Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Paul

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

The journalism department at UAO and my University (University of Cumbria) made links and some of us had an opportunity to come and study here, which is something I couldn't turn down!

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

1 semester (Sept-Jan), and I think around £1,400 but can't remember off the top of my head.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

Very fun! Lot's of club nights for Erasmus students and plenty of people to meet.

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

100%, it's an amazing city to be able to live in whether it's for 1 semester or 2 years.

What is the food like?

Great depending where you go, I try to tend to stay away from touristy places like La Ramblas though.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

A lot. We had been told previously that we should stay in a hostel for 2-3 days and that finding an apartment was easy. We stayed in hostels for 3 weeks at around 20EUR a night which ended up being expensive. If I recommend one thing it would be to sort accommodation before you get here.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

We pay 470EUR a month for a flat nr. Placa Catalunya. I think the price is pretty fair for where we are and the quality of our flat.

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

Fairly, but it depends how much you interact with natives outside your Spanish lessons.

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

Flying.

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

For more rock music fans I would recommend Razzamataz or Apollo who both do rock nights. The clubs like Opium and Shoko are all over priced chart-music type places. If you like that kind of thing then that's fine but I'm more into alternative types of music!

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

There are too many to mention but I'd recommend anywhere slightly away from the touristy bits. They tend to be overpriced and not great. Catalan BBQ (nr. Placa Catalunya) do great sandwiches, although only snacks. Makamaka and Club Hamburger are also favs of mine. Makamaka is nr. Barceloneta and the latter again near Pl. Catalunya.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Tibidabo is my favourite place here for the view. Sagrada Familia is great for it's size and the Camp Nou is great. Most of the touristy spots are great and a lot of hidden places. El Born and Gotico are my favourite areas for their atmospheres.

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

Just that from my experience, sorting your accommodation out first is a MUST. Maybe we were unlucky but I would never try to 'wing-it' again. However, Barcelona is an amazing city. I will definitely be back.