Erasmus Experience in Castellón De la Plana, Spain by Maaike

Why did you choose to go to Castellón De la Plana, Spain?

I had never heard about it before. I knew I didn't want to live in a crowdy city as for example Valencia. Castellón de la Plana is less busy but rather cosy. You know every Erasmus student and do a lot together.

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

It's a scholarship of 5 months and I received €285/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Castellón De la Plana?

Student lifestyle is chilling, hanging, having a drink, going out, chilling again. On Tuesdays we often go to a pub where erasmus students can sing, play songs, perform and so on. Each Wednesday a bar organizes an Erasmus party. On Thursdays and Saturdays we go to a club (mostly the same one) and on Fridays it depends. We either stay in, watching movies together or go out.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Castellón De la Plana to other students?

Of course I would recommend Castellón! But, as I said before, you have to keep in mind that this is no touristic place or a big city. Still, this does not mean it's less fun!

What is the food like?

Great, real Spanish food! And cheap of course.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Castellón De la Plana?

UJI has a website where you can find flats, here's where I found ours. It did cost me some time because some landlords don't want to rent their flats for less than one year. Another hint is to accept request of Erasmus Castellón on Facebook because they also make announcements about flats for rent.

How much does it cost to live in Castellón De la Plana?

Monthly rent plus costs is about €200. Keep in mind that you have to go to the store couple of times per week. I suppose that going out is the most expensive thing but that of course depends on you.

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

Most people speak Castellano (normal Spanish), a few speak Valencian. Almost no one speaks English, not even in school. UJI offers good language courses, adapted to one's level.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Castellón De la Plana from your city?

On foot! Castellón isn't big, so everything is nearby. Sometimes we do take the bus/tram to go to UJI or the bus to go to the shopping centre. If you go to the beach, it will take you about 20 minutes by bus.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Castellón De la Plana?

If you like a small but cosy dance bars go to Wallaby's, but only on Wednesdays. During the rest of the week they play Spanish Rock&Roll there. If you like discos go to the most famous one in the city centre. It changes names depending on the day: Taboo, Botánico,... Another disco is Up&Down. You have a big latino disco as well but it's closer to the port. And another big one outside the city centre is Piramide.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Castellón De la Plana?

Como Antes

Cien montaditos

Lizarran

Nostra Cuina

Sushi lovers

L'etrusco

If you just want to have a drink, I can recommend you: Las Tascas.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Not many: The cathedral, the arena, la Muralla, park Ribalta, the port...

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Castellón De la Plana?

YES: please know that the student dormitory of UJI is outside of the city centre. It's quite a walk and during nights there are no busses available. And, you pay a lot for being so far away from everything. I recommend living close to Parque Ribalta or more into town.