Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Muhammad Bilal Ghaffar

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I have choose Barcelona, Spain because there is Architecture, Beaches, lots of Parks, Museums and Shopping Malls. it is indeed a great city for Tourism and also for Students.

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

My Scholarship would be 3 to 4 years. I receive approximately 900 Euros per month to meet my expenses. After staying here for more than one month I have realized that this amount is more than my expenses here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Barcelona is absolutely one of the world’s best places to be a student. There are several Universities, so student life is really active here. The Universities have lot of activities going on. Barcelona is an international city so it’s easy to make friends from all over the world.

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

Yes, 100% recommended city for Students. Living costs are cheaper than in many other different European countries So I will recommend all the Students to come to Barcelona for Studies.

What is the food like?

Many bars and some cafes offer some form of solid sustenance. This can range from entrepans/bocadillos (filled rolls) and tapes/tapas (bar snacks) through to more substantive raciones (basically a bigger version of a tapa), and full meals in menjadors/comedores (sit-down restaurants) out the back. Cerveseries/cervezerias (beer bars), tavernes/tabernas (taverns), tasques/tascas (snack bars) and cellers/bodegas (cellars) are just some of the kinds of establishment in this category.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

No. It didn't cost me anything to find accommodation in Barcelona. There are so many websites through which you can book and pay for your room online.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

In fact, Living in Barcelona depends on how you want to live. Usually you can find rooms between 200 - 350 Euros very easily. Living costs are cheaper than in many other different European countries.

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

Yes. In fact it is the easiest language for an English speaker. If I compare it with french, then I must say that French is a little easier initially, but Spanish becomes easier than French after passing beginner level.
As far as language courses are concerned, Spanish and/or Catalan language courses are available in the Universities.

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

Flights to Barcelona are quite economical if booked at the right time. Right time is before Summer season when tourism will be at its peak in Barcelona.

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

One thing you will soon learn about Barcelona is it's a city that doesn't sleep. The Spanish eat late, drink late and go out very late. At the weekend don't be surprised if night clubs are pretty much empty until at least 01:00 - 02:00 in the morning, and they go on until about 06:00. Most of the clubs do not have a set price. It varies according to night, and who is playing, many are free before a certain time (usually 01:00)

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

According to my views, the best restaurants in Barcelona are,
Dos Palillos, Moments, Arola, Passadís del Pep, Can Vallès, El Vell Sarriá, Petit Comitè, Tickets, El Quim and many more would be around you.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I would recommend the fantastic architecture of Antonio Gaudí, Parc Güell which is a gorgeous parc, the most impressive of Gaudí's works is arguably the Sagrada Familia, the huge, still unfinished Bascilica. The Gothic Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic quarter is a must-see. The MACBA (museum of modern art) and the CCCB next door are worth a look and generally have good exhibitions on every month. The Caixa Forum is a museum which has different art exhibitions every month. Near the Caixa Forum is MNAC (museum of Catalan art) which is so beautiful inside and out. Also the streets of Barcelona are history in themselves

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Barcelona?

My advice is that you choose Barcelona for the right reasons. Don't choose Barcelona just for the night life, the clubs, the alcohol, the Spanish women, etc. Choose Barcelona for the rich history, the beautiful landscape and architecture, the people, FC Barcelona, culture, life long memories and the time of your life! Furthermore, If you have any doubts Don’t be shy! Feel free to contact me. :-)