Nuria's Experience in Alicante, Spain

What attracts you to living in Alicante? Do you recommend it? What's it like?

Alicante is an amazing city. It's big but not too big so you can get everywhere on foot. Of course, I recommend it for its climate, people and leisure activities.

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What's the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

Since the main campus for the University of Alicante is in San Vicente del Raspeig and not Alicante, there is a university in San Vicente. But this doesn't mean that there is no atmosphere in Alicante. Lots of students live in the centre of Alicante and Thursdays tend to be a popular night for nightlife.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

I know about how much it costs in San Vicente and it ranges around 100 and 250 euros depending on the apartment. There are old apartments with basic amenities that are further away from the uni, and new apartments which are 5 minutes from the university with a swimming pool, paddle tennis court and a gym.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Alicante? Do you have any advice?

Finding a new flat is a bit more complicated because the previous tenants tend to reserve the flat for someone they know. So I recommend that people should start looking if they want to start renting in July. I also recommend not only checking notices on the street and webpages about renting, but also check the university website, as lots of flats are offered on there and you can also find other people to share a flat with.

What’s the country’s food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The national food is fantastic. It's very healthy and varied. In Alicante, you can find food from all around the world at a good price. I recommend the typical Spanish food like tapas (Russian salad, croquettes, Spanish omelette, pinchos, patatas bravas etc. ). This way, you can try different Spanish food and it'll fill you up for around 8-10 euros.

What places do you recommend visiting in Alicante?

In Alicante city, I recommend Santa Barbara Castle, where you take in the views from the whole city (I recommend going at sunset). In terms of the region, Benidorm, Altea, Guadalest or the El Algar Waterfalls are good places to visit.

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What about eating out in Alicante? What are your favourite places?

Everywhere! I don't have favourite places because everywhere does good food!

Where do you recommend for nightlife in Alicante?

If you live in Alicante, people tend to go out on Thursdays in the area called "El Barrio" (the old town). It is full of small bars in the old town of the city where people stay out until 4am in the summer months. After leaving there at 4, you have the option to pay around 10 euros to get into one of the clubs in the city such as "Quinta Avenida". Or you can go to one of the places on the port for free, but in that area, there is a somewhat "dangerous" atmosphere.

If you live in San Vicente, lots of people go to a bar called "La Antigua" on Wednesdays (from midnight it usually costs 3 euros to get in). Here you can socialise and drink beer with friends and you can also play beerpong. On Thursdays people tend to go to another free bar called "Ikebana" or the club "The One" which usually has themed parties and it costs 8 euros to get in but you get a drink included (the best party at "The One" is at the beginning and the end of the university year).