Multimedia Report on Residencia Onix

March 24, 2009 erikawase
Tags: multimedia report, resedencia onix

My experience in Barcelona would not have been the same if it weren’t for my living conditions in Residencia Onix. Located in L’Example right by Arc de Triumph lays this wonderful residencia with the nicest staff, friends, and bedrooms. Each room is equipped with a bathroom, large closets, kitchen, bed, and desk. The building itself has a rooftop pool, gym, laundry room, TV room, study room, and 24-hour concierge.

Living in this residencia has led me to meet the nicest of friends. We all grew closer because we live under the same room. All together there are 500 students living here from all over the world. CEA has 30 students living here and of course we stick together. We have dinner parties every week where we each cook a dish and eat it all together. There are also multiple parties on every night. Everyone’s doors are always open to allow you to come in and just have a good time.

Besides going from room to room, we also have a rooftop pool, which almost nobody in Barcelona has. This rooftop pool allows the residents to get closer as well. We all just lay out in the sun, have some drinks up there, and listen to music.

When I first found out about my rooming assignment and that it was in a Resedencia which would be considered a dormitory in America, I was very upset. I decided to give this place the benefit of the doubt and check it out before complaining to CEA. So, I arrived in Barcelona and was freaked out about the dimensions of my new apartment I would be sharing with one other roommate. At least in my home institution, we go home some weekends and have a sort of escapism from this cubicle.

The first week, I was hating this small dorm. I was crying to my mother that she must find me another rooming assignment. Then as weeks went by, Resedencia Onix grew on me. I met the most outstanding friends where everyone’s doors were always open for you. I felt more at home then ever. There is never a dull moment in Onix which I find to be an important aspect when you are so far away from home. Living with 500 other students is much better then being put in an apartment building with old people or locals in Spain where you can’t make as much noise and feel like you’re a college student. I have friends who were put in apartments and they live with their 3 roomates and no one else in their building is young. At least with Onix you are destined to make a lot of friends which makes it easier to meet people.

Other major pluses with Resedencia Onix is the 24 hour security staff, gym, TV room, and other cool hang out spots to connect with these new friends.

The only cons with Onix is the location which is not even too horrible. Its located in Eixample Dreta where camus is 20 minutes away (which is far for someone like me from Miami who does not walk much) and there are absolutely no restaurants around Onix.

Overall though, my experience in Onix made my stay here in Barcelona beyond what it would have been if I lived in a private apartment with 2 or 3 friends and no social circle around me. Living here has helped me adjust to life in Spain because I am never lonely and never have a chance to miss anyone or anything back at home!