Barcelona, the city that has historically been recognized as an international benchmark for design, architecture and urbanism, now stands as the world capital of the mobile and technology. Named as the European Capital of Innovation in 2014, Barcelona is creating a multi-disciplinary ecosystem of institutes, companies and entrepreneurs that favours cross-industry collaboration in the development of innovative solutions for the challenges of the 21st century’s habitability.
IAAC is based in the 22@Barcelona district, an international reference of innovation and technology district. In 22@ district, cutting-edge companies, universities, research, training and transfer of technology centres, that constitute the system of innovation are integrated with different agents of promotion that facilitate interaction and communication among them.
Barcelona is an urban laboratory of research and innovation in digital technologies of communication and interaction. This urban hub is supporting entrepreneurs in the area, create innovation clusters, looks for talent and serves as a model for developing solutions that could be exported in the world.
IAAC is an open, independent and radical non-profit foundation, with 17 years of activity; inspired by the values of Barcelona, the capital of architecture and design, where urbanism was invented and where a local high quality and innovation-oriented research is connected to an international network of excellence in technology, architecture and society fields.
LIFE IN BARCELONA
The cost of living in Barcelona depends largely on your lifestyle choice. However, you need to bear in mind that a graduate student needs around €800-900/month for food, accommodation, travel and other expenses. Below you find a list of the most common expenses:
- Accommodation (shared student flat): €350-600
- Metro and/or bus ticket (1 zone): €2.20
- T-10 Travel card (1 zone): €10.20
- Breakfast (in a café): €3.50
- Lunch (in a restaurant): €12 – €15
- Coffee: €1.50
- Cinema: €9
Barcelona is a very international and cosmopolitan European city, almost 20% of its residents come from different parts of the world so English is spoken in the academic and professional environment. As a student, you should not worry about not speaking Spanish as the city has a wide range of cultural influences.
ACCOMMODATION
Finding accommodation in Barcelona can be stressful since the number of students keeps increasing year after year. One of the cheapest options would be renting a room in a shared student apartment, which is what most IAAC students do. Depending on the room size, the apartment itself and the neighbourhood where the apartment is located, you may pay from €350 to €600 per month, bills usually included.
You can also rent an apartment on your own. There are many estate agencies that will help you find a place to rent in Barcelona, although the requirements and financial guarantees will be much stricter when using an agency. Normally they will ask for a permanent work contract, a bank guarantee and 2-3 months’ rent as a deposit.
Download our student guide for more information!