Universidad de Zaragoza (UZ)

Under Spanish law, deposits on flats are 1months rent if unfurnished, or 2 if furnished. This means you pay up to 3 months' rent up front, so opening a Spanish account and transferring money ASAP is important. Check how much your bank charges to take out money abroad and to transfer money for foreign accounts. Setting up bank accounts are easy, all you need is your passport and some money to deposit. iberCaja is a great bank (but they are only local.) Santander Central Hispano are good and a very big national bank (and have agreement with RBS back home).

Go at least 5 working days before the start of your course because many many others are looking for accommodation a couple of days before the start and it is quite stressful and expensive calling about so many flats and competing with other students. Be prepared to make quick decisions and make your deposit on the spot. I say working days because the university doesn't update the rooms database at the weekend. However do not despair, there is always free accommodation advertised and you will find a good flat.

You have to buy copies of the lecture notes. The plus side of this is that they are usually have better quality/content/presentation. Buses from Madrid/Barcelona are much cheaper than the train.