94 69
LA BODEGA
Sant Gervasi
Catalan
Pl. Molina
LA TAGLIATELLA
Sant Gervasi
Italian
C/Muntaner, 359
(cadena,
en Barcelona)
varios
Av. Diagonal, 640
93 405 94 44
FRANCIA
NEGRO
29 | Sarrià
Sushi/fusion
Lunch and coffee
Name
Address
Area
Bon Organic Healthy Café:
Enric Granados, 135
Eixample Izquierda
Garriga:
Consell de Cent, 308
Eixample Izquierda
Cosmo Cafe & Galeria de arte :
Enric Granados, 3
Eixample Izquierda
Cornelia & Co:
Valencia 225
Eixample Izquierda
The Woki Organic Market:
Various locations, open
Eixample Izquierda,
Here you can find different types of fresh
on Sundays
Barceloneta, Gràcia
Casa Danone:
Avinguda Diagonal, 477
Eixample Izquierda
H Original: café + poesía.
Ferlandina 29
Raval
Little Italy: Mediterranean food, live
Rec 30. Pg. del Born
El Born
Crosmas: restaurant lounge
Córsega 300
Eixample Izquierda
Pasta Bar:
Escudellers 47
Barrio Gótico
Balmes y Roselló: very good meat
Balmes, 129
Eixample Izquierda
Divinus:
A chain, so there are various
and organic food such as Japanese
food, hamburgers, pasta and salad.
music
branches, check on Google!
La Tagliatella: big portions
A chain, so there are various
branches, check on Google!
El Abanico: a very nice place to eat or
Camp 3
have some drinks
La Bodegueta de Verdaguer
Provença, 366
Eixample Derecha
Coffee and tea
30 | Name
Address
Area
Cup and Cake:
Enric Granados, 145
Eixample Izquierda
Sandwichez:
Via Augusta, 117
Saint Gervasi
Central Café:
Various locations
Bosc de les Fades:
Ptge. Banca, 7
Barrio Gotico
Federal Café:
Parlament, 39
Raval
The Room Service:
Passeig de la Bonanova, 104
Sarrià
Je t’attends:
Aribau, 177
Eixample Izquierda
Bakeries
Name
Address
Area
Reykjavik Barcelona: delicious bread
Doctor Dou, 12,
Raval
made from organic ingredients only
Asturies 20
Gràcia
Carrer de la Princesa, 16
El Born
Maxcipan
C/ Tuset, 16
If you have any other queries or require any further information please feel free to contact our
International Relations Service. We will be more than happy to help make your transition to Barcelona as
smooth as possible.

Mónica Luque (International Relations Coordinator )_St. Cugat Campus: [email protected]

Maria Borrell (International Relations Coordinator )_Barcelona Campus: [email protected]
Welcome to the UIC!
31 |