Experience in Alicante, Spain by Vanessa

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

Alicante is not a big city but it has everything that a big city has to offer and It has the beach which is a big plus.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

Alicante university has around 30 000 students therefore it has an intense student lifestyle. There are around 900 Erasmus students every year plus free movers, so it is also quite an international student life.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

A room may cost between 170 to 250€ a month plus utilities. You can find cheap restaurants all over the city and the nightlife is quite affordable.

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

No, it is easy for the students of the first semester but the problem comes in the second semester. Students come one week before the orientation week and almost all flats are still occupied because that week the students from the first semester are finishing their exams. I will strongly recommend to come the same week of the orientation week, therefore almost all rooms will be available in 2 or 3 days otherwise you will have to choose a worse place to live or spend your money on a hostel.

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

Alicante has everything to offer regarding food. My favorite dish is paella of course

What places would you recommend visiting in Alicante?

The castle, the old town quarter, the beach and cities close to Alicante like Altea.

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

You can find many good and affordable restaurants in Alicante. My favorites are Damasol (central market), Bruno Pizzeria (old town, Barrio), Katagorri (Rambla), Labradores (old town, Barrio).

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

It is quite intense and there are a lot of parties for Erasmus students. You can go out during the week or weekend. The busiest day is Saturday when people go out normally around 12 noon, have something to eat and then they go to the different clubs in the city center that are open during the evening till late night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Alicante?

Well, as i said before there is no rush to come one week before the orientation week in January. There are five days to do the orientation at the university because students don't have any previous appointments, so you can show up any day of the week to do the orientation. I recommend coming 5 days before class starts so you can find a nice room.