Experience in León, Spain by Sanya

What is it like to live in Leon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

My experience in Leon was amazing. When I first arrived, it felt too small and like an old town but soon I started to love it. It has a friendly environment, happy people and a lot of cultural activities. Soon you forget the size and start enjoying the narrow cobbled streets and architecture from the Roman times. It has a modern area too with all necessary shops and activity areas. I would recommend it greatly!

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What is the student lifestyle like in León?

There are many students in Leon and more international ones. The lifestyle is very relaxed with a lot of parties. The university celebrates a student night every Thursday. The difference is only the timing. As the Spanish people have dinner at 10pm, the parties do not start before midnight. The city center is lively, full with people and energy EVERY night, not just weekends. The food is cheap and drinks cheaper. With every drink, you get free Tapas (a small portion of food a bar has available). The classes do not start before 10am and go on till 6-7 pm. The university is a little far from the center: 30 mins walking and 15 mins by bus. Though the bus is not reliable and has no time schedule. Many students rent a bike or walk.

How much does it cost to live in León?

Living costs are very cheap. The rent of a room in a shared apartment ranges from 180-250 euros. Fancy apartments can go up to 400 euros per month. Food/month does not cost more than 200 euros. There are cheap supermarkets all around the city.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in León? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it is not difficult. Many apartments can be found listed online. People are friendly and are ready to show you the place on Skype before you arrive. I had a good experience with finding a room. The flatmates were friendly. Idealista.com is a good website to look for accommodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I personally did not like too many dishes but people in general do. The food mostly consists ham and a lot of oil. One good and popular dish is tortilla con patatas. Its made with eggs and potatoes. Sea food is also widely available and is cheap.

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What places would you recommend visiting in León?

As León is small, it is not possible to miss anything but even then: Cathedral, calle Ancha, San Isidoro, Plaza san Martin, Arco, Museo de León, Modern Art Museum, riverside, shopping mall near the river, the old wall and all the small streets in the old town center.

Is it good to eat out in Leon? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes: enjoy drinks in the evening with free Tapas.

• Mexican food at Cielito Lindo.
• Sea food at the local small restaurants.
• Do not forget to try the calamaris.

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Is the nightlife good in León? Where is good to go?

Yes. And cheap. Just go out in the city center and you'll see everything.

What advice would you give future students heading to León?

Do go to Leon. When people think of Spain they dont think of León but its a great place to go as a student or as a tourist. Try going in the Easter time to enjoy the parades or in the summer to enjoy the summer festival week during the last week of June.