On-Site Orientation
All N.U.in Spain students participate in a multi-day orientation once they arrive in Madrid. This orientation will introduce you to your new neighborhood, review the student services available, and build community among the group. Workshops regarding housing, safety, and navigating the city are just a few of the sessions planned once you arrive. SLU-Madrid’s student affairs team and campus ambassadors will serve as guides to help new students adjust to our campus and city. The welcome sessions are designed to help you make new friends and to learn about campus resources, the city of Madrid, and Spain in general. At the end of each day, The N.U.in Program has optional evening activities to continue to get to know your classmates.
Transportation
Madrid offers a range of accessible public transportation options, including fully accessible buses and partially accessible metro lines. Approximately 50-60% of metro stations are equipped with step-free access, but many central stations remain challenging for wheelchair users. The city also has accessible trains and specialized taxi services like Eurotaxi, which cater to individuals with disabilities.
The Madrid Metro serves the city of Madrid and is the seventh longest metro in the world. Transport cards give access to trains and buses throughout the city. Students are encouraged to apply for a transport card online. The application is in Spanish, but SLU-Madrid has instructions available in English and staff to support the process during on-site orientation. The cost of the transport card is not included in the program fee, but there is a discounted student monthly option that is easy to access.
We encourage you to connect with The N.U.in Program to discuss any mobility or disability concerns.
Activities
One of the goals of The N.U.in Program is to foster and develop a strong community among its members. Students will experience one overnight excursion and multiple cultural excursions as part of the program. The host institution and N.U.in staff will plan weekly free or low-cost activities, which vary year-to-year.
In the past, students have participated in several types of activities. Examples include: Day trip to Cordoba, paella cooking class, and boating in Retiro Park.
SLU-Madrid Student Life & Organizations: SLU-Madrid is home to an abundance of clubs and organizations that cater to a wide variety of interests. Whether sampling delicacies with the gourmet club, distributing meals to people who are homeless or exploring your spirituality at an interfaith roundtable, there’s bound to be something for all students.
N.U.in Program Traditions: N.U.in Traditions are popular events and activities that are held across all N.U.in sites:
- Family Group Dinners: The Student Success Coordinators will organize a “family dinner” about once a month for their family group to get students to experience the cuisine of their host city with their fellow N.U.in cohort.
- First Day of School Photos: Students will be provided with a space to reflect on the momentous first day of their academic career at Northeastern University by taking photos with Husky-themed props.
- N.U.in Husky Day: Husky Day will provide opportunities for students to connect with the campus in Boston, as well as other N.U.in students across sites by sharing in a day of Northeastern pride!
- N.U.in Thanksgiving: Students will have the opportunity to build community by celebrating a traditional American holiday with the N.U.in students at their site.
- Community Council: Each N.U.in location will have a student-led group known as Community Council or more commonly referred to by students as “Coco.” This student leadership council is charged with representing the student voice on-site and gathering programming interests for their cohort. Information on getting involved with the Community Council will be made available during your on-site orientation.
