Back to school checklist for university students in Spain 2026: supplies, procedures and prep

Returning to university in Spain in September 2026 requires advance planning. This back to school checklist for university students in Spain 2026 ensures you don’t miss anything: from essential school supplies to administrative procedures, enrolment, and logistical preparation. Use this list in Foco to track each step clearly, assign priorities, and meet key deadlines like scholarship applications or accommodation bookings.

In Spain, the 2026-2027 academic year starts between 5 and 20 September, depending on the university and region. Deadlines for enrolment, Ministry of Education scholarships (such as the Beca MEFP), and regional grants typically close in July or September, so it’s best to act early. This checklist is tailored to the real requirements of Spanish public and private universities, including common documents like your ID, European Health Insurance Card, or proof of tuition payment.

How to use this list in Foco

Import this checklist into Foco as a 'work' named 'Back to uni'. This way, you can view all tasks in Panorama mode (with your chosen colour) or filter them in Focus mode to concentrate solely on this project. Use the List view to group tasks by key dates (e.g., 'This week' for enrolment procedures) or the Kanban view to organise them into columns like 'Documents', 'Purchases', and 'Logistics'. Assign priorities (urgent for scholarship deadlines, important for accommodation bookings) and set reminders to avoid missing deadlines. If you receive an email with relevant information (such as enrolment confirmation), forward it to your personal Foco capture email (u-xxxx@in.heyfoco.com) to turn it into a task with the email attached.

• Check your university’s academic calendar to confirm the start date of classes and enrolment deadlines
• Verify enrolment requirements on your university’s website (documents needed, fees, and deadlines)
• Book an appointment for in-person enrolment (if applicable) or prepare documents for online enrolment
• Complete the online enrolment form and save the proof of tuition payment
• Apply for the Beca MEFP or regional grants before the deadline (check dates on the Ministry of Education website or your regional government’s site)
• Renew or apply for the European Health Insurance Card if you’re studying in another region or EU country
• Update your registration (empadronamiento) in your university city (if different from your hometown)
• Search and book accommodation (university residence, shared flat, or room) in advance
• Take out home or liability insurance if you’re renting a flat (some universities require this)
• Purchase or renew your city’s transport pass (e.g., Abono Joven in Madrid, T-Usual in Barcelona)
• Make a list of essential school supplies: laptop, backpack, notebooks, pens, planner, and course-specific materials
• Buy required textbooks (check the list on your faculty’s website or student groups from previous years)
• Install or update software needed for your degree (e.g., AutoCAD, SPSS, Adobe Suite, or programming tools)
• Create an institutional university email account (if you don’t have one) and set it up on your phone
• Join WhatsApp or Telegram groups for your faculty or course to stay updated on news and events
• Plan your monthly budget (rent, food, transport, leisure) and open a fee-free bank account if needed
• Book a GP appointment to obtain a medical report if your university requires it (e.g., for sports or scholarships)
• Prepare digital and physical copies of your ID, health card, enrolment proof, and health insurance
• Service your laptop (battery, storage, antivirus) and bring an external hard drive or USB for backups
• Buy a locker lock (if your faculty provides lockers) and a waterproof cover to protect your notes