Erasmus Experience in Alicante, Spain by Sam

Why did you choose to go to Alicante, Spain?

I chose to go to Alicante as I had visited before and seen that it was beautiful. Also, that unlike cities like Barcelona or Madrid, it is not full of tourists, therefore I am able to practice my Spanish a lot more than I would if I were there.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am here for a year of university. I came over in August and I’m here until July. As for money, I get a student loan which is £523 a month and then a bursary which is £170. It isn’t a lot and the payments stop after April, so I will have to get a job.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

I think a lot of the student lifestyle here is going out to clubs. Thursday nights are usually the ‘Erasmus’ nights everywhere and is the most popular day to go out.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Alicante to other students?

Definiteley! There are so many things to do, the university is also very helpful and so far all the teachers I’ve had are lovely and understand Erasmus students.

What is the food like?

The food here is nice. I mean back home there’s the easy option of ready meals which are cheap and easy for students but here there isn’t any. It’s better though as food always tastes nicer home-made. Fruit and veg are also so much more fresher and nicer (and cheaper)!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Alicante?

No, I found accommodation on a website, however as I did it through an estate agent, I did have to pay I think 390 euros as a fee.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

It depends on what your lifestyle is like (what food you eat, etc). I currently pay 390 for my rent and food is a lot cheaper than the UK shops so I don’t spend much on food either.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

As I’ve studied Spanish for a few years, I feel it’s easy to get to grips with. I do feel being surrounded by it all the time makes it come more naturally to me I guess when I’m speaking it. There is a language course here but it is 50€ and can only be done one semester at that price.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Alicante from your city?

Busses and trams are very frequent, however, they’re also always really busy. It’s possible to walk about alicante or even cycle as there are a lot of cycle paths.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Alicante?

I usually go to Havana Barrio. It’s expensive but it plays mostly English songs and I prefer when dancing that I know the song.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Alicante?

I’ve never really eaten out apart from typical McDonald’s (lol) but down near the waterfront there are loads of restaurants which always look and smell nice.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The castle- has the most beautiful views of the city.

The old town- beside the castle, it’s very interesting

Volvo Ocean Race museum- this is also very interesting but also interactive.

Water Museum- also in the old town but it’s interesting as you go in the old wells where people used to retrieve water from and learn about the history.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Alicante in the future?

Don’t be afraid of starting the university here. I was afraid at the start but it’s just the same as back home, there are always people there to help.

Also, go out and do things! It’s a one off opportunity in your life- don’t let it pass without taking full advantage of it.