Erasmus Experience in Córdoba, Spain by Chris

Why did you choose to go to Córdoba, Spain?

Admittedly, Córdoba was a last minute choice. My first choice was Barcelona, but I couldn't attend due to exam dates clashing with my first destination country. I ultimately chose Córdoba because I had been there on a college trip 6 years prior, and found it to be a beautiful city. I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience within the city, and find out more about the Andalusian culture.

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

The scholarship lasted 5 months, and I received the Erasmus grant of 2025€.

What is the student lifestyle like in Córdoba?

The student lifestyle is very placid and friendly. Whilst studying, the students in Córdoba work incredibly hard, but they also know how to celebrate. Nice meals out, student nights out in certain bars (always put up on the Facebook page), house parties, coffees and afternoon walks between classes. There's always something going on, and as a fellow student, you're always invited.

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

I wholeheartedly recommend the city to students. It is ideal for students. It's small, cheap, filled with fun things to do, the rest of Spain is easily accessible by train, and the weather is sublime. The University, in terms of teaching, is just as fantastic. The admin side is a little less organised than UK standards, but if you're stern, they respond to it.

What is the food like?

The food is very typically Spanish, with a few international gems thrown in. There are a lot of tapas bars and restaurants, lots of cafés, frozen yogurt shops, an Italian, an international food market (Mercado Victoria). With it being a small city, there isn't an enormous range of restaurants, but those that exist there are, on the most part, wonderful.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Córdoba?

I started my stay in Córdoba in student halls, and eventually moved out into a house near the Mezquita. Finding accommodation is surprisingly easy. There are some Facebook groups that can help out with finding accommodation, and there's always a room going somewhere.

How much does it cost to live in Córdoba?

Very little. You can live in Córdoba and enjoy yourself for 350€ a month.

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

The university offer Spanish booster classes for non-native speakers. The uni itself is easy to settle into. The room number order is a little confusing at the start, but you'll find your way around and integrate yourself into Córdoba student life in no time.

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

I flew from Manchester to Málaga, got the shuttle from the airport to María Zambrano station, then got a direct train from there to Córdoba.

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

Dinner at Mercado Victoria, followed by a few drinks in the Sojo bar attached to it. My favourites bars were Long Rock (classic/glam rock, particularly good on a Wednesday, cheap drinks! ), Góngora (Spanish/reggaeton/clubby stuff), Jazz Café, Banagher (Irish bar), O'Donoghue's (another Irish bar), Glam (gay bar), Sojo Ribera (riverside rooftop bar, quite expensive but a gorgeous bar, and they do breakfast every morning).

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

Mercado Victoria, Volapié, Regadera (for special occasions), Tagliatella, Bicicleta, Taberna Luque (perfect if you have guests staying in the city, expensive but incredible), Omundo de Alicia (little café decorated in the style of Alice in Wonderland, the staff are grumpy but the sandwiches are delightful).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Mezquita, Torre de la Mezquita, Alcázar, Caballerizas Reales, historic centre (the whole thing, even the tacky tourist shops), riverside walk.

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

It's the kind of city that demands social interaction. It's one of the cheapest, yet most wonderful, cities you'll ever live in. Go forth, have fun, be sociable, don't hold back. Check Facebook pages for accommodation, you'll find something in no time.