Erasmus Experience in Bradford, United Kingdom. By Arthur

Why did you choose to go to Bradford, United Kingdom?

I've always really wanted to study in the United Kingdom. The possibility of the grant provided by the Erasmus programme motivated me.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

The grant is generally divided into two parts, 80% of the total value is given one month after the certificate of arrival is sent, and the rest is given a month after returning home. The amount varies from country to country and in my case I got 1200 euros.

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What's the student environment like in Bradford?

Quite diverse. Bradford is known in the United Kingdom for its large number of Pakistani and Indian students and this engenders a mix of culture of ex-British colonies. Depending on the course, it's possible to get to know people from all over. In my case, in the Centre of Studies for Peace, where I attended International Relations Masters subjects, I got to know people from countries whom I never imagined I would meet. Sometimes, it seemed a bit like a United Nations conference!

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

Yes, you need to take into account that in the United Kingdom some universities only have good departments and faculties in specific courses. For those who study International Relations, Gestion and Negotiation, Bradford is without doubt an excellent choice.

How's the country's food?

Spicy! I'm Latin American, but I never thought that the amount of spicy food in Bradford would be so big. The legacy of Asian food means that there are many dishes in the United Kingdom that have been adapted, with pepper. It's worth remembering that it's also possible to eat excellent Fish and Chips and also the famous Fry Up. Don't hesitate to go to Nando's (Portuguese cuisine) since it's an excellent restaurant that offers bottomless drinks. Another option is the RedHot buffet of global food. The closest ones are in Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. For those who like Chinese food, there's a Chinese buffet in the entrance to the Hilton Hotel (close to the stations), which has a discount for students.

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How easily did you find accommodation in Bradford?

Quite easily, since there was available accommodation in the university from the start. However, some class-mates and friends of mine had difficulty in finding other types of accommodation in the city.

On average, how much did you spend living in Bradford?

Accommodation in the UK generally charges the cost of one whole semestre or the entire year very early on. It's the same thing for other memberships, like the gym, for example. At first the price will leave you a bit downcast because of your lack of money, but in the first few months you can live quite well with 200-300 pounds per month, including parties, food and other types of entertainment.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

The Yorkshire accent is very complicated, even for English people from other regions. However, you learn quickly. I didn't have difficulty with the language and, as I had lived in anglophone countries previously, I didn't feel the need to do a language course.

What is the cheapest way to get to Bradford from your city?

From Portugal, TAP provides flights from Lisbon to Manchester for about 160 euros, return. If you opt for a cheaper option, Ryanair provides flights from Faro to Leeds, but if you're going to Manchester, there is a "pick-up" service at the University, responsible for transferring students to Bradford.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Bradford?

Student Central! Amp Bar, Sports Bar... right next to the university there is Delius bar, which is very popular. Night clubs I would recommend Tokyo Bar and Tequila! However it's a lot easier to catch the hyperlink to Leeds and enjoy a more intense and exciting night, just like any big city offers!

And eating out in Bradfor? Can you name your favourite places?

The Chinese Buffet in the Hilton and Nando's. There is a big range of fast-food and take-aways which can be easily delivered to residences through the site http://www.just-eat.co.uk.

And in terms of cultural visits?

The centre of Bradford isn't well-known for it's bath of English culture but rather Asian, it's in the heart of Yorkshire and so it has lots of trips to offer. The history of Bradford is very interesting and there is also a Museum of Media which is worth a visit!

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Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Bradford?

Go out of your comfort zone. If you're studying at the University of Bradford, make a financial effort and try to stay in the university residences, called The Green! The structure is very modern, there's easy access to the university facilities and almost all of the foreign community stays there... There are two types of accommodations, the Townhouse (where I stayed) and the Flat.