The 4 Key Relocation Tips for IE Madrid Students

IE Campus In Madrid

IE Campus In Madrid

First of all, congratulations for being accepted to IE: one of the top ten MBAs in the world, and located in Madrid and nearby Segovia, a city made to enjoy and discover Spain during a term, 2 years or more.

Your time in Madrid will surely be frantic, divided between intense studies and the will to discover as much of Madrid, Spain and Europe as possible during your stay.

Therefore these are my answers to the 4 key relocation questions I have been asked for IE students, who have been readers of this blog and/or clients, and will enable you to start well and get the most out of your stay.

 

When should I start searching ?

IE means very demanding agendas and workload, so please do arrive in Madrid before the start of your program.

I recommend arriving 1 week before if you plan to use the help of a professional like Moving2Madrid who will ensure you get the best and organize viewings on the best date.

If you have friends in Madrid, know Spanish, and are ready to spend full time searching and viewing, I recommend you arrive 3 weeks in advance.

 

Which neighborhood is the best to live in ?

First of all, check you will will be on Madrid campus, calle Maria de Molina, and not in Segovia (the campus for Bachelor students).

If it’s the case, I would recommend the 3 following neigborhoods (see map and click on the links for detailed description, videos and photos):

  • Salamanca: it’s the neighborhood of IE, the most upperclass of Madrid, near the centre with all the services you need. Within walking distance of IE. The obvious choice if you have the budget for this exclusive neighborhood.
  • Alonso Martinez: another exclusive neighborhood, but more trendy and young than Salamanca, right between the centre and IE.
  • Chamberi: a good alternative if Salamanca is too expensive for your budget, just west of IE and Salamanca.

If you are in Segovia, you first have to make the choice to live in Madrid or there, and then to either choose to take the speed train every day, or buy a car.

How can I find an apartment ?

In a nutshell, you have two options:

  • you speak Spanish, are ready to spend 2 weeks full-time searching and viewing, and have friends in Madrid,
  • you use the services of the only flathunter and relocation company specialized for young students and professionals like you: Moving2Madrid. You will only have to spend 1 half-day viewing the very best pre-viewing apartments according to your tastes, with support throughout your stay for all your relocation questions and isues: bank accounts, mobile phone, internet, papers… more information here.

Yes, moving to Madrid is not as easy at it seems, and without support, it is too stressful, time-consuming and expensive in the end. For instance, apartment quality standards are not what you expect and have to know where and how to search and negociate for the best.

What apartment can I afford with my budget ?

For apartments expats like in neighborhoods they feel comfortable living in, the rental prices are the following:

  • Room in Shared Flat: 400 – 550 € per month
  • Studio, 3o to 50 m2: 700 – 900 € per month
  • 1 Bedroom Apartment, 55-80 m2: 900 – 1400 € per month
  • 2 Bedroom Apartment, 80-100 m2:1200 – 1700 € per month
  • 3 bedroom apartment, 100-120 m2: 1500 – 2000 € per month

To this add an extra 20% on top if you need to rent between 6 to 10 months, and 40% if it’s for less than 6 months.

Read this for more details on the cost of living in Madrid.

All the essential information to cover all the aspects of your move

To conclude with, here is a list of links to the essential articles to organize your move:

 

If you need help to move to Madrid zen, do send us an email !

 

 

Yours madridly,
Pierre

Posted on 16 July, 2013 by Pierre-Alban Waters in Sin categoría - Rent, New? Start Here

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8 responses to “The 4 Key Relocation Tips for IE Madrid Students”

  1. If you are looking for a room, we recommend you check the company Spotahome ! Happy New Year !

  2. Uche says:

    Hello,
    I’ll be starting the MBA program at IE in April 2015 and am searching for a private room (with toilet) with easy access to transport routes and within €300-450 range.
    Thank you

  3. Ben P says:

    Hi Priya!
    It would be our pleasure to help you! The area around IE is not super cheap, and to find a decent studio with some light 700€/month would be preferable, but I will give you all the information, explain to you the options and then you can freely decide if you want to higher your budget or not. I will send you en email just in case as well! Happy Holidays!!!!

  4. Priya Ramchandani says:

    Hello! I will be starting the MBA program at IE, Madrid in April 2015 and am looking to arrive in the first week of April. I am inclined towards getting a studio/1 bedroom close to the university (walking distance preferably). My budget is about 500-600 euros a month. Could you please help out with some options?
    Thanks!

  5. Hi there,

    Yes of course ! I have sent you an email with more details.

    All the best

  6. biyi says:

    I’m set to arrive in Madrid in February 2015 for IE MBA. I’m looking to get a studio apartment with a 500 euro/month budget. Can you help please?

  7. We did respond and wandered how you were doing now ?

  8. Karthik Parthasarathy says:

    Hello,
    I am arriving as a student at the IE Business School, for a Master’s degree in Business. I would require the apartment for atleast a year (from Jan 10, 2014, until Jan 2015).

    I have been living in Bayswater, London and am now working in India for the last 6 months, arriving in Madrid on Jan 10, 2014 (due to work considerations).

    I do have a budget and am primarily looking for a Studio / shared room close to the School but willing to stretch a little for the right accommodation (as long as it is not more than a 20 min commute by public transport).

    Please feedback at the earliest with a number.

    Regards,

    Karthik Parthasarathy.

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