Berklee Valencia has resumed its classes this fall through a hybrid academic model. For updated information, please visit the Fall 2020 Frequently Asked Questions section. All updates on the COVID-19 are on our Public Safety Alerts page.
Berklee Valencia has resumed its classes this fall through a hybrid academic model. For updated information, please visit the Fall 2020 Frequently Asked Questions section. All updates on the COVID-19 are on our Public Safety Alerts page.
From acceptance to graduation to the launch of one’s career in music, students have many needs and questions along the way. Berklee College of Music meets those needs and answers those questions with a system of student services that simultaneously empowers students to take responsibility for their own education while also providing a level of support that helps to ensure that students’ experience at the world’s leading college for contemporary music is of the highest quality.
The Student Affairs team in Valencia seeks to provide students with the services and support systems needed to ensure their well-being and ultimately their success. Furthermore, we seek to enrich the student experience by cultivating active leaders, community builders and global citizens through a wealth of extracurricular opportunities for growth and development.
In this section you will find all relevant information regarding Student Services and Policies applicable to all Berklee students, as well as more specific and relevant information for students on the Valencia campus, regardless of whether you are enrolled for two weeks, a semester, a year or even longer.
Registrar
Registration
Graduate Students Graduate students will register for their semester classes through regular meetings with their faculty advisers. Students with outstanding financial obligations must make prior arrangements with the Office of the Bursar in order to register.
The college may make changes to a student’s registration schedule in situations including but not limited to the following: (1) if a course is canceled, or (2) if the student becomes ineligible to enroll in a course due to failing a requisite course.
See the Graduate Bulletin for more information regarding course registration.
Undergraduate Students Students participating in the Berklee Study Abroad program during spring and fall semesters will register for classes with the help of the study abroad office. Contact studyabroad@berklee.edu.
How to Request a Transcript
Berklee now offers an online transcript request service. Official electronic (eTranscripts) and paper transcripts can be ordered online through our transcript partner, Parchment, an authorized delivery agent specializing in secure transcript exchange.
When ordering online, your authenticating user name and password serves as your electronic authorization.
Contact academicaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu for questions regarding registering for classes or policies.
Housing
Undergraduate Students
Students in the Berklee Study Abroad and First Year Abroad programs are required to stay in housing arranged by Berklee. Visit the links below for more information on housing for these programs.
The Valencia campus does not offer student housing directly, but there are many options available for students to choose from. Students can rent a room in a private apartment or rent an entire apartment and arrange to share with classmates. There are also several student residences near campus where students can stay in individual or double rooms, with or without meal plans.
Berklee does not provide any professional legal and/or real estate advice and is therefore not liable for the services carried out by any of these external agencies.
Valencia is home to several universities, with a selection of privately run student residences (dorms) rising to suit student needs. Students can choose to stay in a single or double room, with a wide range of amenities to choose from, including several meal plan options.
The following student residences are all located about the same distance from the Berklee in Valencia campus:
Residencia Collegiate - Marina Real Berklee graduate students wishing to stay at Collegiate during some or all of their stay in Valencia need to insert the following code (MR-BER-000) in the category set as “código de incentivos”. You will need to show evidence of your acceptance to Berklee to confirm your booking at Collegiate
Reuniver Valencia: Prices for a complete university course can be checked here. Please refer to this PDF for general information on the residence hall.
Apartments in Valencia can be rented furnished or unfurnished, and range in price and quality from run-down to luxurious. Many rooms and apartments are available on the market, and students should exercise prudence when renting private rooms or apartments, especially when it comes to wire transfers of money. Keep in mind that most apartment owners and agencies speak Spanish, with limited English.
Once you find a room or apartment that you like, you should ask if there is a rental contract you can see. You should ask what the terms and conditions are for deposits, length of stay, and other terms. A good question to ask is whether the “gastos de comunidad” (building maintenance fee) is included in the cost of rent, or if electricity and water are included (usually, they are not).
There are multiple websites and agencies that can help with your apartment or room search, including the following sites:
There are privately run student residences which offer temporary housing at very affordable rates to both Berklee summer course students and graduate students arriving in the week/s before orientation to find an apartment and get settled in before classes begin. This is a good option for students who want a place to stay for a short period of time while they look for a long-term housing solution or during summer courses. Contact directly the residence hall you are interested in for more information.
Relocation services are available to students wishing to receive extra assistance during their move to Valencia. CSS consulting can help students with searching for accommodation, reviewing rental agreements, city tours, airport pick ups, and more.
