Erasmus Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Kelley Anne

Why did you choose to go to Bilbao, Spain?

I choose to go to Bilbao because I wanted the best chance possible to learn the Spanish language. As well as that I wanted to be in a city but also have the choice of the beach and mountains and Bilbao is a city that offers this, there is always something to do.

Source

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

I am here for 9 months (college year). I receive an Erasmus grant of €1800 to help me with living cost. Bilbao is expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

Bilbao is very much a university city, there are many students and therefore there is always student nights on in clubs and student activities and day trips.

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

Yes I would recommend the university of Deusto, Bilbao to everybody. The staff are very friendly and helpful to Erasmus.

What is the food like?

Pintxos are very popular here, they are like an expensive tapas. I enjoy them a lot. Personally I don't enjoy the food in restaurants here, it is not all that great.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bilbao?

No it did not cost me to find my accommodation in Bilbao, the university helped me. They set me a system done by google maps, all the different types of accommodation was on this map of Bilbao and I had to choose choices 1-5, I got my 1st choice.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

I spend roughly €40 a week on groceries, €5 every 2 weeks on the metro, €60 a month on social life, €10 on mobile, €10-20 for other necessities. €330 for rent. €7 wifi. €27 electricity. €10 water charge. Roughly, to round it off I spend €630-640 a month.

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

Yes the language is spoken everywhere here, so you have no choice but to get to grips with it which is good. Yes there are intensive Spanish courses and regular Spanish courses in the university.

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

I am from Ireland, I have to fly. There is no direct flight from Ireland to Bilbao after summer, so I have to fly to Barcelona, Barcelona to Bilbao. Come April there are direct flights but only to Dublin costing €150 one way.

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

Yes, sure but do not go out to clubs until 1 or 2am this is when the party starts and will go on until 7 or 8am.

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

I recommend The Brass.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many, such as Hondarribia.

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

Get involved with the university, make an effort to learn the language by meeting up with locals. Have fun !