Erasmus Experience in Ciudad Real, Spain by Lithuanian student

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

I was studying Spanish in my country, so I decided to take the chance to improve it. I also liked Spain as a destination because of climate and more things. Ciudad Real was the only option from my faculty, so I needed to choose it. If I had more options I would think on where to go, bigger cities is better option, but are more expensive though.

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

The scholarship from Lithuania lasts for 5 months, I received 450€ per month, it was enough, I hardly needed more own money.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Ciudad Real?

You meet really a lot of new friends from all over the world, you can have a normal student life, and a lot of parties.

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

I would recommend only if you are appreciating the low cost of life and the possibility to study and meet new friends at the same time as in the other places, and you are not concerned about living in historic city, full of culture, etc. Honestly, it is difficult to find something like that in Ciudad Real, although it is possible. The studies are in the more or less same level as in any other Spanish public university. I was studying in the Faculty of Informatic, the quality is quite high. As I understood, the quality of philosophic studies, the History of arts, is also quite good.

What is the food like?

The typical Spanish food is fine, you can find quite good products here.

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

Yes, in my particular case I came in the beginning of the course without any flat searched before, and I was searching for three days living literally in the street (although some people helped us for that period). I strongly advise to search for something before, especially if you want something good and for relatively medium price. Also I need to say that my colleagues had more luck, but it is better to.

How much does it cost to live in Ciudad Real?

More or less with 500€ living without mayor expenses should be OK

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

I came to Spain after some studies of Spanish, but with low level of conversation language. So it was difficult for me to learn it quickly to be able to communicate with almost everyone (medium spaniard hardly speaks English). The language is not difficult, but if you want to reach a high level it is not easy. It took 3 months for me to start speaking more or less, practicing every day with spanish people.

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

I took the plane from Lithuania Vilnius, to Barcelona. Then I took the bus to Madrid (the cheapest costs 30€), then from Madrid to Ciudad Real I took the bus again (12€). Those are the cheapest prices I know. You can also take the flight to Madrid directly via european (normally German) city.

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

You will find it out quickly when you arrive there, you have 2-3 main streets with clubs (such as Bianco, Antigua, Sion, etc)

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

Normally students eat pizzas, home-made food/pasta. I didn't go to many restaurants there. The one in hotel Doña Carlota is fine.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You can see Ciudad Real in one day, and then visit all the province little by little, (la Castilla-La Mancha de Don Quijote), because it has some nice places, especially linked with Don Quijote of Cervantes. The most beautiful place near Ciudad Real is Toledo. And the next - but farther - Madrid.

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

If you can, try to go to a bigger city, but if you cannot, or you prefer all places from Spain, go there, but don´t expect the big city's properties. Once there, try to enjoy Spanish province beauty - that's what I did.