A hotel may be a desirable option for a quick visit. Here are a few hotels in the center of Valencia or near campus. For short stays, you can also check some of the short-stay apartment options in the links found under “Short to Medium-Term Apartments.”
Ilunion: Contact mcordoba@ilunionhotels.com indicating you are a Berklee student. (Special offers for June and July)
Living in Valencia
Valencia is a large city, and you can choose to live near the beach, near campus, in the center, or in one of several up-and-coming neighborhoods. You should consider how far you want to live from campus, and also if you want to walk, ride a bike or take public transportation. The public transportation system in Valencia is well developed, with various subway lines and an extensive bus system. Read below for an overview of the housing options in Valencia.
Neighborhoods Near Campus
While basically anywhere in Valencia can be a good choice to live, living somewhere inside the orange box (see image below) is near campus and relatively easy to reach by bus, bike or foot. This is just a general idea of where to do your housing search. The popular neighborhoods and areas closest to campus are highlighted with a dotted orange line.
Some websites allow you to search for apartments by district. The two sub-districts closest to campus are:
District Quatre Carreres, sub-district Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciencies
District Camins al Grau, sub-district Penya-Roja
Note that these two districts have higher than average rent compared to other areas of Valencia, due to their prime location.
There are many beautiful neighborhoods in Valencia in which to live. However, as a Berklee student, it is very likely you’ll want to live as close to the campus as possible so you can make the most out of the campus facilities and resources. These are the nearby recommended areas that we encourage you to explore in your search for accommodations:
To find an apartment you can contact one of the recommended websites or agents in the above section "Rent an Apartment (Long-Term)", or you can get in touch with our former students who are renting directly from private owners. Berklee does not endorse any of these alternatives, but we can help you connect with former students to get the contact information of apartment owners.
Please contact studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu to learn how you can get in touch with former students.
We recommend you arrive in Valencia at least a couple of weeks before orientation week so you can get familiar with the neighborhoods and make informed decisions about where you would like to live. We encourage our students to stay at a short-term apartment/residence while they search for long-term apartments, and highly recommend all our students see the place before signing a rental agreement.
Make sure that your rental agreement is translated into English before signing and committing to it. If the landlord or real estate agent cannot provide this, then we recommend finding an agency to translate it.
You should consider what the breaking clauses are before committing to a year-long contract. Sometimes, students change their mind halfway through the year about where to live and with whom. So before committing to a contract, you want to make sure you understand the repercussions of having to break it before it ends. Furthermore, ask your landlord/agent what would happen if one of the tenants wants to move out and the others want to stay: what would be the consequences? Make sure that all tenants understand this before you sign an agreement together.
Make sure you communicate well with your future flatmates. You want to make sure you know the person/s you will share your apartment with for the whole year before committing to an agreement with them.
Deposits: Real estate agents and websites usually ask for one month’s rent and one month’s deposit in order to secure your apartment. This is normal procedure. The month’s rent works as a commission (and is non-refundable) and the deposit will only be refundable in its entirety once you return your keys and the landlord/agent checks that the apartment is in the same condition as when you entered. Do not agree to pay any more than two months’ rent to secure an apartment.
Depending on the agreement you sign with the landlord/agent, utility bills (electricity, water, gas) may or may not be included in your rent. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement before signing, and note that bills might be up to 70–90 euros per person per month (the total cost might also be subject to the number of people living in the apartment). Also, note that heating/air-conditioning is expensive. Do make sure you switch off your devices when leaving the apartment or your bills might shoot up!
WiFi connectivity might be charged separately from utility bills, and should cost you around 50€ per month. There are many internet providers you can try: Movistar, Ono and Orange are some of the ones recommended by Berklee students. We highly encourage you visit the Phone House at either El Saler or Aqua mall (both within a 10-minute walk from the campus), as they will be able to recommend the best provider for you depending on your needs.
Renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment nearby campus or in one of the areas recommended averages 400€ to 1,200€ per month (approximately, not including utilities). Usually, students prefer to share an apartment with other Berklee students rather than renting a room with non-Berklee people, but there are a number of agents offering either option. Renting as a group (two or three people) is normally cheaper than one-bedroom apartments.
The EMT service is the public bus system in Valencia. Night buses do not run as regularly as day buses do and not all routes are offered during night shifts, so to get around the city by night we recommend our students do so by either taxis (6€ minimum evening fare) or using Valenbisi, the public bike system which you will have access to for less than 30€ a year.
The tram and metro services are provided by Metrovalencia, but they do not run in the evenings.
Berklee does not provide any professional legal and/or real estate advice and is therefore not liable for the services carried out by any of these external agencies.
