Living in Barcelona
The APhil programme, based at the University of Barcelona, offers a unique opportunity to study at an institution with a world-class teaching and research faculty, while enjoying the cultural, social and recreational amenities of one of the world's most exciting cities.
With seven universities and numerous research institutions, Barcelona offers one of Europe's most inspiring environments for students and academics to live and study.
This intellectually appealing atmosphere coupled with the location on the campuses of internationally ranked universities puts our students in the heart of a dynamic academic environment.
Barcelona is a magnet for students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The city has long been a popular destination for Erasmus students and other study-abroad programs, as well as a leading postgraduate education hub.
Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system: an underground metro, a clean and reliable bus system, and inexpensive taxis. Read more at the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) website to find out the best way to get from one place to another.
There are nine subway lines and several intercity rail lines, each identified by a number and color. You can purchase a 10-trip reusable ticket (T-10), or 50-trips/monthly ticket for regular commuting. The closest stop to the Faculty of Philosophy at the UB is the train and metro stop in Plaza Cataluña, in the center of Barcelona. Most trains and metro lines are accessible here. The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) main campus is the Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica station on the Yellow/L4 line. The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Bellaterra Campus is located just 30 minutes outside of the Barcelona city center. The closest stop is the Universitat Autònoma station on the S2 or S55 lines, and requires a 2-zone ticket (trains depart from Plaza Cataluña).
Barcelona also offers an environmentally friendly bicycle-sharing service, Bicing, designed for easy use with drop-off stations all over town. This bicycle system is not available to tourists, and has become very popular with locals and students. There are bike stations near the UB’s Faculty of Philosophy and also near UPF’s campus. To use the service you must register. It can cost less than 5€ per month to use the service. The first 30 minutes of bicycle use is free, and additional time is charged.
- Barcelona is ranked among the 20 best cities in the world to live in 2022.
- High ratio of sunny-versus-rainy days each year
- Mild temperatures from 9°C (48°F) to 29°C (84°F)
- Excellent public transport and biking systems
- Southern European location provides easy access to the rest of Europe, the Middle East, and the north of Africa
- Excellent cuisine in Catalonia
- 4.2 km (2.6 mi) of beaches within walking distance of the city center
- Restaurant terraces serving tapas, paella, and fresh seafood
- Free concerts and street festivals along the boardwalk
- Seaside towns outside the city just a short ride away by local rail
- First-division Spanish soccer games almost every weekend
- Celebrate wins with the locals at bars and cafes along the Ramblas
- Join intramural football, rugby, basketball leagues
- Running clubs, 10k races, half and full marathons
- Cuisine: Try food from all over the world, priced for every budget
- Cinema: Several international theatres showing films in their original language
- Museums: Art, history, design, even chocolate!
- Music: Street artists, festivals, clubs, Palau de la Música
- Green zones, parks, and gardens all over the city
- Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France just two hours away
- High-speed trains (AVE) linking major points across Spain
- Skiing, hiking, horse riding, rafting, cycling, and more easily accessible