Campus Corner: Skydiving, Cheesecake Judging & Other Life Choices

Meet Veronica

Co-founder of Campus Corner, Born in Boston, but her Peruvian and Czech roots have always given her a love for different cultures. Seven years ago, she made the move to Spain, and Madrid’s been her home for adventure and self-discovery ever since.

As a Program Coordinator, overseeing transversal projects like certificates, immersion weeks (and more to come 👀) in the Business Masters department. When she’s not connecting the dots behind the scenes, you’ll find her upside down in aerial yoga, chasing new travel spots, or freefalling, literally, skydiving. 🪂

And her weakness? Anything chocolate, of course! 🍫 

What’s the quirkiest item you have on your desk right now? 

A rock that mysteriously appeared in my possession—it might be from one of my beach adventures, but I can’t say for sure. Either way, it’s here to stay! 

Favorite quote: 

“She believed she could, so she did.” 

Favorite spot in Madrid: 

Too many places to choose from, but one of my favorites is the Plaza de Olavide. It’s been modernized a bit, but it still holds onto its historic charm. Surrounded by cozy cafés, lively bars, charming bookstores, and a playground filled with laughter, it’s always buzzing with life. On sunny days, the terraces overflow with people enjoying coffee and conversation, making it the very essence of why I love Madrid.

Any fun plans this weekend? I’ll be going skydiving, weather permitting, and hopefully finally shopping for the new sofa I’ve been putting off.🤞

Connect with me on LinkedIn

If coffee runs through your veins: 

Utøpico Specialty Coffee

This small café in Salamanca is infused with the influence of its Syrian and Yemeni owners. Expect a delightful fusion of flavors with strong nods to Middle Eastern cuisine, don’t miss the Labneh or the Habibi toasts!

Fun fact: They roast their own filter coffee right there, after closing hours, in small batches, ensuring quality in every cup. They even offer training workshops, which you can check out here.

• Recommendation: For a sweet treat, go for their baklava, it's sure to brighten your day 🌄☀️. And if you're feeling adventurous, check out their drops: bold & innovative. Cardamom latte? Coconut matcha? HMM... YES

Flow: A River of Light & Sound 🌊✨

This winter, FLOW turns an unexpected corner of Madrid into a magical sensory ride. Set inside the striking Iglesia de la Comunidad Evangélica de Habla Alemana on Paseo de la Castellana, this immersive show blends poetry, music, and visuals into one unforgettable 30‑minute experience. Based on La Moldava — the classic orchestral piece reimagined with lush electronic and symphonic sound — projections of rivers, forests, and dreamlike landscapes wash over walls and ceilings in a cascade of color and rhythm. It’s not just a light show — it’s a journey through nature and emotion that works as a relaxed date plan or a mind‑blowing hangout with friends.

Second Slice of Fame 🍕✨

If your inner foodie trusts awards, Dolce Positano just snagged second place in the La Mejor Pizza de España contest for the Community of Madrid — not bad for a newcomer on Paseo del Pintor Rosales. Their “La Coppa del Mondo” pizza balances classic Neapolitan technique with bright Mediterranean flair, and the rest of the menu carries that same sun‑soaked energy straight from the Amalfi Coast. Grab friends, share a pizza (or two), and make sure to save room for dessert.

Sky High Rebajas 🪂💸

Ready to level up your spring? Skydive Madrid is offering discounts through the end of the month — book your jump now, choose your date later when the skies turn blue and your courage peaks.

Rally some brave friends, rent a car, and make a day of it: post-jump adrenaline calls for celebratory lunch or dinner in nearby Toledo. Thrill, chill, and toast to the bold.

Website: https://www.skydivemadrid.es/

Dinner with Atmosphere ✨🥂

Whether it’s a cozy date or a catch-up with your favorite people, Fismuler nails the mood. The lighting glows just right, the vibe is quietly elegant, and the escalope? Crispy, golden, unforgettable.

Don’t skip the cheesecake — it's almost scandalously good. Come hungry — and maybe linger a little.