Health, Wellness and Support Services
The health and safety of our students is a top priority at Berklee. There are many resources available to help answer questions and connect students with people who can assist them in getting the help they need.
Emergency / Urgent Situations
During Business Hours The opening hours of the Student Affairs Office at the Valencia campus are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with appointment slots. However, we can make exceptions to assist students who are in need immediate attention. Students who are in crisis or having a mental health emergency should call Berklee's medical team at +34 618 001 661 or stop by the Student Affairs Office and let us know that they need to see or speak to a counselor immediately or on the same day.
Staff, faculty, family members, and students who are concerned about a student’s wellbeing may also request an urgent care consultation with a specialist in Valencia. Please call +34 618 001 661 or email berklee@upromedes.com to speak with a member of Berklee’s medical team who will respond promptly.
After Business Hours If there is a mental health emergency after business hours, on the weekend, and on holidays, members of the Berklee community should call Berklee’s medical assistance team on +34 618 001 661 who will be able to assist. Berklee in Valencia community members may also call 112 or go to Hospital Casa de la Salud for assistance.
A member of the Student Affairs Office at the Valencia campus is also on call after business hours for students who may need immediate attention. Please call +34 626 263 326 for assistance.
Spanish Health Insurance
All students enrolled in a program at Berklee’s campus in Valencia are automatically enrolled in MAPFRE's health insurance coverage program, specifically designed for Berklee Valencia students. Once you are accepted, you will receive more information about the extensive coverage in the Student Handbook. The Student Affairs Office will also require you to provide emergency contact information as you prepare for your stay in Valencia, and will ask you to keep this information up to date throughout the duration of your enrollment at the Valencia Campus.
NOTE: Berklee Study Abroad students should refer to Berklee Study Abroad: Accepted Students for specific information on Health and Travel Insurance related to their program.
If you have any questions about MAPFRE´s health insurance please contact studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu.
Berklee Medical Assistance Program
Berklee has joined forces with a team of local medical professionals to create the Berklee Medical Assistance Program designed to facilitate your experience in Valencia when in need of a doctor or medical specialist.
The Berklee Medical Assistance Team will provide you with any required medical service, any time of the day. This service has been specifically prepared for you as a student on the Valencia campus, and the staff will be able to assist you in English as well as in Spanish. You will receive more information during orientation about how to use this service.
Below is the medical facility nearest to campus. It is always recommended that you contact the Berklee Medical Assistance Team prior to walking in.
Full-Service Hospital (for illness or emergencies)
Hospital Casa de la Salud Address: C/ Dr Manuel Candela, 41 46021 Valencia Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Hospital Casa de la Salud is a multi-specialty hospital offering a wide range of medical and surgical services conveniently located within 15 minutes from the Valencia campus. Hospital Casa de la Salud also offers urgent care for sudden illnesses "after hours," evenings, and weekends.
Counseling Services
All students on the Valencia campus have free and confidential access to a professionally trained and licensed clinician while officially enrolled. Our counselor, Dr. María Zarza can provide short-term counseling or refer you to other doctors as required, giving you an opportunity to receive help with depression and anxiety, stress management, relationship and family concerns, sexual assault or harassment, substance abuse, wellness, crisis intervention, and any other concern impacting your mental health. Students have limited access to this service while enrolled in the Valencia campus and as prescribed by our counselor. To know more about Counselling services in Valencia please email studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu . Students can book an appointment with Dr Maria Zarza by emailing her: mzarza@berklee.edu
Berklee offers free, confidential, and anonymous online mental health self-screenings. Each screening tool provides feedback, information, and resources related to a range of issues around anxiety, depression, substance use, eating concerns, trauma, and bipolar disorder for you or a loved one. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. While the resources included are specific to the Boston campus, access to all types of medical care in Valencia can be coordinated through referrals by Berklee’s medical assistance team (call +34 618 001 661 or email berklee@upromedes.com).
Undergraduate students who have the Berklee-sponsored health insurance have access to an array of benefits and services, including:
the Blue Care nurse advice line;
the Global Academic Assistance Program, which provides medical assistance, a 24-hour nurse help line, referrals, and medical monitoring; and
Silver Cloud, an online behavioral health program to promote and support positive behavioral change and overall mental wellness. Programs include evidence-based modules on anxiety, depression, and stress.
All U.S. citizens have access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress; prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones; and best practices for professionals. Services are available day or night, every day of the year, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by using Lifeline Chat. Services are available in English, Spanish, and for the deaf and hard of hearing community. While referrals to community providers are not available in Spain, the Lifeline has a host of other resources that could be helpful.
