In my previous Post I asked if I should Look for rooms upon Arrival and got the tip of renting via Badi.
I am now in contact with some people and am wondering what safety measures would be sufficient to avoid a Scam. Is an online Video Call enough?
Any Input is appreciated :)
I will start studying in Barcelona in September as an international student and only now got the acceptance letter. Therefore all the Student housing is fully booked and I feel like all the nice and affordable housing from bigger agencies is gone too.
I have now looked on the more "local" (?) websites (where people warn to only pay and sign a contract in person after viewing the room to avoid scams) and realized that they are wayy cheaper than e.g. on spotahome etc. I saw on reddit that people recommend just taking an AirBnB for 2 weeks upon arrival and go apartment hunting then. But I am scared that this won't work, as in my city it is more common to rent months in advance already.
Would you recommend doing that?
The other option would be either to risk a scam or to go on vacation to BCN for a week, as I am not too far away generally but it is still very expensive.
Thank you for your input!
Edit: Thank you for your answers, will do so then!!
Hey, I am currently laying wide awake because I don‘t know what is the Smart thing to do.
I have Always wanted to study abroad (dopamine) but I have been too overwhelmed during my Bachelors to Organize a Semester abroad and to be honest also have been too scared. But I have insane FOMO, and really really want to pursue this Dream of studying in a cool City.
After getting my degree I Applied for more or less Random Master degrees in my favorite City of all time and Actually got accepted (yay). The Problem now is, the City is quite expensive and I am struggling to find an accomodation.
While I will get State-Funded Financial Support for one Master, in the very probable case that I want/Need to pursue a more career oriented one I wouldn‘t get Financial Support anymore.
Furthermore, I am only able to do another more useful degree in a year anyway, so it is Not Like I am loosing time. Just Money lol
Oh and I have Applied for Masters that Are useful AND abroad but didn‘t get accepted anywhere unfortunately, so that is Not an Option either. And Yes, I have thought about just doing an Intership abroad, but in My Field They Are usually Not Paid and tbh the Process of applying and simultaneously trying to get financial aids Like Erasmus is insanely overwhelming to me (aka I am scared I would just rot at home instead).
I am happy to hear any Input on what you would do in my Position. Thank you :))
TLDR: I am scared I will „use up“ my Financial Support for a useless degree (that possibly looks weird on my CV too?) BUT a good time.