Cheesecake Champions 🍰🏆

Las Rozas is turning into Spain’s tarta de queso capital this February, Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 February 2026, with The Champions Cheesecake — a full‑on national contest calling in the best cheesecakes from more than 15 top bakeries across the country. You’ll find classic New York‑style slices, Basque‑burnt beauties, and wildly inventive flavors all under one roof at the Centro Multiusos Alcalde Bonifacio de Santiago — plus food trucks, drinks, music, and a public vote to help crown the people’s favorite.

If you’re a dessert lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this is a deliciously fun weekend plan — taste your way through the competition and maybe discover your new favorite sweet stop.

🚆 How to get there:
Take the Cercanías train from Madrid–Chamartín or Madrid–Atocha to Las Rozas (C-8 or C-10) — about 25–35 minutes. From the station, it’s a short bus or cab ride to the venue.

Masterworks & Hidden Gems 🎨✨

Right now at the Fundación María Cristina Masaveu Peterson you can wander through “Colección Masaveu: Spanish Art of the 20th Century — From Picasso to Barceló”, a free exhibition showcasing about 100 standout paintings and sculptures by major Spanish artists of the last century — think Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Sorolla, Chillida and more — all woven into a vibrant journey through modern art movements.

Layered into that are smaller displays too: a Works on Paper section with rotating drawings and prints, and even an Espacio Street Art corner that brings a contemporary twist to the collection.

It’s open through mid‑July 2026, so it’s the perfect rainy‑day cultural plan tucked in central Madrid — and all free (just snag a free time slot online).

Private, Bold, and a Little Bit Secret 🖼️🔒

Espacio SOLO is one of Madrid’s most intriguing private art spaces — tucked behind the Puerta de Alcalá, it blends contemporary art, digital pieces, and surreal installations in a way that feels more like stepping into someone’s (very cool) imagination than a museum. You’ll find works by established and emerging artists, plus strange and delightful surprises around every corner.

Visits are free but only by appointment, so plan ahead and prepare to be wowed. Be on the lookout for when they open the next exhibit. 

🍔 Campus Bites😋

Quick lunch around campus: Manteca 

Craving a juicy burger in Madrid? Manteca Burgers is the place to be! They recieved the award for best Smash 2023!  Not only do they serve up mouthwatering burgers made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, but they also offer a fantastic Menú del Día (only 15,49€) that’s perfect for students looking for a tasty and affordable meal. PLUS: It's a short walk from campus.

For an unbeatable price, their Menú del Día includes a starter, main course (choose from 3 different burgers!), fries, and a drink—all served up in a cozy, casual setting. 

It’s the perfect spot for a satisfying lunch between classes or a fun meal with friends.

Not Your Usual Market 🧲🪨

Skip the foodie frenzy, this monthly mercadillo is all about objects, not edibles. On the first Sunday of each month (10:00–14:00), the Museo Histórico Minero Don Felipe de Borbón hosts a market filled with vintage trinkets, handmade pieces, and geological gems. Think minerals, maps, and mystery.

The Art Farewell 🎨🛍️

La Causa Art Shop, Malasaña’s indie darling for prints, zines, and all things visually delicious, is closing its doors at the end of January. Pop in for one last browse — everything’s discounted, and your walls will thank you.

Castellana’s New Corner🏙️🍴

If your weekend mood is eat, stroll, repeat, you’ll want to check out the fresh energy at NUGA Castellana — a massive new block‑wide destination on Paseo de la Castellana that blends restaurants, shops, wellness spots, and workspaces all in one swoop. The heart of it is El Callejón: a light‑filled, plant‑strewn gastronomic alley where you can move from sushi at Monster Sushi to Italian classics, castiza taverns, and more — all under one (very stylish) roof. There’s even a gym (Fitness Park Madrid - Nuga Castellana) if you’re feeling virtuous before brunch or dinner. Think lunch with friends, pre‑work coffee, and spontaneous afterwork bites — all snug in one place with an upbeat vibe and plenty of terraces to sip on.