Anyone who experiences a mental health–related emergency can connect directly with 112. There are currently no private hospitals in Valencia that can admit patients in critical emergency psychiatric situations, so all citizens (including Berklee students) need to go through the public health system by calling 112 to get emergency treatment for these particular reasons. Once the critical situation has been managed at the public hospital, patients will then be referred to a private institution or be discharged.
Accessibility Resources
Accessibility Statement Berklee College of Music values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to providing accessibility in a climate of mutual respect and full participation.
If you would like to request accommodations due to a disability, please contact the office of Accessibility Resources: accessibilityresources@berklee.edu.
Visit the Accessibility Resources website for information about documentation requirements, accommodations and services provided.
All students enrolled at Berklee College of Music´s Valencia Campus are required to register within Berklee´s Student Health Insurance Plan provided by MAPFRE for their academic year:
Regardless of whether you are studying abroad in Valencia for one semester, or are enrolled in one of our Graduate Programs, you´ll be automatically registered within Berklee´s Student Health Insurance Plan for the duration of your program.
Furthermore, every Berklee student enrolled at the Valencia Campus has access to Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team. This team will connect you to your required medical service, any time of the day. This service has specifically been prepared for you as students of Berklee´s Valencia Campus and therefore our staff will be able to assist you in English as well as in Spanish.
You should call Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team to book a doctor´s appointment and when seeking urgent care.
For questions about what's covered under your health insurance plan or any enrollment concerns, please email: berklee@segurosbarron.com.
For any other questions regarding your student health insurance plan or Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team please email: studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu or berklee@upromedes.es.
Providing you submit all personal information on time prior to your arrival to Valencia (passport information), you should receive your MAPFRE health insurance ID card during Orientation.
Please email us at: studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu with any questions regarding the status of your MAPFRE ID card or to request a replacement.
Some specialized treatments such as physiotherapy and non-urgent dental care are not covered by your health insurance plan, and therefore you will be responsible for the total costs of these appointments. Please make sure you talk to Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team ahead of making any doctors ‘appointments so they can confirm these details for you.
These are the two facilities nearest campus. It is always recommended that you contact the Berklee Medical Assistance Team prior to walking in.
Medical Walk-in Clinic (for non-emergency illness) Centro Médico Mapfre Salud Plaça de la Legió Espanyola, 13 46010 Valencia Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Full-Service Hospital (for illness or emergencies) Hospital Casa de la Salud C/ Dr Manuel Candela, 41 46021 Valencia Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Hospital Casa de la Salud is multi-specialty hospital offering a wide range of medical and surgical specialties and conveniently located within 15 minutes from the Valencia Campus. Hospital Casa de la Salud also offers urgent care for sudden illnesses "after hours" and during evenings and weekends.
Pharmacies (farmacias) are located in every neighborhood in Valencia. They’re generally open from Monday to Friday from 9.30AM to 2:00PM and 5.00PM to 9.30PM, and Saturday 9.30AM to 2.00PM. Information about pharmacies open 24 hours a day (Farmacia de guardia) can normally be found on the window or doors of any pharmacy. You can also find pharmacy services on this link: micof.es/ver/124/?buscarGuardia=1
As long as the medical specialty you are requesting is covered by your health insurance plan, MAPFRE should take care of any bills as soon as you show your MAPFRE ID card to the medical service provider. However, should you receive a bill or need to be reimbursed for services, please email berklee@upromedes.es, attaching your proof of payment if seeking reimbursement. Make sure your state your name, health insurance ID number, and school name.
No, but students enrolled in Berklee's Student Health Insurance Plan have access to a Dental insurance program, a discount program available to students. For more information please email: berklee@segurosbarron.com.
You will be covered under MAPFRE´s student health insurance plan so long as you are enrolled at the Valencia campus. If you are a graduate student, you will be covered until the end of July.
Berklee's Student Health Insurance Plan will cover you as long as you are in Spain. If you are planning to travel around Europe or beyond for non-academic reasons, you should plan to purchase additional travel insurance. Once you leave Spain, you should make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance coverage which provides at least Emergency evacuation services as well as medical insurance in the event of an accident.
We recommend purchasing via Seven Corners. Save the website information and any instructions provided as reference in case you need to access services. Trip Cancellation Insurance and Personal Property Coverage are also available for purchase on this site.
You can also contact berklee@segurosbarron.com for other alternatives on travel insurance coverage.
Insured students may also enroll their spouse and/or children who reside with the student. Dependent coverage must be purchased for the same time period as the student's period of coverage and cannot exceed coverage purchased by the student. For example, a student enrolled for annual coverage cannot purchase independent coverage for the spring semester.
