La Universitat Pompeu Fabra: A brief history of a young University
(As posted at UPF History)
On 18 June 1990, Parliament gave the go-ahead for the creation of a new public university in Catalonia, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, inspired by the principles of freedom, democracy, justice, equality, independence and plurality. From its beginnings, this young academic institution has set itself two main objectives: to train professionals and citizens who are responsible and committed to civic values, and to contribute towards the development of research.
The first lectures at UPF were given on 8 October 1990 in the Balmes Building, once the site of the Fòrum Vergés. They were attended by some 300 students of the new Four-Year Degrees in Law and Economics and Business Sciences. Today it has 7,000 students, courses in all fields –from experimental, health and life sciences to human and social sciences and technical studies– and an expanding campus in the heart of the city, stretching between the Rambla and the district of Poblenou.
Parallel to the progress made in teaching and research, the campus has spread to provide the University with the facilities it needs. Over the years a line has emerged that runs from the Rambla to the Olympic Village, in the district of El Poblenou. All along this line the city’s historic buildings have been renovated, including the Dipòsit de les Aigües, built by Fontserè in 1888, now the library building; the former army barracks in Carrer Wellington; the buildings in Plaça de la Mercè, now housing the Rectorate, and in Plaça del Teatre, with the new Plaça de Joaquim Xirau; and França Station, where the first train in Spain started its run.
The University Pompeu Fabra maintains a special web page dedicated to its international students. To see maps, tips on living and studying at UPF, services and activities please visit their International Campus page.
Quick UPF Links
Many of UPF's web pages offer English versions, and we have included those pages as often as possible in the following list of links. More pages will be added in early spring.
All of the following external links may be accessed through UPF's home page, but here are a few links to informational pages of use to prospective students their parents and educators, as well as students currently enrolled in the program, living in Barcelona.
- Library and Computer Labs
- On the SITE INDEX of UPF's web page, you will find links to many services, including the library and the computer lab. The library is a main category link, whereas the computer lab link is listed under the category "Services and Activities", and then through the "Study Support Services" link.
El Carnet UPF: Your UPF Identification Card
The UPF identification card can be used as an identification card while in Spain, although be advised that you may need to present a government-issued identification card in some situations, so it is a good idea to have one while abroad. The "Carnet UPF" gives you discounted access to nearly all public transportation, museums, functions and tourist sites in the city and in all of Spain. Since fieldwork entails entrance into many of these types of places, you should always have your Carnet UPF with you, and in a safe place.
Students will receive instructions on how to obtain their card at the mandatory pre-departure orientation in the spring.
Accommodations are included in tuition. Students reside with Spanish and other international students in a UPF Residence Hall situated a few blocks from the UPF campus. They live with other Spanish and International students. Rooms have the following amenities:
- private bath
- kitchenette
- telephone and fast internet connection in room
- vending service
- 24-hour reception desk
- air conditioning and heating
- laundry facilities
- weekly ironing and cleaning services
- computer room with Internet connection
- fitness center
- reading room
- TV room
CAMPUS DEL MAR (With
Macintosh computers, the RESA page currently allows only Internet
Explorer to be used)
Calle Joan Salvat Papasseit, 4, Barcelona
TE 933904000
FAX 933106627
METRO STOP: Ciutadella Vila Olimpica
Directions for taxi cab drivers (print and carry with you):
El Paseo de Salvat Papasseit es una calle muy
corta que va
desde la Ronda del Litoral (calle del Dr. Aiguader ) hasta el
Paseo Maritimo en la Barceloneta. El nuevo edificio de
Gas Natural esta en la esquina de Dr. Aiguader y Salvat Papasseit.
Si el taxi llega al Hospital del Mar, es que ha ido demasiado lejos.