Erasmus Experience in Galway, Ireland by Alma

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Why did you decide to go to Galway, Ireland?

I must admit that Manchester (UK) was my first choice but when the decision of the placements came out and I saw that I had Galway, I was just as happy. It was my second choice anyway. I had been told a lot about Ireland: about how beautiful it was, about the atmosphere and the number of students that were there. Besides, I didn't know anything about its history or how it came about, so it seemed like a good idea to get an inside look.

How long does the scholarship last? How much financial support do you receive?

My scholarship lasted about 9 months. At the end of August I went over there and came back in May, although my exams and essays were over in April. The scholarship system was different when I got mine, in comparison to how they do it now, so the amount of money also varied. In addition, it wasn't a scholarship from the government, so the amount was more or less 4, 500€ for the whole year.

What was the student life like in Galway?

The student environment is great. Galway is a tiny city and the majority of people who live there are students; both from the island and those who aren't. The population is more or less 80, 000 people and when I started the year, it increased considerably.

Speaking of the university, I studied at NUI Galway. The system is completely different. The faculties and the university there are considered, generally, to be a space which people are going to spend between 1 and 4 years of their lives in. Where my faculty was, there were also shops, restaurants, a gym, a coffee shop with sofas, electronics shops, etc. Everyday life there was very comfortable. What is more, the professors there were so lovely, it was clear that they liked what they did and they were real experts in the field.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Galway to others?

Without a doubt. As I've already said, both the atmosphere and the university are excellent.

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How is the food there?

Pretty good. You have fast-food restaurants (McDonald's, Burger King, SuperMacs, Subs, Subway, Papa Johns... ), traditional Irish restaurants and pubs, places to eat fish and chips and, of course, shops where you can buy ingredients to make your own food.

Did you have any trouble finding accommodation in Galway?

Not too much... but I wasn't very happy with my halls either. I lived in Cuirt na Coiribe and I didn't like it at all. It was a residence in which there were different sized apartments, between 4 to 9 people, in which you had your bedroom (in my case I also had an en-suite) and a shared living-dining room. The walls were paper-thin and I was unlucky enough to have really noisy (and quite rude) neighbours, and I also had problems with a leak. We complained many a time but they did absolutely nothing.

My advice is to either look at houses from here (Spain) or go a few days before to a 'hostel' and go looking at places in person.

How much did it cost to live in Galway?

I would say that it's a little dearer than Spain. The food and those kind of things are a tad more expensive. The houses aren't exorbitantly priced and, what is more, if you share a flat then the expenses are halved. I can't really say much about anything else because my halls covered electricity, water and internet (normal with what they charged... )

How was the language? Did you enrol in a course at the university?

The language was good. They are used to there being many foreign people and the people are so friendly so don't hesitate in repeating things if you haven't understood something. Also it must be said that they were easy to understand as well; it's not like you are living in remote town in the Scottish Highlands. Keep calm and enjoy!

What is the cheapest way to get to from your city to Galway?

The cheapest way from Valladolid is: Valladolid - Santander - Dublin - Galway. You can also do Valladolid - Madrid - Dublin - Galway. I'm sorry to say that from Spain (or anywhere for that matter) there isn't a direct flight to Galway even though they have their own airport (it's either just for goods or it's Castellón style! )

Where would you recommend going out in Galway?

I don't remember the names very well but basically the party area is in the centre; more or less by Shop Street. I also recommend the Róisín Dubh (which is a little more luxurious) and if you like rock music, then Sally Long's.

And to eat out in Galway? Can you name your favourite places?

Without a doubt SuperMacs. It's a fast food chain that has everything from chicken wraps to potatoes with meat and cheese to delicious hamburgers. Also, in the same restaurant you have a Papa Johns counter (pizza), another Subs (sandwiches), and another Scoops (ice-cream). Also there is a restaurant at the end of Shop Street called McDonagh's which has fish and chips (and other types of fish and chicken dishes) which is addictive. In general, almost all of the restaurants on Shop Street have incredible food.

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What about cultural trips?

Super. In Galway you have:

• The Prom, which is at the seafront
• The Spanish Arch
• The River Corrib
• The NUIG campus, which is beautiful

Also, there are cultural trips to:

• The Aran Islands (beautiful)
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Connemara

If you want to travel a little further then I cannot recommend Belfast and The Giant's Causeway enough. It's one of the most beautiful natural wonders I've ever seen.

Is there any advice that you want to give future students in Galway?

Enjoy yourself! (As the typical Irish bus driver would say).

You're going to have a great time and watch out! Penneys is the equivalent of Primark and has the cheapest prices.

I bought half the shop and would do it again!