Students may enroll their eligible dependents for an additional premium by emailing studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu For information on additional premium costs (above the student premium) and coverage dates, contact berklee@segurosbarron.com.
Currently enrolled students can set up an intake appointment with Dr. Maria Zarza, Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus Counselor, by emailing her directly at mzarza@berklee.edu At the intake appointment, Dr. Zarza will assess needs and discuss all treatment options. Depending on need and availability, the student will be referred for either individual counseling (up to once a week throughout the student’s enrollment at the Valencia Campus) or for longer-term counseling with a licensed therapist in the community.
Please note Berklee´s Counselor respects confidentiality. Spanish and US laws and ethical guidelines for therapists require that student visits and all information shared during therapy sessions remain confidential. Counselors cannot release information to anyone without a student's written permission. This includes friends, instructors, and parents. Records of therapy sessions are kept in a secure electronic medical record. Exceptions to confidentiality occur only under special circumstances such as being in imminent danger to self or others. A counselor will review these exceptions in detail at the intake appointment. To make an appointment, please email mzarza@berklee.edu,
Consultations Consultation service is available to Berklee students, faculty, staff, and family members who are concerned about a Berklee student's mental health. Please connect with Dr Maria Zarza, Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team or the Student Affairs team to let us know how urgent your situation is so we can respond promptly.
Support Groups Dr. Maria Zarza also organizes support activities via Bionexum Health Clinic that emphasize students’ social interaction to facilitate the creation of natural, multicultural networks to help them deal with stress, solve daily problems, and receive emotional support when they need it most. Activities are mainly sponsored by different universities with the cheapest possible prices and therefore are highly affordable for students. Some activities are also completely free of charge since they are performed by volunteer students or sponsored by Bionexum Health. Activities include hiking trips, meditation, mindfulness, training on Emotional Management, LGBT gatherings, etc.
You should call 112 from any phone to reach the police department, fire department, or ambulance in a life-threatening emergency situation.
To speak to Berklee´s Public safety department please call: Valencia Campus: (+34) 96 333 2802 (during Campus Opening Hours) Boston Campus: (+1) 617 747 2333 (at all times)
Student Activities
The Valencia campus offers music education with a global mindset in addition to unique opportunities to engage in music and co-curricular activities that enrich students’ international experience. While music remains the primary focus, it is far from the only important, rich experience available to students. From student-run initiatives to recurring day trips, our campus offers a wealth of opportunities to discover Valencia and its surroundings and encourages all our students to get involved with the local community through socio-cultural programs designed to enhance their personal and professional journeys.
We invite you to explore the ways in which you can create, contribute, and take the reins of your Berklee experience while making the most of your time in Valencia. You will soon discover that, at Berklee, you can truly discover and be who you are.
Undergraduate student trip to Granada, Spain. Fall 2018.
Undergraduate student trip to Granada, Spain. Fall 2018.
Undergraduate student trip to Granada, Spain. Fall 2018.
Undergraduate day trip to Saint Joseph Coves, Spain. Fall 2018.
Undergraduate day trip to Saint Joseph Coves, Spain. Spring 2016.
Undergraduate day trip to Sequer Lo Blanch, Spain. Spring 2019.
Undergraduate day trip to Sequer Lo Blanch, Spain. Spring 2019.
Berklee Valencia Choir, Student Club. Fall 2017.
Berklee Valencia Choir, Student Club. Fall 2016.
Berklee Valencia Choir, Student Club. Spring 2016.
Student Clubs
Student clubs enrich the student experience, create a diverse and vibrant community, encourage involvement, and provide opportunities for students to build valuable life and professional skills. Open to all Berklee students, student clubs organize programs, events, and meetings across campus throughout the academic year. Any student can start or continue a club, provided they follow the indications provided by the Student Affairs office.
Diversity Grants
Diversity and Inclusion Grants have been designed to help and support students with ideas for events, projects, programs, and initiatives that reflect and promote diversity, equity and inclusion for the Berklee community.
Through these grants, the Office of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion at the Valencia campus provides financial, logistical and advising for student dreams to become a reality. Core themes to focus on when applying for a grant should include access and equity, community engagement, community learning and development, and expanding outlooks.
Berklee's Student Advisory Board (SAB) is formed by representatives of all academic programs and each year they strive to improve the quality of student life academically, socially and artistically by addressing the needs and concerns of the student body in Valencia. SAB’s main purpose is to serve as the voice of the students at the Valencia campus in decisions regarding student interests and concerns, promoting student awareness and involvement in many initiatives, and opportunities within the Berklee community, and enhancing communication and cooperation.
