Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Claudine

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How did you find living in the city of Barcelona? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

The city with a high quality of life. I strongly recommend it, for the climate, the lights and its proximity to all the European cities (1 hour 20 minute from Paris/London/Rome and 1 and a bit hours from Marrakesh). It's also close to the Costa Brava beaches and for ski amateurs, it's an hour from the Pyrenees...

How is student life in Barcelona?

I don't know about the student atmosphere but there is a French sixth form and international schools - American, German, etc. The universities seem to be reputable.

How are living costs in Barcelona?

Living costs are less expensive than in France even if costs are still quite high. Rent is cheaper for more space than in Paris... It's less than 1 euro for a baguette. If it's a long term stay, register at the town hall to receive all the social benefits...

Is it hard to find accommodation in Barcelona? Have you got any advice to give?

It depends on what you're looking for... It's common for students or those on a tight budget to share a flat with others and the Barcelonians sublet rooms in their apartments with ease. There are numerous websites which function well to find an apartment. You can also find one through the 'Petit Journal'. Be careful. Sometimes the little adverts don't say whether there is a lift or heating... They very often don't exist in old apartment blocks...

How is the food in the city? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very good... The Spaniard's favourite meat is pork and raw ham is the great tradition. Obligatory tapas, paellas, cuttlefish, squid, gazpacho, tortillas... Plenty of good things.

Tapas

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Which places do you recommend seeing in Barcelona?

The well known tourist sites such as the Pedrera-Casa Battlo, Parc Guelle (Gaudi's works), the Gothic quarter, the Gracia quarter, strolling down the old streets and remarking the such a different and interesting style of the architects/buildings. The Borqueria covered market. Barceloneta beach.

The Gothic Quarter

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The Boqueria

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And to eat in Barcelona? Can you tell us your favourite places?

• For tapas: Cervejaria Catalana - Calle Mallorca/Calle Rambla catalunya
• La Boguedeta, Rambla Catalunya
• For Mediterranean cuisine: Boca Grande (Passage de la Concepcíon)

Which places do you recommend to go out in Barcelona?

I don't know the clubs but there are some... Barcelona is actually very 'provincial' and doesn't follow the festive and late rhythm of the other Spanish cities.

What advice do you want to give to Barcelona's future Erasmus students?

Catalan is the native language and is spoken a lot... The universities sometimes only give their lessons in this language and not in Spanish. There are few original language cinema and 80% of the dubbing is in Catalan, like the theatre and equally, the menus. However, although the Catalans are 'proud of their language', they quickly 'switch' to Spanish if they understand you are foreign.