At Youth Hostel Pere Tarrés Barcelona, you can walk to classes at BKC in a matter of minutes. On weekends, experience the incredible atmosphere of an FC Barcelona game at Camp Nou Stadium, then head to L’illa Diagonal mall to update your wardrobe with the latest European fashions. Make your way to Parc de Pedralbes for an afternoon spent reading beneath the shady citrus trees, or for a picnic with your friends by Gaudí’s Fountain of Hercules. Make sure to visit the park’s 20th Century palace before you leave, then get everyone together for dinner at tapas and craft beer restaurant Cerveseria el Tap.

Whether you choose a double room or an eight-person dorm, you’ll love the social atmosphere of Youth Hostel Pere Tarrés Barcelona. In the morning, fill up at the free breakfast buffet, then walk 15 minutes to classes at BKC. The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya is just 15 minutes away by bus, while excellent tram and metro links make it easy to explore the rest of the city on weekends. In summer, head to Playa de la Barceloneta for a day spent sunbathing and swimming in the sea.

In the afternoon, ride the lift to your air-conditioned bedroom, then stash your bag in your secure locker and curl up for a siesta on your comfy bed. When you wake up, get your books together for a study session in one of the meeting rooms, then log onto the free Wi-Fi and send a quick email home. Later, challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, relax with them around one of the tables on the sun-soaked terrace, or head to the TV room to catch up on your favourite series.

If you feel like a workout, use your resident’s discount at the gym across the road. Come home for a shower in your bathroom, before taking your washing to the on-site laundry. When hunger strikes, cook up a storm in the communal kitchen, or order dinner in the restaurant instead. If you feel like a night out, ask the knowledgeable reception staff for suggestions for the best local bars. For live rock n’ roll, you can’t go wrong with 99% Moto Bar, and with no curfew you can stay out as long as you like.