Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Omar

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

I actually chose Granada, because I know many people who went there and they all recommended me to go. But when I arrived to Granada I honestly did not have an idea about how magical the place is. Some people might say that I am exaggerating - but I am sure they have never been to Granada.

I have been to many places in my life, but my stay in Granada was the best of all. I enjoyed everyday and I believe that it was a blessing to have the chance to study in Granada. I have never regret my choice and I always dream about going back and enjoy the amazing life in Granada.

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

The scholarship that I have obtained was for five months but I was very fortunate to receive an extension and stay extra four months, so in total I have stayed nine months, and when it comes to costs in Granada, it can really be different from a person to another. I believe if you manage your sources well, you can live with the minimum income. Comparing to other European cities that I have been, I believe that Granada is the one with the best prices and most logical for students as it is a city full of students from all around the world.

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

I would not only recommend Granada and the University of Granada to other students! I will convince them to go in every possible way. Because they don't know what they are going to miss if they don't choose Granada!

The lifestyle in the city is wonderful and everyone who has been there would agree with me, and about the University of Granada I would recommend it because the professors have been so nice and helpful, and the classes were extremely interesting and useful.

What is the food like?

The food is so nice, they have a great variety which has helped me a lot because there are some ingredients that I can not eat due to religious reasons, but I did not face with any problem in Granada as the food is so varied and there are many choices.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Granada?

Actually, in the first semester it was kind of hard but it was only because I had high expectations, but still not extremely hard. At last I found a great accommodation. And in the second semester it was very easy to find a flat, I found it on the internet and called the number and as soon as I arrived to Granada I went directly to the flat and the roommate was so kind, and he became one of my best friends. And I am still in contact with him until now.

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

From my city which is Amman - Jordan, of course the only way is the airplane to Madrid and then take a bus from Madrid to Granada. I would like to add two tips:

• Find a flight before a while so you can get a better price.
• The bus from Madrid-Granada is so much more comfortable than the airplane although it takes more time, but the airplane was not comfortable at all!

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

Go order some Tapas (its a small plate of food, and every bar has its specialty of Tapa) and the best thing that its free with every drink you order. It's one of the best customs of the city of Granada.

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

I can not recommend only one! Many of them have amazing food... anyway if you are fortunate enough to get a scholarship to study in Granada you will have time to explore as much as you can.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Of course the first thing that will come to mind would be the amazing "Alhambra" and I agree, but I would like to add that the beauty of Granada exists in the air, in the small hidden streets and in the walls... Taking a walk in "Albaycin" is priceless, gathering with friends next to the river is amazing and sitting on a terrace and just looking at the breath-taking view of Granada would be so refreshing.

Source

I recommend you to go and try it yourself, because even if I will write a book about my stay in Granada it would not explain half the beauty of the city.

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

• Live every moment!
• Take many pictures!
• Enjoy the food and parties!
• And oh right... don't forget to study.