My First Day in Barcelona as an International Student | ESEI International Business School
Morning: Landing at El Prat Airport
No matter how much you prepare, your first day arriving as an international student in Barcelona is always a mix of nerves and excitement. After an eight-hour flight from the United States, the day I had been counting down to for months finally arrived, my first day in Barcelona. As the plane descended, I caught my first glimpse of the bright blue Mediterranean Sea famous grid pattern of the city that Barcelona is famous for.
Stepping off the plane at Barcelona El Prat Airport, I immediately felt the warmth of the Spanish sun for the first time. With two overfilled suitcases and a backpack in tow, I exited the airport and went outside to catch a taxi to my new apartment.
Tip for new students: Taxis are reliable and easy to find at the airport, but you can also pre-book an Aerobús ticket online. It is a more affordable option that takes you directly to Plaça d’Espanya and then to Plaça de Catalunya, right in the city centre. However, I decided to go with a taxi because I had so much luggage.
Afternoon: Arriving at My New Home in Poble Sec
After a short drive, the taxi pulled up to my new apartment in Poble Sec, a lively neighbourhood at the foot of Montjuïc known for its tapas bars and winding streets. My new flat was in a beautiful art nouveau building with green terraces and an ornate wrought iron door.
I had booked the flat through Spotahome, a helpful online platform for international students searching for accommodation before arriving in Spain. ESEI students are eligible to receive a discount through the school’s partnership with Spotahome! Check it out here. Signing the lease digitally while still in the United States made the whole process much easier as I was able to move in as soon as I arrived in Barcelona.
Standing in front of the building with my suitcases felt surreal. Unlocking the door with a set of giant keys that looked straight out of a historical film, I made my way up to the third floor. When I finally stepped inside, I breathed a sigh of relief. High ceilings, soft pink walls and plenty of natural light, it was exactly the kind of place I had imagined.
Tip for new students: Bring a few personal items from home, such as photos, travel souvenirs or your favourite bedding, to make your new apartment feel like your space right away.
Evening: First Errands and First Impressions
Once I had unpacked a little, I decided to explore my new neighbourhood. Just around the corner, I found a small supermercado where I picked up a few essentials for dinner. Walking back, I took in the streets of Poble Sec, filled with plazas, people and light.
That first evening gave me a glimpse of the lifestyle that Barcelona is famous for, a balance between exciting city life and moments of calm. I knew instantly that moving here to study at ESEI International Business School Barcelona was the beginning of an adventure I would never forget.
Tip for new students: On your first day, take a short walk around your new neighbourhood. Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and metro station. These little things will help you get your bearings and feel settled much faster.
What I Learned on Day One
Looking back, my first 24 hours in Barcelona taught me lessons I’d share with any new international student:
- Plan your arrival transport: taxis are great with luggage, but the Aerobús shuttle is budget-friendly and reliable.
- Sort accommodation early: platforms like Spotahome make moving smoother.
- Unpack personal items quickly: it helps you feel at home.
- Walk your neighbourhood: knowing where to buy food or catch the metro eases the transition.
Final Thoughts
Starting life in a new city is always exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. Every challenge is part of the adventure, and before long, Barcelona will start to feel like home. You have to trust the process and know that you are in the most amazing city with endless opportunities for growth and connection.
In life there will always be challenges so being prepared to face them is key. From carrying your heavy luggage up the stairs to your new apartment to navigating a Spanish supermarket, these challenges will help you learn and flourish in your new city. Facing these smaller challenges will then set you up with the skills you need to face bigger obstacles down the road. It is all a part of your new adventure as an international student in Barcelona. With time, this unfamiliar city will start to feel like home and your arrival will be a distant but fond memory.
For me, moving to Barcelona was the beginning of my story as an international student at ESEI where I was able to learn, grow, and connect with other international students. It was just the first step in my journey of building a life in Barcelona and I am so glad I made that leap of faith and move to one of the most inspiring cities in the world.
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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