Student Trips
We realize that the undergraduate student experience is enriched by the opportunity of learning about Spain’s multicultural history, traditions and regions. For this purpose, we organize a number of weekend and day trips geared towards helping students gain an intercultural perspective that comprises an awareness and an appreciation of the different ways of being through their exposure to diverse peoples, cultures and lifestyles.
Student Policies
In general, the Valencia campus follows the same set of policies set for the campus in Boston. Here you will find information about the policies that affect all Berklee students, with links to read the full policy information on Berklee.edu.
Berklee College of Music is a diverse community composed of individuals with different life experiences, viewpoints, belief systems, and identities. A welcoming and inclusive culture is essential to maintaining the college’s role as a leader in music education and Berklee highly values the dynamic environment that results when students, faculty, administrators, and staff from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, live, and work. The college’s Equity Policy and Process and the Student Code of Community Standards prohibit discrimination and harassment.
Specifically, the Equity Policy and Process prohibits and addresses sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and discrimination and/or harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, transgendered status, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law (collectively referred to as “protected characteristics”).
This prohibition includes all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence, which are also prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."
Berklee is committed not only to compliance with this and other federal mandates, but also to promoting a culture that is in line with the values our civil rights laws envision. The Equity Policy and Process was designed to further Berklee’s goal of inclusion, respect, and equality for all community members, and affirms Berklee’s commitment to promote fairness and equity in all aspects of the institution.
It is important that all members of our community know where to turn if they have a concern, need assistance or support, or would like to file a complaint. I hope this information is a helpful compilation that assists students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Berklee College of Music community.
Best,
Christopher M. Kandus-Fisher Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief Equity Officer
Berklee College of Music endeavors to provide a living and learning environment in which students can meet their creative, artistic, and personal goals. The college determines, publishes, and makes known its rules and regulations concerning student and organizational conduct in this Student Code of Community Standards, as well as department- and program-specific policies, and strives to provide students with a clear understanding of all academic requirements and policies. These regulations should be read broadly and are not designed to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms. The Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students is designated by the college president to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code of Community Standards.
By enrolling in Berklee College of Music, students accept the responsibility to become fully acquainted with the college’s regulations, to comply with the college’s policies and authority, to respect the rights and property of others, and to recognize that student actions reflect upon the students involved as well as upon the entire college community. Unfamiliarity with college policies will not exempt students from the conduct process. Officially recognized student organizations are also expected to adhere to the Student Code of Community Standards. The college will take appropriate disciplinary action for any conduct that violates the Student Code of Community Standards, whether such conduct occurs on- or off-campus (in Boston or Valencia) or online. This may include disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and parental notification. Sanctions are also grounded in education and encourage students to reflect on the impact of their actions. In addition, sanctions will reflect the seriousness of the behavior for which the student will be held accountable. Being a Berklee student is a privilege, and with that privilege comes the expectation that students will uphold the standards and values set forth by the college and will conduct themselves as individuals who contribute positively to the college community. All students will be treated fairly in the student conduct process, whether they are the alleged student, complainant, victim, or witness.
Whether this is your first semester, last semester, or something in between, the Policy Handbook for Students is an important document that provides you with key information regarding academics, enrollment, and student policies and procedures pertinent to your Berklee education.
There are some unique characteristics about the Valencia campus, and the Valencia Student Handbook is your guide for everything campus-specific. The handbook is updated each year, and will be shared with you once your enrollment is confirmed in your program. These policies apply to all graduate and undergraduate students on the Valencia campus.
Here are some areas that are covered in the handbook:
Security on Campus
Campus Services
Student Life
Emergency Contact Numbers
Student Policies
Security Off Campus
Living and Traveling Abroad
Health and Safety Recommendations
Consular Agencies and Embassies
Student Policies for All Berklee Graduate Students
If you have questions related to the opening of the campus in fall 2020 and the hybrid model that will be applied to all programs at that time, check the Fall 2020 Frequently Asked Questions section.
Despite being Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia maintains its small-town charm. There are several popular up-and-coming neighborhoods offering world-class restaurants, cafes, and discos. For late nights out on the town, the ancient El Carmen in the city center is popular. For dinner on an outdoor terrace, Ruzafa is a good bet. Nearby Canovas is also a great neighborhood to find good food. For ideas on where to start, check out the New York Times’ “36 Hours in Valencia, Spain,” or an older article in the same 36-hour series from Valencia in 2011, still very relevant.
