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The Campus Corner: 📸 Musicals, Mochi & Moments to Remember

Veronica Drahos - Wednesday, April 8
 Campus Corner 

Welcome back to The Campus Corner! Every two weeks, we bring you closer to the people behind your program—not just as your experience team but as locals who love sharing the best of Madrid. We want to build a more personal connection with you and help make Madrid feel like home.

In each edition, you’ll find our favorite spots, from hidden cafes to campus must-visits. Whether you're looking for a brunch spot or just curious about what we love around the city, we hope our picks add something special to your day.

Let’s keep exploring together—enjoy this edition and we'll see you in the next one! Guiño

Meet Paula

Not gata, but 100% Madrid-born—with family roots in Andalucía and Extremadura. Madrid has my heart: mercados, sun, terrazas, midweek plans—what’s not to love?

I’ve always been adventurous. Before “settling down” (for now 😉), I lived in Poland, the U.S., Greece, and briefly in Turkey and Ireland—experiences that truly changed me. I learned to connect beyond language, find home in unexpected places, and collect stories and chosen family along the way. You know what I mean, right?

At IE, I’m working with MSBT, MDGM and Executive Programs—and loving every second of it. I studied Philology and earned a Master’s in Education, and even taught high school for a while (major respect to teachers, but teenagers… SUPER NOPEEEE for me 😅) (Pssst… I’ve been at IE for over 4 years! And yes, I might’ve reviewed your application back in my Admissions days 👀)

I’m a pretty extroverted person who lives for connection. I’m usually the first to say yes to a plan—and you’ll probably hear me before you see me. I always greet my friends with “uola chiwos”, and I proudly use my own version of Spanglish, like “I’m thinkeando.” I thrive on spontaneous laughter, honest conversations, and learning something new every single day.

💬 A phrase you like in Spanish?: As my grandma always said: “Nunca te acostarás sin saber una cosa más.” (“You’ll never go to bed without learning something new.”) It’s my life motto—there’s always something new to discover, and it keeps us growing.

💸 Where does your money go?: Traveling! I’ve been to over 40 countries—and counting. I love exploring cultures, getting lost in new cities, trying all the food, and collecting postcards to frame. My home basically looks like a travel scrapbook.

😄 Fun fact?: I quote The Simpsons constantly. I know most golden-era episodes by heart (we ignore the newer seasons 😅). Drop a reference and you'll instantly make my day.

✨ Curtain Call: Two Big Musicals, One Magical Weekend

Wicked - Nuevo Teatro Alcalá
Ever wondered what The Wizard of Oz looked like from the witches' side? This globally adored musical flips the script with flying broomsticks, gravity-defying vocals, and a surprisingly philosophical heart. Spanish-language production, emerald vibes guaranteed 🧙‍♀️💚

Cinderella - Teatro Coliseum
Glass slippers, yes — but also a modern heroine who knows what she wants. This fairytale revival mixes classic Rodgers & Hammerstein magic with contemporary sparkle. A perfect night out if you’re craving full-costume fantasy 👠✨

🎟️ Tip: Tickets from ~€25. Go for the magic, stay for the power ballads.

MOM: Madrid Otra Mirada

If you missed your chance with Open House Madrid last weekend and you have ever wanted to step inside Madrid’s secret gardens, majestic palaces, or that one curious building you always pass on your way to class, here's your shot: Madrid Otra Mirada (MOM). From October 16–19, 194 institutions are flinging open their doors for 230 free cultural experiences: Concerts, guided tours, and more. Check out the full program here.

Spots go fast! Bookings open tomorrow, October 2 at 10:00. Time to look at the city with fresh eyes. 👀🌿

✨ Houdinni

New on Madrid’s Golden Mile: Houdinni, the nightclub that looks like the NYC subway if it got a lighting upgrade and a killer sound system.

Inspired by metro stations and late-night movement, this Serrano hotspot runs Tuesday through Sunday, pulsing with Afro house and commercial house. The space is sleek, shadowy, and mirrored — the kind of place where you half expect to find a supermodel sipping mezcal next to the DJ booth.

No gimmicks, no theme nights — just beats, energy, and a crowd that’s dressed like nightlife is still an art form. Miss your stop and stay till close.

