Erasmus Experience in Alicante, Spain by Miguel V

What is it like living in Alicante? Would you recommend it?

I was born in Alicante town and I have lived in this area of the Levantina coast for almost 18 years. I think it's a perfect city to live in, the same as Valencia, it has lots of culture, great food and is full of life. Not to mention the incredible weather throughout the year. In addition to this, Alicante is conveniently located, next to the beach and other pretty towns in the area. I particularly recommend Javea which has spectacular beaches.

What is the student life like in Alicante?

The campus is actually in San Vicente del Raspeig, which always has something going on every day of the week. But I have to say the atmosphere is spectacular anywhere because of all of the parties. Each year the University of Alicante receives thousands of exchange students from all over the world so you will definitely meet new people of all different nationalities throughout the year.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

It depends a lot on where abouts you decide to live. I would not recommend that you stay in the university residence (unless you only have a small budget then this is probably the cheapest option). But if you do want to live in a shared apartment it will be a bit more expensive (but cheaper than in Barcelona and Madrid of course). It is more expensive the closer to the centre you live, i. e. near the markets, Plaza de los Luceros, the language school... but this is the area that is best connected to the university. Most students tend to find 4 bedroom flats to share and pay around 160-200 euros a month in San Vicente. Then they can easily get to the university and catch a bus for less than 2 euros if they're going into the centre to party, or go shopping etc. I would say it is better living in San Vicente and getting a bus from time to time rather than living in central Alicante.

Was it difficult to find accommodation? Can you give us any advice?

The same case as Valencia, there are lots of student flats in the area. And lots of websites where you can search for available rooms. My advice is common sense really, search and compare all your different findings, ask questions, make sure you know the price, whether there are community fees, electricity, water, internet, the duration of the contract, whether you can change apartment in the future, how much the deposit is... etc.

Anyway, people change flats throughout the year all the time for a number of different reasons so you will probably always have the option to move flats if for whatever reason you are not comfortable in yours. Also, I recommend to try and live with people of different cultures so you can improve your language.

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

The food is Mediterranean, lots of vegetables and fresh fruit. If you avoid junk food, you can eat good, healthy food for a good price too. Typical Alicante dishes include the Olleta, Fideuà, the Cauldron or Orxata of Xufa (although the best paella is in Valenciana! ) My favourite meal whatever it may be always has to be accompanied with a beer!

What places would you recommend to visit in Alicante?

Firstly, the places to visit in Alicante are of course, the beach, the promenade and the port. But I would also definitely recommend visiting the Santa Barbara castle which has lots of history and great views of the city, the Santa Cruz neighbourhood (very traditional, on the way to the castle) is the most beautiful part of the Alicante, Postiguet Beach (famous beach north of the port, it even has a song written about it; "La manta al coll i el cabasset mon anirem al Postiguet". )

For those who like architecture and culture can go to the Archaeological museum, the Santa Maria basilica, and the Casa Carbonell building (down from the Town Hall).

And of course visit Tabarca island and all the small towns close to the city: Altea, Guadalest, Elche, Alcoy, Jávea... a weekend of partying in Benidorm (or in summer visit the water-park there, Aqualandia, which is the largest in Europe. If you have been to the one in Madrid you will love this one! )

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And what about eating in Alicante? Can you name some of your favourite places?

There are lots of really good restaurants for great value too. I recommend to stay away from the fast-food places especially if you are on Erasmus. You have to try the local food in traditional restaurants. I remember I once ate at a lovely place in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. There was a wedding party there at the time but I couldn't remember the name... (after searching I found out it was called 'El rincón de Antonio'). Everything about it was great, excellent service and homemade, typical Alicante food. You have to order a cheeseboard and some red wine on the Santa Cruz promenade. In Alicante town, the most popular place with students is Nou Manolin (cheap and a good atmosphere).

In the centre and on the promenade, there are lots of restaurants of different cuisines to choose from, but I'm staying with tapas!

What places would you recommend to go out in Alicante?

Most bars are in the Castaños neighbourhood. The area is good but you might think that there are too many young people there. Although the drinks are cheap. Afterwards, people tend to go one of the areas with lots of pubs (there are lots of places to choose from) however the drinks are more expensive here.

These pubs tend to close at around 4am.

Then people go to the port. It is a bit more exclusive, and expensive. Although the bars are much better and some are quite new. Watch out for the cocktails your wallet will suffer if you have more than one! If you're not on a budget you can go to one of the golf resorts which is more posh too!

Any advice for future students coming to Alicante?

The same advice I always give. Join ESN, the student association in Alicante, who organise many events and parties for Erasmus students. They encourage cultural exchange and help you to have an unforgettable time. If you are interested, definitely get involved. I'm sure it will be an experience you won't forget. Make the most of the time you have there, do all the activities you can, meet people and make lots of plans. Make the most of the town!