Experience in Cartagena, Spain by Maria Dolores

What's it like living in Cartagena? Do you recommend it? How is it?

To me, it's a wonderful city to do your Erasmus in. It's very easy to adapt to, it's small and you can get to know the place in no time. As it has a beach I recommend moving in second term in order to take advantage of the sea and beach.

Cartagena, Spain

Source

How's student life in Cartagena?

The student life isn't the same as in Spain's big cities, it's more laid-back, but you will always meet groups with whom you can do typically studenty activities or go to the university paellas with (these are parties for people studying in the faculty, you can't miss out! ).

How much does it cost to live in Cartagena?

It's a relatively cheap city. Accommodation is cheap in comparison to other university areas in Spain, as is the food. It's really cheap to grab a beer when you're out and about (1 euro) and tapas (a small beer and a tapa is 1. 80€). Right by the university you will find loads of supermarkets; Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour, Spar...

Was it hard to find accommodation in Cartagena? Do you have any advice?

There is a council website and if not, posters on campus, libraries or classrooms, there are hundreds of room listings in shared flats. For about 150 € / month you can get apartments shared with 3 or 4 people, not including bills. The student residences are much more expensive. Other sites are Idealista or Enalquiler.

Cartagena university

Source

How's the country's good? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is good, we're talking about the Mediterranean diet. And you can't come to Cartgena without trying their 'marinera' (salad with anchovies), 'asiáticos' (coffee with Licor 43 and condensed milk). Vegetarians have it more difficult, even the vegetable sandwich contains tuna. But there'll be a restaurant for you.

What places do you recommend visiting in Cartagena?

You have to see the Roman Forum (it has part of the causeway, and you can find out how they lived during the time), the Roman theater (which is the largest of its type in Europe), Castle Park towers or shelters. The Punic wall which you will enjoy if you go with a guide. And if you go in summertime, of course the beaches, especially Calblanque which is a natural park.

What about eating out in Cartagena? Can you tell us your favourite places?

First off, is the Santa Lucía club. It's a seafood bar, where you can eat rice and grilled fish dishes, whilst watching the fishermen sail, or preparing their boats to set sail. It's really cheap and they make you an 'asiático' after your pudding.

In the centre you'll find 'Sabor Andaluz', you have to try their aubergines, or the "Jumillana grape".

Sabor Andaluz

Source

What places do you recommend for a night out in Cartagena?

The port has some pubs which are open until 6 in the morning. You can get everywhere by walking, plus you can grab a beer in the town centre in Aire street and if you don't fancy the pubs in the port area, go to the nightclubs; Teatro or Budablue.

Aire street during new year's eve

Source

Do you have any advice for students coming to Cartagena?

Live in a flat, drink beers in the centre and study in Antigones library...

Source