International student integration in January: activities and community at your Canvas hall of residence

January marks not only the start of the year, but also the arrival of a new wave of international students. After the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays and winter exams, our Canvas student halls of residence in Spain open their doors to welcome those who are starting their stay in the second term, ready to immerse themselves in a new culture and university life.

Integration in January presents unique challenges: groups of friends are already formed and the cold weather can cause people to withdraw. That's why at Canvas World, we make sure that every new resident, especially international students, feels welcome from day one, whether in the sunny south of Seville, the historic atmosphere of Salamanca or the dynamic pace of Valencia.

This article guides you through the activities, key services and tips to make your arrival at our halls of residence as comfortable as it is exciting.

1. Welcome: it's not just accommodation, it's a home

The Canvas philosophy goes beyond being just student accommodation. We’re a community that accompanies you 24/7. This is especially important for newcomers, ensuring that all services are still operational, even if you arrive in the middle of the month.

Key services for your arrival in January:

1. Security and 24h reception: Does your flight arrive late or do you need help with paperwork? Our team is there to welcome you at any time. Check-in and key management are always available.
2. Parcel service: if you’ve sent luggage in advance or need to receive documents, our parcel management service ensures that everything will be safe.
3. Guaranteed cosy atmosphere: thanks to the fact that air conditioning and utilities are included in your rate (a benefit of the Canvas 'all-inclusive' model), your room or studio will be at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the winter weather. You’ll never have to argue with flatmates about the use of heating.

2. Integration step by step: from the welcome to a City Tour

 

 

 

To combat isolation and make it easier to meet new people, the team at each Canvas hall of residence organises a specific programme of integration and networking activities.

A. First contact: icebreakers and welcome dinners

The first days are crucial. We organise simple events in the common areas that encourage conversation:

• Themed welcome dinners: one way to break the ice is through food. Dinners are organised where long-time residents and newcomers can relax and interact in a communal kitchen or the canvas living room.
• Coffee breaks and orientation: laidback events for new residents to get to know their floor neighbours and staff. Orientation sessions also focus on practical aspects such as where the university is, the nearest bus stop and how to use the laundry.

B. Exploring and orientation: getting to know the city and the culture

January is a great month to explore as there are fewer tourists. Our student halls of residence take advantage of this to organise tours that focus not only on sightseeing, but also on practical aspects:

• Survival City Tours: guided by Team Canvas or veteran residents, these tours focus on the key points for an international student: the local market, the health centre, immigration offices and, of course, the most efficient route to the university.
• Language workshops and cultural exchange: informal language exchange sessions are organised. If the international resident wants to practice Spanish, they can do so with local students, an invaluable benefit of living in a diverse university hall of residence .

Focus Spain: integration in Canvas diversity

 

 

Spain is a mosaic of cultures and each Canvas hall of residence reflects the spirit of its city. The integration strategy is tailored to connect new residents to the local environment, from the calm of the north to the warmth of the south.

Seville: rhythm and cultural connection

In Seville, integration in January focuses on the cultural atmosphere and Andalusian joy.

• Connection and mobility: cycling and walking tours are organised to learn about how close the Canvas hall of residence is to the city centre as well as efficient use of the TUSSAM bus and bicycle, which is vital in a city with so many bike paths.
• Activities: Andalusian cooking workshops, visits to historic taverns (adults only) to experience the tapas atmosphere, and guided tours of emblematic neighbourhoods such as Triana.

Navarre: nature and tradition

In Navarre (Pamplona), the experience is centred on tranquillity for study and connection with nature, vital in northern Spain.

• Academic focus: specific study groups are created per faculty (given the environment of excellence of the UPNA and UNAV), helping international students to adapt to the local study methodology.
• Activities: guided trips to the mountains or to the surrounding area, such as the Irati Forest, so that residents arriving in January can discover the natural richness the region has to offer.

Salamanca: university history and student life

Salamanca is the historic university heart of Spain, making it a perfect destination for academic immersion.

• Historical focus: integration includes guided tours of the old town (World Heritage Site), focusing on the historic facades of the University and the Plaza Mayor, to help new residents understand the weight of the university tradition.
• Events: participation in the activities of the local tunas or student associations is encouraged, allowing Canvas students to discover Salamanca’s social life.

Valencia: sun, sea and technology

Valencia is known for its climate, its beaches and its innovation. Integration at the Canvas hall of residence focuses on these contrasts.

• Sport and wellness: taking advantage of the milder weather in January, sports activities are organised on the beach or near the City of Arts and Sciences complex.
• Practical orientation: information sessions are held on how the metro and tram network works, and visits to the Central Market and the Turia area for full integration into the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Sabadell: proximity to Barcelona and Catalan culture

The Canvas hall of residence in Sabadell offers a mix of tranquil local living with excellent connectivity to the metropolis.

• Connectivity: initial integration focuses on how to use the local trains (rodalies/FGC) to reach Barcelona's universities quickly, while enjoying more affordable prices in Sabadell.
• Local culture: Activities are organised to explore local Catalan culture, such as visiting local markets or attending local celebrations, helping students to feel part of the local community and not just passing through.

Tips for the international student arriving in January

 

 

If you’re one of those arriving at our halls of residence in January, consider these tips to make the most of your student accommodation:

1. Break the ice: accept the invitation to the first welcome events. Community is your best tool against nostalgia.
2. Use the common spaces: the common room, kitchen and study area are your best networking tools. Take your laptop to the studio canvas instead of always staying in your room; this is where study groups and friendships are formed.
3. Ask Team Canvas: our team is available 24 hours a day. Whether it's a question about how the bi-weekly cleaning works or how to go from the Canvas Sevilla Lago to the centre, we’re here to guide you.

At Canvas World, we understand that starting halfway can be difficult, but we assure you that with the combination of our all-inclusive service and the active community life we encourage in Seville, Navarre, Salamanca, Valencia and Sabadell, you’ll integrate and be ready for your university experience in no time.

Welcome to your new Canvas hall of residence!