Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Hanna-Liis

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

I have always wanted to go to Spain and when I got the opportunity to do my exchange there I chose between two cities. After a little research it was clear that Granada is the best place for students and especially Erasmus students.

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

My scholarship is for one semester(about 6 months). I received 500€ per month plus one time scholarship from my country(about 200€).

What is the student lifestyle like in Granada?

Granada is 100% student city. Everywhere you go you see Erasmus students. You hear so many different languages and most definitely you will have new friends all over the world. There are many discounts and activities for students and you can do whatever you want. Travel, party, have some drinks and tapas, just go for a walk etc.

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

Granada is amazing city for any exchange. It's quite small but you have so much to do and see. If you are thinking about having your exchange in Granada or somewhere else, then I wouldn't think anymore, because after spending 6 months there, I'm sure it's the best place for a young student.

University of Granada is big, comparing to the city itself. You can find different faculties all over the city. Before you make your final choice about the topics, do a little research and maybe have a chat with other students who can suggest which lessons are worth taking.

What is the food like?

Food is great and mostly you can find different rice dishes and sandwiches with whatever you like. I definitely suggest to try traditional dishes, such as tortilla de patatas, paella and gazpacho.

When you go out to eat, you can choose between thousands of places but you have to choose between prices. Mostly there are very reasonable prices but you can also find some places that ask too much money for a simple dish. Almost every place serves different paellas and rice dishes.

When you go out for a drink, you get almost everywhere tapas with it. Little snacks that are free whenever you order a beer, a wine or a soft drink.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Granada?

You can find your accommodation through the internet even before you arrive in Granada. But if you haven't found anything before, then you can easily take an AirBnB or a hostel and prices are quite low. As I didn't have a place before arriving, I stayed in hostel for a week and it was much cheaper than I first thought.

How much does it cost to live in Granada?

There are millions shared apartments and you can rent a room in those. Prices are from low to high but I think you shouldn't pay more than 250€ per month(without the utilities). Utilities depend on a season and a household. When it's warmer they are max. 30€ per two months, but when it's colder they can reach up to 90€ per two months. It also depends on how much electricity and water you use.

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

Before going to Granada I suggest that you have at least B1 level in Spanish, because Spanish people do not speak English or any other languages at all. At first it can be very extreme but you will get used to it very soon. Because of that you also have to speak in Spanish and that's really good way to improve you language skills. When you don't have a B2 level, then in two months you will probably understand almost everything and have a courage to speak simpler things too.

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

By plane to Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga and then take a bus.

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

There are million places to go out at night but the most famous is Mae West and after that Boom Boom Room.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The most famous is Alhambra. And I definitely suggest to have a walk in Albaicin and then also go to Sacromonte. Other than that there are some amazing chapels worth visiting.

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

Take the most of it and don't worry about what others think of you. Interract with people, travel as much as you can and just enjoy yourself. It will definitely be the best time of your life.