The Ultimate First Week in Madrid Checklist for International Students (2026)
Your first week in Madrid will be exciting, busy and probably a little overwhelming.
Between moving into your accommodation, registering at university and organising transport, documents and healthcare, it can be difficult to know what to do first.
You do not need to organise your entire life immediately. This practical checklist will help you complete the essentials and start your student experience in Madrid with confidence.
1. Check Your Accommodation
first week in Madrid checklist
Before unpacking, inspect your room or apartment and make sure everything matches the description and inventory.
Check:
Furniture and appliances
Walls, floors and windows
Heating, air conditioning and hot water
Lights and electrical sockets
Locks and keys
Wi-Fi
Kitchen equipment
Shared spaces
Take dated photographs or videos, especially if you notice existing damage. Report any problem to the landlord, agency or residence in writing as soon as possible.
Save your complete address on your phone and send it to a trusted family member. You should also locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and public transport stop.
2. Get Connected and Organise Transport
Having mobile data will make every other task easier, from finding directions to receiving appointment confirmations.
When comparing Spanish SIM cards or mobile plans, check the data allowance, contract length, activation costs, EU roaming conditions and coverage at your accommodation and university. A flexible or prepaid option may be useful during your first days.
You should also organise your public transport.
A Tarjeta Multi is convenient when you first arrive. If you will be living in Madrid for several months, apply for a Tarjeta Transporte Público Personal so you can load a 30-day pass.
Students aged 15 to 25 can currently purchase the Abono Joven, which provides unlimited travel across Madrid’s fare zones for €10 per 30 days. Check the latest conditions on the official CRTM website.
For cards, zones, Metro, buses and Cercanías, read our complete guide to using public transport in Madrid.
3. Complete Your University Registration
Even if you enrolled online, your university may require additional steps after arrival.
During your first week, confirm:
Your enrolment status
Your class timetable and campus
Access to your university email and student portal
Your student identification card
Library and sports facilities
Orientation and welcome events
Language courses
International student associations or buddy programmes
Check your university email regularly. Timetable changes and important instructions are often communicated during the first few days.
4. Start Your Empadronamiento
The empadronamiento registers you as a resident at your local address.
It may be needed for procedures such as obtaining a personal transport card, accessing certain services or completing immigration formalities.
If you live in Madrid city, you will normally need an appointment, valid identification and documents showing that you are entitled to live at the address. The exact requirements depend on your accommodation arrangement.
Appointments may not be immediately available, so your first-week goal should be to:
Check the documentation.
Prepare the required forms.
Book an appointment.
Consult the current requirements on the Madrid City Council website.
If you live outside Madrid city, you must complete the process through your local town hall.
Read our complete Empadronamiento in Spain guide before starting the application.
5. Check Your Immigration Requirements
Your obligations depend on your nationality, visa and length of stay.
Non-EU students authorised to remain in Spain for more than six months must generally apply for their Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or TIE, personally within one month of entering Spain.
Appointments can be difficult to obtain, so start checking availability as soon as possible. Review the current rules and documentation on the official Spanish Ministry of Inclusion website.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may have different registration requirements for longer stays.
Do not assume that another student’s situation is identical to yours. If you are unsure, contact your university’s international office or a qualified immigration professional.
6. Organise Banking and Healthcare
Open a Spanish Bank Account
A Spanish bank account can make it easier to pay rent, receive refunds and set up direct debits.
Before choosing one, compare:
Maintenance and debit card fees
International transfer charges
Cash withdrawal conditions
Requirements for non-residents
Online banking services
Contract and cancellation conditions
Requirements vary between banks. You may be asked for your passport, proof of address, university documentation and NIE or TIE, if available.
Read our guide to opening a bank account in Spain as an international student for more information.
Understand Your Health Insurance
Save your insurance policy number, emergency telephone number and instructions for booking a medical appointment.
Identify your nearest covered medical centre and hospital, and check whether your insurer requires prior authorisation or payment followed by reimbursement.
For a serious emergency in Madrid, call 112. It connects you with police, fire and medical emergency services. The Community of Madrid also provides the My112 emergency application.
You can find more information in our health insurance guide for international students in Spain.
If you still need one, we can book it for you. We recently partenered with Asisa.
7. Learn Your Neighbourhood and Meet People
Spend some time exploring the area around your accommodation.
Locate:
Supermarkets and pharmacies
Transport stops
Parks and sports facilities
Libraries or study spaces
Cafés
Laundry services
Recycling and rubbish collection points
Test your journey to university before your first class and save an alternative route in case of delays.
Your first week should also include something enjoyable. Attend a welcome event, join a university society, participate in a language exchange or explore Madrid with your classmates.
You do not need to build your entire social life immediately. Creating one or two opportunities to meet people is a perfect start.
Your First Week in Madrid Checklist
Accommodation
Inspect the property
Photograph existing damage
Check the inventory, keys and Wi-Fi
Report problems in writing
Save your complete address
Documents and Administration
Organise printed and digital copies of important documents
Check the empadronamiento requirements
Book your empadronamiento appointment
Confirm whether you need a TIE or another registration
Begin searching for the appropriate appointment
University
Confirm your enrolment
Access your university email and portal
Check your timetable and campus
Request or collect your student card
Register for orientation activities
Daily Life
Arrange mobile connectivity
Organise your transport card
Test your route to university
Locate a supermarket and pharmacy
Understand your health insurance
Save important telephone numbers
Attend one social activity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
During your first week, avoid:
Carrying all your original documents everywhere
Ignoring damage present when you move in
Paying unexpected charges without written confirmation
Choosing a transport pass without checking the correct zone
Signing a bank or phone contract you do not understand
Postponing time-sensitive immigration procedures
Putting pressure on yourself to complete everything immediately
Prioritise appointments and deadlines. Everything else can be organised gradually.
Need Help Settling into Madrid?
Living 360 Spain supports international students before and after their arrival.
From accommodation assistance and airport pickup to practical arrival support, we help make moving to Madrid simpler, safer and less stressful.
Preparing to study in Madrid? Contact Living 360 Spain and let us help you feel at home from your very first day.
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