Universidad de Zaragoza (UZ)

Bull McCabes is on Calle Cadiz (off Paseo de la Independencia) and is the biggest and most popular Irish bar in Zaragoza. Thursday night is Erasmus night and most go to Tierra or Emporio (next door to each other on Calle Mendez Nunez) followed by La Casa del Loco on Calle Mayor). There are lots of different areas to go out, but the Casco is the most popular.

Housing is in short supply and so is a bit more expensive than you may think. There is some housing that is seriously below standard. Many landlords simply refuse to rent to males, and girls generally refuse to share with males. So if you're a guy, get here early!

The university runs very good language courses to small groups arranged by ability. They are not free of charge but are well worth the money. Sign up early as they are popular. Try to get in to the first one of the term.

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).

Zaragoza is slightly out of the way for people to visit you etc, but is a great place to live. It has it's own airport and Ryanair are starting to fly there from December. If it does well, you'll be able to fly there from places like Prestwick, Dublin etc too. However, at the moment, fly to Barcelona or Madrid and take the coach service (www.alsa.es) or the train (www.renfe.es). Find out all you can from people who have been here before you.