My daughter who will be studying in Madrid found out she will be living on Calle Fuenterrabia not far from Atocha. Can you tell me if this is a nice area. I know it is near the Parque de Retiro. Is it safe?
How long should it take her to get to Carlos III University on the train.
THanks

it is ok ;just wont recommend her to walk the park at night ;Retiro Park.
if she take a cercanias train its only about 15-20 mins from Atocha train station.
by bus she takes the 441/442 from atocha train station and it takes her about 20-25 mins to stop in front of the university.
hope it helps

I agree with pedmar, the neighbourhood is right and safe. I would say very well located.

About the second part of your question, UC3M actually has 3 different campuses in 3 different villages near Madrid (Getafe, Leganes and Colmenarejo). If she was told to go by train, then it has to be in Getafe or Leganes (no train service to Colmenarejo). In both cases is a short trip, 13 min to Getafe's campus and 18 min to Leganes'.

This is the 'transportation' page of the UC3M Official site:
http://www.uc3m.es/uc3m/gral/IG/TRANSPORTE/indice.html
It is in Spanish only, but surely it will be useful for your daughter.

Thanks so much. SHe is leaving today and I am a wreck! THe campus is in Getafe. I'm just glad to know the neighborhood is safe!

Bev, rest assured, Madrid is a very safe city. It's obvious that she should stay out of the park at night to avoid the riff raff, but no major issues other than that. She'll love it!