Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Lucija

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

Since I have learned Spanish in secondary school I wanted to improve my skills and what better way than going on exchange to a country where the native language is Spanish!

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

I'm here only 5 months and I get scholarship monhtly from Erasmus. But of course my parents are also sending me money when I need it. Well, that really depends from country to country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Well, actually it's really nice. Students cafeterias are expensive so I am cooking in apartment, it's much cheaper that way. Also I'm bringing breakfast from my place, I'm not buying it in bakeries.

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

Of course. People are lovely and friendly. I'm getting very well along with my flatmates. Also people from my college always help me if I get lost or whatever.

What is the food like?

The food is delicious. Every now and then I find something new. As for the prices, it's more or less alike as in my country. for the supermarkets prices are reasonable.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

I got lucky and found really nice place for really good price. I was looking on http://www.erasmusu.com and I have found several places, made a contact with owners and arranged a visit when I have come to Barcelona. For first few days I stayed at friend's place.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

So a rent, public transport, groceries, without shopping or going out more or less 400€ per month. like I said i got lucky with the place. But really it depends in which area are you living, how big is the flat and how many people are you living with.

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

Well since I have had level A2 before I came I didn't have so much problem. But, still I'm taking language courses because I want to improve my Spanish.

Yes, university offers language courses and you can choose which level do you want to learn/start with.

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

Well, I wasn't looking for more economical since I had a lot stuff with me so I have chosen the easiest way- going by airplane!

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

Well, actually it doesn't matter where you'll go because everywhere you can have a good time. But locals always recommend Opium, Otto Zutz, Mojito, and few others very cheap at Barceloneta.

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

Well, I can say that no matter in which neighbourhood you are, local restaurants/bars have really great food! Also, I have been to one Japanese restaurant Luri bar - best food ever!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everything. From Sagrada Familia, Caixaforum, Cosmocaixa, Picasso's Museum, Gaudi's architecture, Barceloneta, parks, everything!

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

When you are looking for a place it is better to live a little bit far away because that way you can also explore other things and not be directly connected to uni. Public transport is nice, every few minutes there is a metro coming which is really great and sometimes if I don't wanna go with metro I'm going with bus that way I can see the city too. Visit places on Sundays because on Sunday practically every museum is free or with accreditation of your student card they'll let you in for free!

Enjoy!