Hello all, quick question.

My girlfriend has found a language school to attend in Madrid and will be applying for a student visa for just about 7 months (28 weeks).  As I understand it this will get her a 180+ day student visa which is renewable and applicable for the dates of the program.  She’s planning to try to attend university in the 2010-2011 year so that will be perfect for her (just renew the visa when she enrolls and she’s all set, or at least I think that’s how it works?)

My question is this:  Let’s say the program starts on 2/15/2010.  I am assuming the start date on the student visa will be that date.  But she will want to arrive a week earlier to get settled into my apartment, etc.  Can she do that?  Will that present any problems at the border or later at the police station when she goes to get her student residence card?  Advice appreciated - thanks!