Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Katarzyna

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I had never been here before. I heard that it is really beautiful city and I wanted to find out.

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

I have been here from the beginning of the September. I am going to stay here till February. I receive from Erasmus 450 euro for month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Barcelona is very nice city for students. This city never sleeps. People are really kind here. You can meet people from all over the world.

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

I really recommend Barcelona. This city gives a lot of energy.
I am studying at UAB now. To be honest, at university I have problem with language. Most of professors speak in Catalan. Fortunately I can write works in English. Because of that, I have more individualized course of study here.

What is the food like?

Food is really good- tapas, paella and a lot of different things. In Barcelona you can find cuisine from all over the world. But of course it is good to try Spanish one.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

Barcelona is really popular place, so it is better to start searching for room before you will come here. I found my room two weeks before and I was glad for that. A lot of my friends had to spent week or more in hostels, before they found rooms.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

It depends on your lifestyle. I cook for myself and I try not to spend money for things that I do not need to. When I go to parties, with friends we try to choose this one with entrance for free (in Barcelona you can find a lot of places like that).

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

At my university is Catalan, Spanish and a little bit of English.
As I wrote before, I have a problem with language here. Professors speak in Catalan during classes.

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

Barcelona has a good communication. It is really easy to travel by metro or train. I live in Les Planes and I travel 18 minutes to my university and 15 minutes to pl. Catalunya by train.

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

Yeees! But you should be careful or do not travel alone. Unfortunately, thiefs are common in Barcelona.

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

100 montaditos. It is a restaurant chain in Spain specializing in sandwiches. The montadito is a tapa-sized rolls of bread similar to a baguette but wider and with a twist.
It is a nice place with good price.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Barcelona has a lot of places like that: CosmoCaixa - Science Museum, whole Montjuïc, etc.

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

For me, Erasmus here is one of the best experiences in my life. I hope that also for you it will be the best adventure.
Disfrutar de la vida! as spanish people say.
Ow, and remember that here also during winter can be very cold. Sun shines whole day, but it is 4 or 5 degrees.