IE Humanities Group Chat

Want to stay updated on the latest arts and humanities tours at IE?
Join the IE Humanities WhatsApp group chat here!

If coffee runs through your veins: Mina ☕💻

This spacious café is the perfect place to settle in with your laptop and enjoy a great atmosphere, whether by yourself or with your team. They serve specialty coffee & other yummy drinks, along with delicious Argentinian alfajores, empanadas, pastries, and more: the perfect fuel for productivity.

  • Recommendation: The empanada de carne (SO GOOD!) and their alfajores.

🌎 Festival de la Hispanidad Returns

Madrid is rolling out the red carpet for Hispanidad 2025 (Oct 3–12), a 10‑day cultural celebration that turns the city into a kaleidoscope of Latin voices, rhythms, and traditions.

Expect 200+ free events across town, from folklore parades and open-air concerts to poetry, film, and art from across the Spanish-speaking world. This year’s guest of honor? Argentina 🇦🇷 — so tango, empanadas, and high-drama ballads are very much on the menu.

📍Don’t miss:

  • Gloria Estefan live at Plaza de Colón (Oct 5) 🎤

  • Gran Vía parade (Oct 5) — feathers, floats & flair

  • Military parade + flyover on Oct 12

  • Free music, film, and dance in 70+ venues citywide

Dress loud, show up proud, and learn a few new Spanish accents along the way.

Campus Bites 😋: 🍣 Sushi Mochi

Stuck between lectures or drowning in slides? Sushi Mochi on Calle Velázquez is your zen-out zone — sleek, quiet, full of maki, and right next to campus.

Their under-€20 lunch buffet is perfect for a quick bite that doesn’t feel rushed. You’ll find everything from delicate nigiri to crunchy tempura, with just enough variety to make you forget what course you were cramming for.

A break that’s fresher than yet another espresso — and way more satisfying.

Your picks, your city: 🔥 Bucólico Café

This week’s top student recommendation is in!

"After trying several brunch spots, Bucólico Café felt completely different from anything I’d had before. Sure, you’ll find a more or less “predictable” menu (think eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce), but trust me — these are nothing like the usual versions.
It’s a place to unwind right in the heart of Chueca, with a warm atmosphere, wooden details, and cozy lighting that instantly sets a calm mood. The menu balances sweet and savory dishes, with vegan and gluten-free options too, making it the perfect spot to gather everyone and leave them equally impressed."

📸 Burgers Worth Remembering

Hundred Burgers 
This isn’t fast food. It’s a burger ritual — thick, juicy patties, pillowy potato buns, and no overcomplications. Hundred keeps it real: bold flavors, quality ingredients, and a menu that doesn’t try to do too much.

The Eloy Gonzalo location comes with an extra treat: a photo booth. Slide in after your meal and immortalize the moment. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth visit, it’s a burger you’ll want proof of. 🍔

Minimalist. Maximal flavor. Fully photogenic.

Discovering IE Perks 💙💸

Flights, hotels, dinners, new headphones, even that laptop you’ve been eyeing... IE Perks gives you exclusive discounts and cashback just for being part of IE. It’s the kind of portal you forget exists… until you save €40 on a weekend trip.
Go take a peek now. Your next splurge might just come with a sweet little refund 😉

📢 A call to YOU! 📢

Madrid is full of amazing spots, and you've just arrived... so tell us what you've found! 😉 Whether it’s your go-to café for studying, the best late-night bites, or a hidden gem for weekend brunch, we want to hear about it!

💬 Drop your favorite places by pressing the button below and tell us why you love them! We’d love to showcase student-recommended spots—because the best places deserve to be discovered and shared! 🔥

Thank you for spending a little time with us!
We hope these recommendations add a spark of inspiration to your week. Now it’s your turn – pause for a moment and reflect on your day.

Whether it’s a “10” kind of day or one that could use a little lift, remember that tomorrow is a fresh start. We’re here to help make your time on and off-campus feel like home, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or tips with us, too.

If you're having a rough day, here is a cat video to try and make your day a tad better. Ojos de sonrisa 

Until next time,  
⭐ Your Campus Corner Team ⭐

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