The City
Barcelona stands out in the international global city rankings. In 2022, the World’s Best Cities placed it in 6th position, not only highlighting the climate, the beaches and the parks, the architecture and the vibrancy of its neighbourhoods but also its commitment to being a greener and more friendly city for residents. According to the QS ranking of the world’s 50 best student cities (2023), Barcelona is in 31st position. This ranking assesses criteria such as reputation of the educational institutions, cost of living, quality of life, employment prospects and the characteristics of its student community. With five public and three private universities, Barcelona is home to over 25,000 foreign students and researchers each year: a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and enrich your personal and professional relations.
Accommodation & Cost of Living
There are several accommodation options in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. Accommodation in Barcelona is relatively expensive, and prices have increased in the last few years. However, there are always cheaper options once you move away from the city centre. In addition, there is the possibility of living nearby the UAB Campus (Bellaterra), where ICMAB is located (20 km away from Barcelona) or in cities like Sabadell, Cerdanyola del Vallés or Sant Gugat del Vallés. The cost of living can differ depending on where you live; with an average between 700 and 1.200€/month. Please, visit the websites below to learn more about the cost of living.
Transport
There are several ways to get to the UAB Campus: train, bus, and car. If you do not have a car, the easiest way is to use the train services, with two stops near the campus: Cerdanyola Universitat Station and Universidad Autónoma Station.
Train connections
. Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC); Line S2: Barcelona-Sabadell, station: Universitat Autònoma.
In Barcelona, these trains stop at Catalunya, Provença, Gràcia, Muntaner and Sarrià. You can also take these trains from Sant Cugat, Sant Quirze and Sabadell, among other places. At Sant Cugat station, there is a connection with line S1 (Terrassa and Rubí). All trains to Sabadell, UAB or Barcelona stop at the University. The journey time to Barcelona is 30 minutes, and trains depart approximately every 10 minutes. You can check the timetables on the FGC website.
. RENFE Rodalíes (Spanish National Railway Network); Line C7 - Cerdanyola Universitat station. From Barcelona, you can take the train from Sant Andreu Arenal. The journey takes around 15 min. from Sant Andreu Arenal, with trains leaving every 20-30 minutes. A ten-journey ticket, which can be used by more than one person if travelling together, gives a 40% discount. You can check the timetables on the RENFE website.
Free bus service
A free bus service connects the RENFE station to the different buildings across campus.
. Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC); Line S2: Barcelona-Sabadell, station: Universitat Autònoma.
In Barcelona, these trains stop at Catalunya, Provença, Gràcia, Muntaner and Sarrià. You can also take these trains from Sant Cugat, Sant Quirze and Sabadell, among other places. At Sant Cugat station, there is a connection with line S1 (Terrassa and Rubí). All trains to Sabadell, UAB or Barcelona stop at the University. The journey time to Barcelona is 30 minutes, and trains depart approximately every 10 minutes. You can check the timetables on the FGC website.
. RENFE Rodalíes (Spanish National Railway Network); Line C7 - Cerdanyola Universitat station. From Barcelona, you can take the train from Sant Andreu Arenal. The journey takes around 15 min. from Sant Andreu Arenal, with trains leaving every 20-30 minutes. A ten-journey ticket, which can be used by more than one person if travelling together, gives a 40% discount. You can check the timetables on the RENFE website.
Free bus service
A free bus service connects the RENFE station to the different buildings across campus.