Valencia is well-known for its musical richness, and has no shortage of venues that support live music indoors and out. Some local favorites have quickly become student favorites, such as Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar, Loco Club, Upper Club, Sala Matisse and Ubik Cafe. Check out this New York Times’ article “The Newest Sounds of Valencia,” highlighting Berklee’s presence in Valencia.
The EMT service is the public bus system in Valencia. There are numerous bus lines during the day, most of them with short waiting times.
Night buses do not run as regularly as day buses do and not all routes are offered during night shifts, so to get around the city by night we recommend our students do so by either taxis (6€ minimum evening fare) or using Valenbisi, the public bike system which you will have access to for less than 30€ a year.
The tram and metro services are provided by Metrovalencia. From Monday to Friday, it runs until approximately 23:30 - 00:00. On weekends it runs until 2:30 a.m.
While you can get around the city without knowing Spanish, understanding at least the basics of the language is very helpful. We recommend getting familiar with some basic vocabulary. Duolingo is a language-learning application that can be downloaded to your phone for free and is very popular amongst Berklee Students in Valencia.
Renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment nearby campus or in one of the areas recommended averages 400€ to 1,200€ per month (approximately, not including utilities). Usually, students prefer to share an apartment with other Berklee students rather than renting a room with non-Berklee people, but there are a number of agents offering either option. Renting as a group (two or three people) is normally cheaper than one-bedroom apartments.
Depending on the agreement you sign with the landlord/agent, utility bills (electricity, water, gas) may or may not be included in your rent. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement before signing, and note that bills might be up to 70–90 euros per person per month (the total cost might also be subject to the number of people living in the apartment). Also, note that heating/air-conditioning is expensive. Do make sure you switch off your devices when leaving the apartment or your bills might shoot up!
WiFi connectivity might be charged separately from utility bills, and should cost you around 50€ per month. You may have to arrange your own internet when moving into a new or empty apartment. There are many internet providers you can try: Movistar, Ono and Orange are some of the more popular providers amongst Berklee students. We highly encourage you visit the Phone House at either El Saler or Aqua mall (both within a 10-minute walk from the campus), as they will be able to recommend the best provider for you depending on your needs.
1. We recommend that your rental agreement is translated into English, or that you at least understand it well before signing and committing to it. If the landlord or real estate agent cannot provide this, then we recommend finding an agency to translate it. 2. You should consider what the breaking clauses are before committing to a year-long contract. Sometimes, students change their mind halfway through the year about where to live and with whom. So before committing to a contract, you want to make sure you understand the repercussions of having to break it before it ends. Furthermore, ask your landlord/agent what would happen if one of the tenants wants to move out and the others want to stay: what would be the consequences? 3. Make sure that all tenants understand this before you sign an agreement together. Make sure you communicate well with your future flatmates. You want to make sure you know the person/s you will share your apartment with for the whole year before committing to an agreement with them. 4. Deposits: Real estate agents and websites usually ask for one month’s rent in addition to one month’s deposit in order to secure your apartment. This is normal procedure. The month’s rent works as a commission (and is non-refundable) and the deposit will only be refundable in its entirety once you return your keys and the landlord/agent checks that the apartment is in the same condition as when you entered. We recommend documenting the condition of the apartment, as handed over to you and that you do not agree to pay any more than two months’ rent to secure an apartment.
We recommend you arrive in Valencia at least a couple of weeks before orientation week so you can get familiar with the neighborhoods, view the apartments in person and make informed decisions about where you would like to live. We encourage our students to stay at a short-term apartment/residence while they search for long-term apartments, and highly recommend all our students see the place before signing a rental agreement.
To find an apartment you can contact one of the recommended websites or agents in the above section "Rent an Apartment (Long-Term)", or you can get in touch with our former students who are renting directly from private owners. Berklee does not endorse any of these alternatives, but we can help you connect with former students to get the contact information of apartment owners.Please contact studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu to learn how you can get in touch with former students.
There are many beautiful neighborhoods in Valencia in which to live. However, as a Berklee student, it is very likely you’ll want to live as close to the campus as possible so you can make the most out of the campus facilities and resources. These are the nearby recommended areas that we encourage you to explore in your search for accommodations:
As the third biggest city in Spain there are plenty of very cool, interesting, and lively neighborhoods to live in around the city of Valencia. There are many neighborhoods in Valencia that are close to campus. However, depending on personal preference, you might choose to live in a neighborhood further from campus. Valencia is a smaller city and transportation to Berklee Valencia is simple. Check our housing FAQ for more information.
