Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Andrea

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

Granada was the only option I could choose for Erasmus exchange. But, Spain always seemed interesting to me, so it was a win-win situation.

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

I am here for one semester. My scholarship gives me 800€ a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Granada?

Granada is definitely a student city. You can see UGR (University of Granada) buildings all around the city. There are a lot of international students too, and the good thing is that almost anywhere you can get student discounts (shopping, traveling, hostels... ). Not to mention, there are student parties almost every day of the week.

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

Yes, I would recommend it to anyone because it is really a beautiful city, there are a lot of things to see, and the coast is not far from Granada, so you can plan one-day trips to other beautiful cities like Malaga, Almeria...

What is the food like?

Food is very delicious. The best thing about Granada is that you whenever you are out, drinking with friends, you get tapas for free. Tapas is like a snack you get with your beverage, it can be a sandwich, a burger, olives, rice... You just have to discover a place where the best tapas is.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Granada?

There are a lot of Facebook groups where you can search for the apartments, also you can go to the agency but they will take some money from you so the best option is to look on the internet.

How much does it cost to live in Granada?

Some things are expensive and some not. For example, I come from Bosnia and Herzegovina and for me, the food is very expensive. Also, paying bills for electricity will cost you a lot. If you are lucky, you can find rooms in apartments for 100€, so that is not a big deal. Drinks in clubs are very cheap, especially on Erasmus parties. All in all, 650€ a month is enough to fully enjoy (to go out, buy yourself something, travel somewhere... ).

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

I don't speak Spanish at all, but you can learn it if you want to, especially because people here in Spain don't speak English at all. Courses are very expensive, so I recommend practicing Spanish with the residents of Granada.

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

I traveled by plane because I live pretty far.

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

It depends, I mostly went out in Mae West, very popular and fancy club with house and reggaeton music. Also, I like Hannigan & Sons pub (Irish pub), there are a lot of beers to choose and good music. If you are with friends, you can go to La Riviera pub, they have very good tapas, and it is right to Hannigan & Sons pub.

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

Restaurants are a little expensive for me so I avoid them, especially because you get free tapas almost everywhere. I recommend going to churrerias (Alhambra is a good one) and getting churros and hot chocolate. So delicious!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The first one, Alhambra. It is the most popular fortress in Andalusia. Next, Albayzin is a beautiful district, you can stroll around it all day long and every time I get back I see something new. Don't miss mirador, or viewpoints (there are three of them) from where you can see the whole city. Calle Elvira is also something you have to see, it has an Arabic vibe and here you can shop the souvenirs etc., and eat a good kebab.

Cathedral is also very beautiful, and of course, there are lots of little squares in the center with orange trees, fountains and cafe bars.

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

Be prepared for siesta (the time when all shops close from 14:00 to 17:00) because that was quite shocking for me.

Also, as I said, people here speak very little English, so if you don't speak Spanish, carry a dictionary. And of course, just relax and enjoy the things that Granada offers, there are a lot of them.