The ESEI Student Council: My Unexpected Home in Barcelona
The ESEI Student Council: My Unexpected Home in Barcelona
Alright, so here’s the deal. When I first got to ESEI Business School in Barcelona, I thought I had pretty good idea of what I was doing—classes, looking for jobs, figuring out which café had the strongest espresso (or which bar had the cheapest beer or the best cocktail in town). But somewhere in between all of that, I was also trying to make the most of living in one of the greatest cities in the world. And while there’s no official guidebook on how to instantly feel at home in a new country, I found that the ESEI Student Council came pretty close to being one.
What Even Is the Student Council?
Good question. Honestly, before getting involved, I thought it was just some group that planned events and sent out emails I’d never read. But I quickly learned that it’s a lot more than that. The Student Council is kind of like a mix between a support system, a networking hub, and the unofficial party-planning committee (but in a cool way, not a cringey one). It’s where I found people who actually get what it’s like to move to Barcelona for school—students who were dealing with the same mix of excitement and occasional chaos that I was.
Somehow, I ended up helping with networking events, which, despite my initial skepticism, weren’t just a bunch of people awkwardly handing out business cards. Then there were the social events—pub nights, themed parties, spontaneous meet-ups that turned into some of the best nights I’ve had here. But beyond all that, the Student Council also played a big role in things like academic support, career development opportunities, and making sure students had access to resources that actually helped them, instead of just being empty buzzwords.
What the Student Council Actually Does
The ESEI Student Council plays a huge role in shaping student life. It’s not just about throwing parties (though, let’s be honest, those are a big part of it). It’s about making sure there’s something for everyone—whether that’s a chance to grow professionally, make new connections, or just have fun. Some of the highlights? Here are just a few of the events that have made the ESEI experience unforgettable:
- TEDx ESEI – Yeah, we actually put together a full-on TEDx event, giving students a platform to share big ideas and inspire others.
- ESEI Olympics – A sports tournament that brings out everyone’s competitive side, even if the last time they touched a soccer ball was in middle school.
- Halloween Parties – Let’s just say, the costumes get creative (sometimes too creative).
- End-of-Year Pool Party – Sun, music, and the perfect way to wrap up the academic year.
- Christmas Parties – Because nothing says the holiday season like a student-led winter celebration.
- Karaoke Nights & Themed Gatherings – It turns out that even the quietest students have a secret talent for belting out ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ at 2 AM.
More Than Just Events
Beyond the fun stuff, the Student Council also serves as a bridge between students and school leadership. That means collecting feedback, making sure student voices are heard, and pushing for changes that actually improve student life—whether that’s academic policies, career support, or just having better spaces to hang out on campus.
And within the Council, different committees keep everything running smoothly:
- Events Committee – The masterminds behind all the social activities and seasonal parties.
- Sports Committee – The ones responsible for keeping us active with tournaments and recreational events.
- Career & Development Committee – Organizing TEDx talks, networking events, and skill-building workshops.
- Wellbeing & Culture Committee – Making sure student diversity, mental health, and community-building are at the core of what we do.
So, Why Should You Care?
Look, I get it—student councils don’t always have the best reputation. It’s easy to assume it’s just a bunch of people trying to pad their resumes. But at ESEI, this isn’t about that. It’s about actually doing things that matter. It’s about making sure that every student who comes here feels like they belong—not just in class, but in this city, in this community.
So if you’re reading this and feeling a little lost, or even just looking for a way to meet more people outside of your usual circle, maybe give the Student Council a shot. Show up to an event, throw out an idea, or just reach out and see where it takes you. Worst case? You get a good story out of it. Best case? You find a group of people who make this whole Barcelona experience even better.
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