Berklee’s Valencia campus is a non-resident campus; as such we do not offer housing. However, we have agreements with student residence halls that provide high-quality facilities and are walking distance from the campus. Many graduate students choose to rent an apartment, either shared or individual, for their year in Valencia.
Yes. There are different plans available at the student residence, including breakfast-only and two-meals-per-day plans. You may also purchase individual meals. There are lots of good and affordable places to eat near the residence. There are also shared kitchens you may use in the residences. We recommend that you wait until you get to Valencia to decide if you want to purchase a meal plan. Plans can be purchased directly at the residence with a credit card. The meal plan is for the residence only. It does not include the cafeteria at the Berklee campus.
You should call 112 from any phone to reach the police department, fire department, or ambulance in a life-threatening emergency situation.
To speak to Berklee´s Public safety department please call: Valencia Campus: (+34) 96 333 2802 (during Campus Opening Hours) Boston Campus: (+1) 617 747 2333 (at all times)
Currently enrolled students can set up an intake appointment with Dr. Maria Zarza, Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus Counselor, by emailing her directly at mzarza@berklee.edu At the intake appointment, Dr. Zarza will assess needs and discuss all treatment options. Depending on need and availability, the student will be referred for either individual counseling (up to once a week throughout the student’s enrollment at the Valencia Campus) or for longer-term counseling with a licensed therapist in the community.
Please note Berklee´s Counselor respects confidentiality. Spanish and US laws and ethical guidelines for therapists require that student visits and all information shared during therapy sessions remain confidential. Counselors cannot release information to anyone without a student's written permission. This includes friends, instructors, and parents. Records of therapy sessions are kept in a secure electronic medical record. Exceptions to confidentiality occur only under special circumstances such as being in imminent danger to self or others. A counselor will review these exceptions in detail at the intake appointment. To make an appointment, please email mzarza@berklee.edu,
Consultations Consultation service is available to Berklee students, faculty, staff, and family members who are concerned about a Berklee student's mental health. Please connect with Dr Maria Zarza, Berklee´s Medical Assistance Team or the Student Affairs team to let us know how urgent your situation is so we can respond promptly.
Support Groups Dr. Maria Zarza also organizes support activities via Bionexum Health Clinic that emphasize students’ social interaction to facilitate the creation of natural, multicultural networks to help them deal with stress, solve daily problems, and receive emotional support when they need it most. Activities are mainly sponsored by different universities with the cheapest possible prices and therefore are highly affordable for students. Some activities are also completely free of charge since they are performed by volunteer students or sponsored by Bionexum Health. Activities include hiking trips, meditation, mindfulness, training on Emotional Management, LGBT gatherings, etc.
Insured students may also enroll their spouse and/or children who reside with the student. Dependent coverage must be purchased for the same time period as the student's period of coverage and cannot exceed coverage purchased by the student. For example, a student enrolled for annual coverage cannot purchase independent coverage for the spring semester.
Students may enroll their eligible dependents for an additional premium by emailing studentaffairsvalencia@berklee.edu For information on additional premium costs (above the student premium) and coverage dates, contact berklee@segurosbarron.com.
You will be covered under MAPFRE´s student health insurance plan so long as you are enrolled at the Valencia campus. If you are a graduate student, you will be covered until the end of July.
Berklee's Student Health Insurance Plan will cover you as long as you are in Spain. If you are planning to travel around Europe or beyond for non-academic reasons, you should plan to purchase additional travel insurance. Once you leave Spain, you should make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance coverage which provides at least Emergency evacuation services as well as medical insurance in the event of an accident.
We recommend purchasing via Seven Corners. Save the website information and any instructions provided as reference in case you need to access services. Trip Cancellation Insurance and Personal Property Coverage are also available for purchase on this site.
You can also contact berklee@segurosbarron.com for other alternatives on travel insurance coverage.
No, but students enrolled in Berklee's Student Health Insurance Plan have access to a Dental insurance program, a discount program available to students. For more information please email: berklee@segurosbarron.com.
As long as the medical specialty you are requesting is covered by your health insurance plan and you were assisted at one of the medical facilities stated above (Clinica Sorolla or Hospital Casa de la Salud), MAPFRE should take care of any bills as soon as you show your MAPFRE ID card to the medical service provider. However, should you receive a bill or need to be reimbursed for services, please email berklee@upromedes.com, attaching your proof of payment if seeking reimbursement. Make sure your state your name, health insurance ID number, and school name. It is important to know that students will be fully responsible for any bills issued by public hospitals such as Hospital Clinico or Hospital La Fé.
