Going back to university is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates and dorm mates, and to start a new stage full of goals, learning, and challenges.
At Unihabit, we’ve prepared a complete guide with all the tips to return and make your comeback a total success.
Key dates for the 2025–26 academic year
Knowing the academic calendar of Catalonia for the 2025–26 school year will help you better organise classes, exams, and other extracurricular activities. You’ll also be able to plan ahead and schedule time for outings with friends, winter holidays, key deadlines, and more.
Here are some important dates:
- September 11: National Day of Catalonia
- October 12: National Day of Spain
- November 1: All Saints’ Day
- December 6 and 8: Constitution Day and the Immaculate Conception Day
- December 22 to January 7: Christmas holidays (dates may vary depending on the university)
End of January: Exam period (first term) - March 29 – April 5: Easter holidays
- May 1: Labour Day
- End of June: End of classes and final exams
- June 24: Saint John’s Day
What essentials do you need for returning to university?
To get back into your routine and classes in the best possible way, it’s important to remember all your must-haves. That’s why we’ve created a checklist so you don’t forget anything at home or in your daily life:
- Laptop or tablet. If your university allows it, a laptop or tablet will be your best ally for taking notes, doing assignments, or organising your studies.
- Backpack or large bag. A comfortable backpack or large bag will let you carry everything you need in one place.
- Notebooks and stationery. Whether you’re using a laptop or not, notebooks and pens are essential for jotting down quick notes, class takeaways, or your to-do list.
- Water bottle. Staying hydrated is key, and a reusable water bottle will help you focus better in class.
Study spots near our student residences
Our Unihabit residences have fully equipped study rooms so you can focus without leaving home. But if you like a change of scenery, we recommend some cozy cafés near the Unihabit residences where you can also enjoy studying.
Unihabit Barcelona – Ciutat Vella
Address Unihabit Ciutat Vella: Plaça de les Caramelles, 5, 08001 Barcelona
Plaça de les Caramelles, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
If you live in our Universitary residences Barcelona student residences, you need to check out the following cafés, where you’ll feel right at home while enjoying a coffee and studying:
- Federal Café Gòtic: This modern and cosy café lets you study while sipping a chai latte or foamy matcha.
Ptge. de la Pau, 11, 08002 Barcelona
→ 17 minutes on foot - SandwiChez Sant Antoni: This popular Barcelona chain has over 20 locations across the city, with free Wi-Fi and comfortable tables for studying.
Rda. de Sant Antoni, 35, 08011 Barcelona
→ 8 minutes on foot
Unihabit Girona
Address Unihabit Girona: Carrer de l’Estudi General de Girona, 102, 17003 Girona
If you live in our University residence Girona, don’t miss these spots:
- La Fàbrica Girona: A quiet place to study while enjoying specialty coffee.
Carrer de la Llebre, 3, 17004 Girona
→ 40 minutes on foot / 11 minutes by car
- Cafeteria STOP: A wide variety of options including coffee, tea, infusions, tapas, and select products.
Carrer Migdia, 163, 17003 Girona
→ 19 minutes on foot
Unihabit Sant Cugat del Vallès
Address Unihabit Sant Cugat del Vallès: Avinguda del Carril, 70, 08173 Sant Cugat del Vallès
University residence Sant Cugat can also enjoy the:
- La Esquina del Café: A warm atmosphere and a great space for studying while sampling coffees from around the world.
Carrer de Villà, 1, 08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès
→ 15 minutes on foot / 6 minutes by car - Mussolets: A cosy adults-only zone, with Wi-Fi and plugs for a comfortable study session.
Carrer de Villà, 1, 08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès
→ 15 minutes on foot
Unihabit Manresa
Address Unihabit Manresa: Av. Universitària, 12, 08242 Manresa, Barcelona
If you’re staying at our Manresa residence hall, don’t miss out on:
- Cafè l’Antic: A quiet and ideal place in the heart of the city to enjoy a study afternoon with a good coffee.
- L’aroma: A peaceful spot to study and sip on their specialty coffee.
Carrer de Casanova, 6, 08241 Manresa
→ 19 minutes on foot / 7 minutes by car
Tips for getting back into the university routine
Whether you need help easing back into your routine or just want a smooth start to the academic year, here are some key factors:
- Plan your time. Organising both your class schedule and your free time will help make your university life easier.
- Balance study and rest. Taking breaks and disconnecting is essential to perform well academically.
- Exercise and eat well. Physical activity and a healthy diet will boost your energy and mental focus for classwork.
- Enjoy quality time with classmates or dorm mates. Social time is essential for a balanced life and your emotional wellbeing.
If you want to know how to live a full student experience and get more info about our Unihabit residences, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@unihabit.com or call us on 935 953 953.
Are you an Erasmus or international student?
If you’re coming to study in Catalonia from another country this year, we recommend reading our complete guide on Erasmus student residences in Barcelona with all the essential information on universities, procedures, and accommodation.
Worried about safety in your future residence?
Discover how we ensure a safe and peaceful stay for both national and international students at Unihabit.
