Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Yana

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

I choose Granada because it's one of the greatest Spanish cities that really represent the Spanish culture. Also because it is a really good city for study. It's close to other representative cities as Cordoba or Sevilla and the Andalusian coastside. Near to the amazing Sierra Nevada (mountains)... Many many reasons to choose this incredible city!

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

My scholarship lasted for 6 months (unfortunately, I would like to stay much more). I received a grant as well as aid from the government at my University in Belgium, around 300 euros/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Granada?

It is amazing! Next to the school part, a lot can be experienced in Granada. Not only the nature, the culture of flamenco, the Alhambra. You are meeting so many cultures at the one place, because of so many other Erasmus students there. People are very friendly and you become really a part of it all. I also had the luck to live in a house with 9 other students from foreign countries, who really made my Erasmus time unforgettable! And you will party hard!

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

I would certainly recommend Granada as well as University to other students! We had a really good contact with the professors and a lot of interesting classes that enriched us!

What is the food like?

Mmm, whenever you buy drink for yourself, you get a free tapa with it (one of the only cities in Spain where tapas are for free). And I can tell, they are delicious, certainly another good reason to go on Erasmus to Granada!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Granada?

I searched an apartment since I arrived to Granada. For a couple of days I stayed in a hostel and went to search. Everywhere in the city there were little annoncements for student apartments. I visited a lot of apartments, and found a great one! It is a bit hard but a lot of people speak English, so you can arrange an appointment and see the apartments.

How much does it cost to live in Granada?

It depends on what you do... If you go out a lot, Granada can be really expensive. But the food is really cheap. And you should be carefull when you look for an appartment!

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

I had an advantage that I already knew how to speak Portuguese before I arrived, so learning Spanish wasn't that hard. Though I had a lot of friends who did'nt speak a word of Spanish and at the end they could speak very well. You can take courses, which are very good and you get to know the language very fast, because you just have to use in your daily activities. At the University I followed all courses in the Spanish language, though the professor speaks English and will help you if it's gonna be necessary.

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

By plane to Malaga (from Bruxelles - Charleroi) and then you take the bus, directly to Granada city.

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

There are many places you just have to visit at least once! Booga Club (Sunday evening free jam session, really worth seeing), Pata Palo (Spanish hippie vibes), Camborio (hip hop and commercial music with an amazing view on the Alhambra, Arabian castle)...

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

I didn't go out to eat that much in the restaurants, I preferred some good tapas at El Establo, El Estudiante...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Alhambra; the caves where they do flamenco dance; the Cathedral; a lot of beautifull parks everywhere.

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

Go for a walk behind the Alhambra and at the other side of the mountain where you find the caves, it's really amazing. During the winter time, go for a ski or snowboard session in the Sierra, it's great! For athletic people, Granada has great sport facilities (swimming pool, volleyball yard and football facilities, all of them are part of the University facilities). You really have to go to Salobreña, it's in the coast (by bus 30-40 min.).