What First-Time Study Abroad Students Should Know About Daily Life in Palma

If you’re preparing for your first study abroad experience in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. From the historic streets of the Old Town to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Palma offers the perfect blend of culture, beauty, and learning. But as exciting as it all sounds, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what daily life will actually look like. Here's what study abroad beginners need to know to feel more confident and ready when they arrive.

While Spain is renowned for its relaxed pace of life, many local traditions begin earlier than you might expect. If you're staying with a host family or attending language classes, expect to be up by 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. to have breakfast and dress. Breakfasts are light—toast, fruit, or a pastry with juice or coffee. Students typically walk to school or program activities or take public transportation, and the streets begin to fill with people heading to work and school around 8:00 a.m.

Meals are a big part of the day in Palma, and the schedule might be different from what you're used to. Lunch is often the biggest meal and usually takes place between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. Many local shops close during this time for a mid-day break. Dinner is lighter and served later, typically after 8:30 p.m. If you’re staying with a host family, expect to sit down and share meals together—it’s a great opportunity to practice your Spanish and connect with your hosts on a daily basis.

After classes or periods of programmed activity, students usually enjoy some free time in the afternoons. This is when most locals take a break, go for a walk, or get together with friends over coffee. You might use this time to study at a café, drop into a local museum, shop, or head to the beach for a dip. Daily life at Palma is a nice balance of formal study and personal exploration, which allows you to grow both academically and socially.

It is student-friendly and easy to navigate around the city because of Palma's well-covered public transport system. City buses are clean, efficient, and cheap. Students can purchase rechargeable metro cards or individual tickets at the majority of stations. Some of the most interesting neighborhoods, beaches, and cultural spots are also on walking distance. Palma is renowned for being easy and safe to navigate, especially for locally living and studying students.

You don't need to be fluent in Spanish or Catalan to get by, but you'll learn a lot just living your daily life. From ordering food, greeting your host family when they come home, or asking for directions, there are plenty of times when you can practice your language abilities. People are grateful for the effort and tend to be warm and understanding. In time, your confidence will grow—even if you do make a few mistakes.

It can take some days to adjust to everyday life in Palma, but the majority of students quickly settle into the city's pace. From morning walks through ancient neighborhoods to late-evening tapas and discussion, Palma asks you to slow down, stay curious, and maximize every moment. The more open you are to adopting new routines and customs, the more rewarding your study abroad experience will be.