Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Hannah

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Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

Because it is a very colourful city that offers a wide range of cultural activities. Each district of the city is quite different and has its own beautiful characteristics. It is a city that entertains you, you won't have time to be bored.

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

I came to Barcelona last September and stay until June. As I am here as a free-mover, I just got enough money to cover the tuition fee. I cover all the living costs on my own.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

In comparison to my university at home (Innsbruck, Austria), I do fewer courses. This is because they have a different teaching system here. In my case, at the UB, each class takes place twice a week and therefore you have less work to do at home, which is great! Also, there are almost always a few groups for the same course, so you are quite flexible in organizing your schedule. This allows me to sleep until late in the morning and I have a lot of leisure time as well.

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

Defenitly! Barcelona is my absolute favourite city in Europe. The atmosphere at the UB is very special. The campus is beautiful, it is a 19th century building and there are many plants.

What is the food like?

You can find any food you want in Barcelona. It takes some time to figure out the places with the best price-quality relation, though.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

No, because I already knew some people here, so I could stay with them until I found something for myself. I was very lucky to find my flat so quickly, I heard from many people that it can be quite difficult. There are many shabby flats around and should you move into one of these, at least make sure to pay a fair price!

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

The flat costs me aprox. 450 €, costs included. Furthermore I spend around 30-40€ a week for food. I seldomly go to clubs, because the entry is very expensive. But many of them offer you to write your name on a list they have in facebook, and if your name is registered and you enter before 2:00 the entry is free!

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

I came to Barcelona with a very good level of Spanish, so I didn't have any problems. Some of my friends whose level was lower had some problems with distinguishing Spanish and Catalan, and they often got confused. If you come here to learn Spanish/Catalan make sure that you not only make friends within an Erasmus group. Try to get in touch with people from here! As far as I am concerned there a courses available in the University as well but they told me that there has been an horrendous rise in prices this semester.

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

By plane (Ryanair, Vueling).

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

You defenitly should have seen the Apolo and the Razzmatazz. However, I like the smaller clubs in Plaça Reial better. Also there are very nice bars and pubs, that are situated in the smaller streets and that you best discover yourself.

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

There is a very good vegetarian restaurant called Juicy Jones in calle Hospital. They offer you a great menu for 9, 50 (drinks, bread, dessert included).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Sagrada Familia, MACBA, MNAC, Palau de Música...

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