Erasmus Experience in Chester, United Kingdom by Noa

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

Because I have a friend who went there and told me it was a great place to live. Liverpool and Manchester are so close, and the life there seems so easy that I'm definitely proud of my choice.

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

I was there for a whole year, and the money I received wasn't enough. My parents had to help me a lot. Despite you can find cheap food, life in England isn't as cheap as in Spain. I think I received almost 320 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Chester?

It's dynamic. Every single day there are plenty of activities, parties and events. Besides, if you practise any sport, the University has several things to do. Weather sucks, but all houses have a backyard where you can have barbacues (priceless barbacues).

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

YES. Teachers there are very helpful and cheerful, since the very first moment they try to help you and introduce you to other Erasmus students. Some of the organizers will be also your friend. They usually organize some travels to see some other parts of England.

The city is amazing, it has many places to visit, many cheap restaurants, the environment is perfect and the surroundings too.

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What is the food like?

If you go to Tesco, Iceland the prices will be more or less the same than in Spain. ( not the same, but almost) There is a huge fridge in Tesco where you can find some special prices and sales.

Talking about restaurants there is a huge variety, fish and chips are delicious almost at every place, WOK and GO is perfect cause you can choose ingredients, sauces.. ( something that I miss) Some kebabs are open till late, believe me that they are GOD when you are going home at 5. 00.

There are some very good little bakeries where you can eat heaven.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Chester?

No, the University helped me since I knew I was going to go there. The University has several kinds of accomodation. But if you want to live by your own ( not cheap), or you want to share a flat, there are a lot of available houses near University, most of the nearest streets are full of rented houses.

How much does it cost to live in Chester?

More than if I had lived in Spain.

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

There is a compulsory subject which focused on our English improvement, although it is very helpful... you will do drafts about movies and so on, once a week.

If you want to really improve it there is a free course at the beginning of the year in which you will go to class once or twice a week.

People there, and all around England, aren't very friendly. Of course you will find nice people, but most of your fellows will be Erasmus... Everyone of us tried to meet English students, but they are a little bit close-minded. But, at the end we have some very good English friends. Sometimes you will find that they say they don't understand you, well...don't believe them, they understand you but they pretend not to.

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

The first time from Alicante to Manchester. Some of the students of Chester picked me up at the airport.

The second time I took a plane from San Javier to Liverpool, which is closer. Then you have to take a bus to Liverpool central Station, once there you have to take a train to Chester. The moment you are at Chester Train Station, the best way arrive to Uni is by taxi.

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

To the SU and to the Pubs of the city centre. There is also a huge place outside Chester, called Destiny, you should go.

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

If you love fast food, you can find a buffet at Pizza Huts. You can eat pizza, salads and pasta as much as you want. There are like 2 o 3 McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky...Actually, I went to other places like the WaterGates ( english food) George and Dragon ( near Uni, english food, every football match, good beer, good Nachos) Bella Italia isn't as cheap as other but they have lovely pizzas and pasta. I don't recommend La Tasca, the worst food I have ever eaten.

Chinese restaurants are all good. The one in which you can eat sushi,. L & E French 75 bar, Chez Jules are also good.

I don't remember the name, but near the cementery, close to Mark Spencer there is a little pattiserie, you must go, really.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The bridge, the cementery, the huge parks, the river..

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

Enjoy!