Erasmus Experience in Ciudad Real, Spain by Abdullah

Why did you choose to go to Ciudad Real, Spain?

I did not. I had to go there because it was the only option I had.

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

5 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ciudad Real?

Well, it has its characteristics but it is not that extraordinary. Most of the students live in near villages, they stay in the city during the weekdays and go home almost every weekend. So they usually party at Thursday night, the last night before going home. Most of them hang out with friends in some pub at night if they don't have homework or things to do, etc. Apart from that, the thing which I see as a con, there are not so many students active in sports.

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

Yes, though the city does not have much to offer, neither the university, it is a small, quiet city where you can make some really good friends and live in peace.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ciudad Real?

To find... no... here, in Erasmusu.com, I met a student who also would go to C. Real as an Erasmus, so we agreed and found some place to rent after searching on internet.

How much does it cost to live in Ciudad Real?

Depends. If someone prefers to live in a residence of students -which I would not recommend- it can cost a lot, something like 400 euros per month (only the price of the residence). Living in a shared apartment is quite cheaper though. Depending on the property and the number of people living together, it can cost between 150-200 euros, monthly, for each. Supermarkets and pubs are also fairly cheap. Not much of an idea about the restaurants, I generally preferred to eat at home. So in total -rent, bills, meal, entertainment- can cost about 500-600 € per month.

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

Depends on the language capability and willingness of the person. Castellano (Spanish) is not a very easy language, furthermore, the accent of people of C. Real is a little different from those of Madrid. But, no worries, there are language courses available in the university and there are some other private courses as well.

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

Airplane + train.

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

Well, there are a bunch of nightclubs. Antigua Estación and Bianco are fairly good. And as a pub to hang out with friends, I would recommend the pub Laoconte.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Ciudad Real?

I don't have much of an idea about the restaurants but I would like to remind that you can appease your hunger in a pub as you get a free, small, plate of aperitives (tapas) when you order a cup of beer or another beverage.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Not much. Just a couple of museums.

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

I would like to say it is a nice city if you like it quiet, but if not, then maybe it would be better for you to stay away.