VISA 📄
Barcelona is yes, still in the country of Spain regardless their latest efforts to claim independence. But also for non-EU citizens this could mean a worriless stay for the 12 weeks bootcamp period thanks to the Geneva Convention. To be sure, check out this list.
Now, getting a job here will have different rules, but it’s enough to worry about that when you get there.
NIE Number 📑
This is basically the registration number of every foreigner. It’s independent from visas, this one is for local authorities. And it makes your life easier, trust us. For example, you can only subscribe to Barcelona’s bicycle sharing service, Bicing, once you have a NIE. Some gyms require a NIE to sign up. If you want to stay and work in Barcelona, you will definitely need it. If you were to open a bank account, chances are, you will need it. Buying property, well, you got the point…
NIE Barcelona is a professional service for you, that takes care of the entire process for 90 EUR. Contact Veronika to help you through the process!
Cost of Living 💸
Living is Barcelona is famously cheap. Well, it depends where you come from. But generally, prices are lower than in many Western-European capitals. We did some research for some of the basics:
Accommodation 🏠
As you know, Codeworks is an educational institution, we don’t accommodate our students. However we facilitate connecting future students so they can find a rental together if need be. We did a survey internally, and we learnt that these are the services working best for our students:
- Airbnb
Though apartments are generally more expensive here, hosts are offering monthly deals. Students like it, because it’s mostly trustworthy, you can pay online, less hassle. - Facebook Groups
There are many expat groups in Barcelona, some specialised for room rentals, like this one, or this one. - Uniplaces
Similarly to Airbnb, this trusted platform offers a comfortable and easy solution for rentals.
Others (they haven’t proven to be very successful, but listing them for cover the options out there):
- Roommate finder apps
The most important ones operating in Barcelona are Badi and Roomster - Real State / Rental finders
The bigger Craigslist-type of sites are: Idealista, Fotocasa and Habitaclia. - Agencies
There are many agencies in Barcelona, they all have share the common feature of making your life simpler but often that means significantly higher prices. Here is an example we had a good experience with: Rent Room Barcelona
Some of our students believe it’s best to find something upfront and just be done with this once and for all, but some of them would probably recommend you to take a room for only a month and then once you’re here, you can easily find better deals. Two different approaches, find your suitable strategy.
Spots Around Campus 🔎
Our bootcamp is located in Barcelona’s tech district, Poble Nou. This is not a very touristy area, but it has a lot to offer. We pinned some important places in our area: [see map]
Food 🥘
Codeworks provides breakfast for the students, but lunch and dinner is on you. We have coffee supplying you all day long though. In Barcelona most restaurants have a lunch deal. This costs around 10–15 EUR. See our map for restaurant recommendations: [see map]
Tips on Saving Money 🤑
Get a place close to Codeworks, then you save on the transportation cost! Alternatively, you can buy a used bicycle, and just cycle everywhere. Careful though, you probably need to budget just as much for a good lock as you do for the bicycle. Unfortunately, bicycles get stolen a lot here… Also a good alternative to walk everywhere, then you even save on the gym ;)
Invest time in finding a good and cheap place. We know, sometimes students fix their relocation last minute, but if you can, always reach out to our current students, and friends of friends. 500 EUR for a room is already expensive in Barcelona (unless everything is included), so just keep looking.
Cook for yourself, or keep your groceries at Codeworks! Students have access to fridges on campus, and this is proven to be by far the cheapest option.
To avoid distractions, we have a full day school even on Saturdays. Since shops are closed on Sundays, you won’t be able to do shopping in the fast-fashion capital. You’re welcome.
