Eramsus Experience in Granada, Spain by Gabriela

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

Because I'd been told that it was a very pretty and cultural city that was cheap to live in, and it was one of the few universities in Spain that my home university had an Erasmus learning agreement with that offered Biology, which is my degree. It was the best decision I could have made.

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How long was the grant for? How much financial aid did you receive?

My grant started off as being for 6 months with the possibility of extending it for a year, but the extension had to be applied for once being at the host university, and that's what happened, and I could stay the whole year. I didn't receive money for studying abroad, the only thing that was included in the agreement was the fee for registering for the year, given that in my home university it is free to do that.

What is the student lifestyle like in Granada?

It's amazing! There are lots of good places to study on campus, open practically 24 hours a day, the classes are short and at good times. Moreover, it is a student city with lots of cafes and clubs to pass the time, and the university offers groups such as the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) which is for Erasmus students and they take care of planning trips and activities to get to know the city and its customs.

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

Yes, I'd recommend the city 100% as it has a great location (30 minutes from the beach and 30 minutes from the Sierra Nevada), it has lots of different degree programmes in all different subject areas, the city is very relaxed but during the evening it's lively, drinking in the streets is allowed (a Spanish tradition) and the accommodation and living costs are affordable compared to other cities, to the point I think it is one of the cheapest cities to live in, in Europe.

Do you like the food?

It's really tasty and varied, especially in the South where Granada is where it's based on seafood like fish and shellfish which I love!

Did it cost you to find accommodation in Granada?

Not really, when I arrived in Granada I didn't have accommodation so I stayed in a hotel, and by the second day I had already found a room to rent very close to my faculty, other friends of mine found accommodation via the Internet on group chats of university students; for one that worked well but one of my friends didn't like it because the room didn't look anything like they said it would. The best thing is to do what I did, stay in a hotel, and once you're there find the 'to rent' posters which are all over campus, visit the rooms and decide if you like them.

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How much does it cost to live in Granada?

I've lived here for three years but the prices haven't changed a lot, my room cost me 250 euros a month, with the costs for gas, light and water split between us 4 girls living there, which wasn't more than 30 euros a month. The university had a canteen which you could eat quite well at for 4 euros a month, but because I lived close to campus I went home to eat, a monthly food-shop would not cost more than 50 euros. I think that with 400 euros a month or maybe a bit less you can live quite well... If you want to travel or visit tourist sites maybe you'll need a bit more, but Granada really is quite cheap.

How did you get to grips with the language? Did you do a language course with the University?

I speak Spanish so I didn't have any big problems, but I had friends that came from Spain and they didn't speak any Spanish. The University offered them a course and 6 months later they spoke well, some things they didn't understand but they could communicate easily.

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

I travel from Caracas, Venezuela, getting the plane to Madrid and then another from Madrid to Granada, but to be honest, it is a lot cheaper to get a plane to Madrid and then a bus to Granada. The bus takes 5 hours but the seats are comfortable and it is quite cheap. If you live in a European city it might work out cheaper for you to fly with Ryanair.

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

Granada has lots of bars and places to go that are really good, especially the tapas bars. Nearby to the Plaza de Toros they are quite a few, as well as in the street Pedro Antonio. The big clubs, Granada 10 and the Vogue in Gran Via are amazing!

Is it good to eat out in Granada? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Any place will be good to eat out in, the Kebab Shops before going out are the most popular.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Granada is the best for cultural attractions, you can't miss out on going to the Alhambra or one of the flamenco performances in the Cuevas del Albaicyn, if you go there, go into Albaicyn as it's lovely, visit the viewpoints and to the Turkish baths! Granada has lots of beautiful places to visit.

Would you like to give any advice to future students heading to Granada?

Sign up to the ESN so you get to know other cities in Spain as well as Granada, visit the Sierra Nevada and the Alhambra, go to as many tapas bars as you possibly can in a night and don't forget about your studies! Granada makes everyone fall under its charm and you are not going to want to leave here!:)