Central Unit for Reception of Foreign Researchers
The Central Unit for Reception of Foreign Researchers (CURF) was set up in July 2024 by UPM as a key milestone in the implementation of its human resources strategy for researchers in compliance with the HRS4R Seal of Excellence in Research, which was awarded on 17 July 2019. CURF offers onboarding and support services for international researchers joining UPM as employees or students. Assistance starts prior to their arrival and
continue throughout their stay in Spain.
CURF manages the application process for first-time work and/or residence permits and permit renewals for researchers coming to work at UPM. It also assists researchers with other administrative procedures required to legalize their residence in Spain, such as application for a foreigner residence card. Additionally, CURF supports international students joining UPM who need help with procedures such as visa applications or residence permits.
Further information:
https://web.upm.es/cruf/
email: onboarding.international@upm.es
Spanish Language Courses
The UPM Language Centre, run by the UPM’s Vice Rectorate for Internationalisation, has developed a flexible offer of Spanish language courses adapted to the special demands of its higher education community. The Spanish Language and Culture courses aim to provide students with the necessary Spanish language communication skills and strategies for everyday situations in both academic (formal) and sociocultural (informal) settings, as well as to prompt and encourage interest in and curiosity about Spanish culture, traditions and customs. The UPM Language Centre offers courses for proficiency levels A1 to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) and personalized solutions for students of other levels, as well as tailor-made courses for institutions.
Every year international students attend the following courses:
• Pre-semester courses (Aug/Sept and Jan/ Feb) – 50-hour intensive Spanish language and culture courses, including a 20-hour cultural programme over
three weeks
• Semester-long courses (Sept/Dec and Feb/ May) – 40-hour fall and spring semester courses
• Summer courses (July) – 100-hour intensive course, including face-to-face classes and cultural activities over a four-week period.
The UPM is also an official DELE and SIELE examination centre. DELE and SIELE are Spanish language proficiency certificates awarded by the Cervantes Institute on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.
Further information: http://www.lenguas.upm.es
Mentor Programme
The aim of the UPM mentoring project is to set up a guidance and assistance programme for first-year and international students. Senior students are responsible for mentoring under the supervision of lecturers.
The main aim of the mentor programme is to set up mechanisms to help new students (first-year and international students) with their academic and social
integration at the university and ensure that they continue and succeed in higher education. This is achieved through:
æ Academic guidance: providing mentored students with the help they need to cope with the subjects that they are studying from the viewpoint of the
mentor as a former student of these subjects.
æ Social guidance: helping new students adapt to the university with particular attention to diversity.
æ Administrative guidance: providing new students with guidance for general administrative procedures.
The International Office at the school where you are studying will tell you if the mentor programme is running and put you in touch with mentors who can help you adapt to life at the UPM.
Wi-Fi on Campus
WI-FI was devised as an alternative connection to the university’s wired network as a way to provide mobility and allow access to the network from any point within range. Wi-Fi is available at all UPM schools and at the Central Administration Offices. This means that users from any school can connect to the network in the specified areas, regardless of the school at which they are studying. The UPM’s Wi-Fi network is part of the worldwide eduroam service. Students who have eduroam installed in their devices will have Wi-Fi access directly. Students who do not have eduroam access will be able to use our network as soon as they have a UPM student email account
Assistance for the Disabled
The Vice-Rectorate for Student Affairs has a Disabled Care Unit to assist disabled students with everything they need, providing as much help as possible so they are able to study.
Further information:
http://www.upm.es/UPM/CompromisoSocial/UnidadAtencionDiscapacidad
Phone: 91 067 06 71
e-mail: discapacidad.alumnos@upm.es
ACADEMIC LIFE
UPM student services aim to help you succeed academically. Here are some resources that you may find useful.
Libraries and Computer Loans
The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid has a large library network, comprising 17 school libraries and the European Documentation Centre (CEYDE). University
libraries are busy resource centres housing scientific, technical and cultural information. Their purpose is to help library members with the process of learning, research and ongoing education and to help raise the level of quality provided by the UPM’s model of integral education. All UPM students may request a computer loan. They must have a UPM email account, and computers may only be used on library premises. Library opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm. During exam periods some libraries extend their opening hours.
