The move is Real! 50 days and counting... (Barcelona)

Hi there!

My girlfriend and I are officially making the move from Canada to Barcelona next month! Applications for our Youth Mobility Visa are in process, and now we just need to get our ducks in a row.

I am looking for any, and all, information, tips, suggestions, recommendations, guidance, etc that will help make this HUGE transition as seamless as possible.

Has anyone experienced any challenges that they didn't anticipate prior to actually making the move?
Were there any surprises that would be good for a first timer to know?
Was it easy to get your NIE?
How did you get your flat? did you use a site like idealista, or shbarcelona? or did you do something different once you were grounded in BCN?
Were you able to negotiate the rent?
Which bank is best for expats? and do you need anything special to open an account?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this thread, and post your suggestions/comments. We greatly appreciate it. We are so excited about this new chapter in our life and can't wait to get out there!

Ciaaoo :)

Brooklyn