Check out your FRESHERS' COMPASS by IE Student Experience!
All the tools you need to get started!
The first few weeks can be nerve wracking, so we've put together a comprehensive list of everything you need to know.
The first few weeks can be nerve wracking, so we've put together a comprehensive list of everything you need to know.
Check out your FRESHERS' COMPASS by IE Student Experience!
Academic Life
Blackboard Ultra: Find your schedule, classroom, syllabus & assignments here!
IE Online Library: Access Premium Press & get help for writting and citations
People & Life at IE
IE Connects: Sign up for any IE events & subscribe to clubs!
Housing @ IE Chat: Find roommates from within our community!
MyWellbeing Portal: Resources & Information on all things wellbeing, mental health, general health, and the corresponding departments at IE.
Community
MazeMap
: Tower, Segovia & Maria de Molina
Diversity Line: Report cases of discrimination or harassment to the IE Diversity Office
Stay Informed
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FRESHERS EVENTS!
An easy way to get acquainted with a new environment is to interact with it. We have 20+ events for you to select your favourites from throughout the month of September!
DM us to ask any further questions!
What are the tools I will need on my phone on a regular basis?
The two apps you should have are Blackboard Ultra and IE Connects. BB Ultra is what you will need to do all your class assignments, and having your notifications turned on will make sure you never miss any important announcements from your professor. Meanwhile, IE Connects will be needed for every single event you register to in our community: both for the registration and for the check-in when you show up.
Do it now to save time on your first days!
Will I need formal dress?
Business Casual is the standard dress for most events happening around university. Something a little bit more formal is often helpful to have on hand, in case you have any special presentations or opportunities that arise. We also welcome your willingness to dress formally for the Opening Ceremony!
Can my parents join the Opening Ceremony?
While we would love to welcome your parents as well at the Opening Ceremony, there is unfortunately not sufficient space.
There is a special program dedicated just to the parents on Friday, September 1st, 8pm, at the Tower. If they have not yet registered, they can do so here. Our President, Jo, will be there to welcome your parents, too!
How can I get involved with the community / Student Government?
One of the best things you can do in your first year is to postulate for Class Representative. This will take place end of September, and will require a commitment to not just your fellow classmates, but also to the greater community. We would love to work with you! Check out the election timelines for more.
To get involved with Student Government, check out our FAQs for a detailed explanation on the options.
What are some things I should bring with me to Spain?
As the weather can sharply turn in around November, some warmer dress is strongly encouraged. The weather ranges on average between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius between November and February.
Almost all degrees will at one point or another have at least one mathematics course in the first year. You will likely need a TI calculator, which of course can be bought in Segovia / Madrid, but since most students will have already needed one in high school, we encourage you to bring it with!
PS - Starting university, even if you're just changing cities within Spain, is an adjustment. We encourage a couple of small sentimental items to keep you company for when you're missing home!
Is the welcome program mandatory?
The events of August 31st and the 1st of September are mandatory. Other things offered, for example by Student Services , are optional, although we strongly encourage you to go as many of the things addressed will be very useful throughout your years at IE.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes! IE's educational model strongly relies on collaboration and discussion, which cannot happen when you are not in class. You will fail the course if you attend less than 80% of the courses. Please allocate your absences wisely. The day you wake up in December unexpectedly with the flu or a stomach bug, you will thank yourself!
PS - It goes a very long way to show some courtesy by messaging your professors in advance if you will be missing! It is helpful for them to know if a lesser amount of people will be there, and you can always use the opportunity to learn about what you missed and build a more direct relationship with your professor!
I want to meet many people from different backgrounds, degrees, and years. How do I do this best?
The beauty of IE is that you have access to people from everywhere! It is so lovely when people get to come out of their comfort zone and become friends with people who they normally would never have met. The most important thing is to put yourself out there and keep an open mind; everyone is in the same position as you!
What are some practical things you can do?
I want to go from Segovia to Madrid (or vice versa). What's the best way to do this?
While the train takes only 27 mins, it usually costs 15 EUR on average. It also leaves Segovia from the outskirts of the time (requiring a taxi), and arrives in Madrid near the Tower (impractical if you want to reach the city centre). The bus, on the other hand, costs 5 EUR, takes 1hr - 1hr20, leaves from Segovia's centre, and arrives in Moncloa (closer to the city centre in Madrid).