SERVICIO DE COORDINACIÓN DE BIBLIOTECAS
Rectorado. Edificio A
Avenida Ramiro de Maeztu, 7
28040-Madrid
Phone:
91 067 00 26
Further information: http://www.upm.es/internacional/Students/UniversityLibrary
COIE: Career Guidance and Information Centre – (Centro de Orientación e Información de Empleo)
The UPM Career Guidance and Information Centre provides information and guidance to help students with work experience or practicum placements and to find their first job.
COIE
Rectorado Edificio B
Pº Juan XXIII, 11
28040
Madrid
Tel: 91 067 00 13
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm
e-mail: coie.practicas@upm.es (work placement); coie.empleo@upm.es (employment)
Further information: http://www.upm.es/Estudiantes/EmpleoPracticas/COIE
LIFE OUTSIDE OF STUDY
Life at UPM is not all work and no play, there are plenty of extracurricular activities on offer. This information may help you tofind what you are looking for.
Student Clubs
Clubs play a major role at UPM. There are currently 195 clubs in operation, including activities ranging from all kinds of cultural pursuits such as cinema, theatre, tunas (traditional student musical groups) and photography to professionally-oriented clubs for exchange and research. If you would like to join a club or take part in club activities, enquire at your school or make an appointment to see the Vice Dean of University Extension, the Student Council at your School, or the Student Services and University Extension Office.
Further information: http://www.upm.es/Estudiantes/Asociaciones
e-mail: extension.universitaria@upm.es
Cultural Activities
The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid organises numerous reasonably priced cultural activities for all UPM students, including exchange students. The Cultural Service (Aula de Cultura) organises courses of all kinds: diction and public speaking, Latin dancing, drawing and painting, creative writing, ukele and guitar playing and so on. Courses are held twice during the academic year from October to December and from March to June. Every year the UPM holds its highly successful theatre festival, when the university’s 11 theatre groups put on more than 20 plays, including comedy, drama, theatre of the absurd and musicals. Performances are attended by more than 6500 spectators, and all interested students may take part. Another annual event is the UPM Cinema Showcase (Jornadas de Cine), which has a different theme every year: gender equality, crime in cinema, etc. Students who attend the showcase are awarded ECTS credits. International students who would like to take part in any of these activities should enquire at the Student Services and University Extension Office:
SERVICIO DE ATENCIÓN AL ALUMNO Y EXTENSIÓN UNIVERSITARIA
Rectorado. Edificio B.
Paseo Juan XXIII, 11
28040-Madrid.
Phone: 91 067 03 29 / 30 / 31
e-mail: extension.univerisitaria@upm.es
Further information: http://www.upm.es/UPM/Actividades_Culturales/Aula_Cultura
Sports
The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid promotes and encourages sports activities by organising its own competitions and participates in championships with other Spanish universities. The university also runs a variety of activities at its sports facilities. For students interested in taking part in sports, the UPM provides the following activities: chess, athletics, skiing, badminton, basketball, handball, cycling, fencing, judo, karate, kenzo, swimming, tennis, archery, lower body workout, keep fit, yoga, Pilates, kick boxing, body building (without instructor), paddle tennis and more.
DEPORTES
Paseo Juan XXIII, 11
28040 Madrid
Phone: 91 91 067 03 36 / 37 / 38
e-mail: deportes@upm.es
Further information: http://www.upm.es/UPM/Deportes
STUDENT REPRESENTATION
The UPM has organisations and officials defending student interests and rights. Here is information about how to contact them.
Student Union (Delegación de Alumnos)
The Student Union represents students and defends their interests, providing advice and assistance about academic matters and other spheres of university life. The Student Union also promotes cultural and sports activities and supports activities undertaken by students at each school. Each school has a Student
Union office.
STUDENT UNION
Rectorado
Edificio A
C/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 7 Sótano 1
28040
Madrid
Phone: 91 067 00 25
e-mail: da@upm.es
Further information: https://daupm.es
University Ombudsman (Defensor Universitario)
The University Ombudsman helps to ensure that the rights and freedoms of teaching staff, students and administration and services staff are respected. The Office of the Ombudsman at UPM is an independent body that aims to improve the quality of the institution in all fields.
DEFENSOR UNIVERSITARIO
Rectorado Edificio A
C/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 7
28040
Madrid
Phone: 91 067 00 24
e-mail: defensor.universitario@upm.es
Further information: http://www.upm.es/UPM/DefensorUniversitario
