Erasmus Experience in Girona, Spain by Hazal

Why did you choose to go to Girona, Spain?

I wanted to live in a place close to Barcelona. My University had a contract with the Girona University. This was the first reason why I choosed Girona.

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

I had a scholarship for 5 months. It was 400 euros per month. I was receiving 500 euros more from my parents. This amount 900 euros was sufficient for everything including train tickets to go to Barcelona every week for once. The rents are not so expensive I was living with 4 other Erasmus students we had a good deal and everyone was paying 150 euros each but we were lucky to find that apartment. Rents are much cheaper than Barcelona of course.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Girona?

Student life style in Girona is you can really have best friends for the rest of your life since it is a small city and a small amount of Erasmus people are here comparing to Barcelona. We all became very good friends still we are in touch. First I was sad that this is a small city but when you meet with people everyday I started to love this city so much more than I could imagine. So as I'm a big city girl from Istanbul, and compared to Istanbul Girona is super small I really loved this city and all the friends I made there. Local people are nice and helpful I made lot of Catalan friends over there.

Girona is a very Catalan city they speak almost just Catalan in daily life this was the biggest problem for me since I knew Spanish and English and Catalans know generally only Spanish and Catalan and prefer all the time to speak Catalan this was a challenge so I recommend you to take the free Catalan courses that is being offered in the university I mean in my time there was so just ask to the university staff about it it will be helpful to communicate with locals and earn their sympathy. Girona University is a very nice university. The library is good and the campus is nice.

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

I would recommended it now because I have a special love for Girona after I lived there. First I judged the city for its size, but so many cultural things are happening in the city and around the near cities in Girona there are lots of festivals. I knew about these festivals because I had Catalan friends its always a good idea to have local people with you so you can learn the culture better! And you always have a chance to take the train and go to Barcelona for some big city fun.

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What is the food like?

I loved the food tapas König is a super good restaurant.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Girona?

It was difficult to find it.

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How much does it cost to live in Girona?

I mentioned above I paid for a room and a big one 150 euros but we were very lucky I guess I can say 250 euros per room.

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

Catalan language courses are free in the university.

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

I first flew to Barcelona and then take the train to Girona.

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

I really don't remember the names but there are not too many options like in Barcelona so you guys can figure that out in the first week!

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

König! I prefer it!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Jewish museum in old town, old town is very historical and pretty.

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

Have fun and enjoy your Erasmus as much as you guys can. I miss it so much!