Recreational questions

1.- I want to do extracurricular activities (learn how to dance salsa, take lessons in German…etc.) where should I look for information?

IES Barcelona has an Intercultural Programs Coordinator whose job it is to find these kinds of activities for students. Take advantage! Or if you want to do some research on your own, you might want to check the CIAJ (Centre d´Informacio I Assessorament per a Joves) youth information service, which is on Carrer de Ferran 32, in the Barri Gotic. They have information on various courses available throughout the city. The phone number is # 93 402 78 00 and it is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday.

2.- If I play an instrument and I HAVE TO practice is there a place where I can do that? What if I play the piano and I cannot take it with me, is there an instrument which I can use?

There are two pianos in la residencia Ramon Llull, which you can use for free IF you live there. There is also a little piano in la Universidad Pompeu Fabra but you have to “negotiate” the use with the administration.

3.- Are there sports teams to play on?

Yes. UPF has organized sports teams. If you would like to join this or any other team, contact the Intercultural Program Coordinator who will help you with this.

4.- Where should I avoid late at night?

You should try to avoid Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, Poblenou, and the side streets of Las Ramblas late at night. Kids like to go to the bars there, but be careful. Also, Plaza Real can get sketchy after 12:00am. Avoid going anywhere alone at night, especially the metro or downtown. And ALWAYS watch out for your wallet or purse no matter where you are because pickpockets are rampant.

5.- Where can I buy cough drops, etc.?

Not at the supermarket! Look for any store with a flashing red or green sign in the front. Pharmacies here are very different than in the States, but do not be afraid to go in and ask the pharmacist for anything you need, they are generally very nice and helpful.

6.- Where can I get my haircut? How do I say I just want a trim?

There are many places throughout the city that offer haircuts. If you do not want to spend much money on your haircut, you should watch out for haircutting places that seem to focus on fancy haircutting designs because these can be very expensive.