My Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Alexis

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

I made the choice which I believed to be the best place to go to for my studies. I study medieval history at Masters level and I specialise in the medieval Muslim world. Being able to go to Granada was a godsend for my research because the libraries there contain unpublished Arabic sources translated into Spanish.

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How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I stayed in Granada from February to June, which is a semester at the university. I received 450 euros a month in CROUS, financial help from the French government, but I also received the Erasmus grant which is paid in to your bank account in two payments, at first you receive 80% and then 20% at the end.

What's the student vibe like in Granada?

The student atmosphere in Granada is excellent. Of course, when you first get there you take a little time to adapt and get used to it all, and you might feel lonely at the start, but with time and as you get better at the language and you speak more with the locals, you see that the locals are happy to listen to you and that they'll do their best to help you.

With regards to the Erasmus students, it's a party atmosphere and there's a real focus on sharing and getting to know other people's cultures. We regularly go out to visit the city and the surrounding areas but above all, we have really great nights out in tapas bars and the Erasmus night club.

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Yes definitely, the city is sublime! It's an ideal location to study (when the weather isn't playing up). Granada is a historical monument by itself; it contains numerous medieval Muslim monuments like the Alhambra which overlooks the city, flanked on a hillside.

I was part of the Philosophy and Arts department on Cartuja campus, which also overlooks the city. The university is big, bright and well organised. It offers history, archaeology, anthropology, Semitic studies, and more courses in the humanities for those that just can't get enough.

The libraries for all the departments are very well documented, rich with an abundance of books, where you can study quietly and relax with a coffee made in Spain.

What's Spain's food like?

I fell under the charm of Spanish gastronomy, especially the famous tapas bars. Whether you order an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, you are offered a plate of food, of tapas, and you get different dishes depending on the number of people in your group. It can be seafood, kebabs, burgers, meats (jamón), salad etc. The food in general is normally fruit or vegetable based, for example gaspacho, salads and even Spanish omelette- which is a good time for vegetarians! However there are all of the typical dishes for the meat-lovers out there too like chicken fillets and meat skewers. Granada has lots of tapas bars and every type of restaurant to satisfy all your gastronomical needs.

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Granada?

At the start, yes, but it was because I wasn't in Granada to be able to do any local research nor visit any potential accommodation that I did manage to find and like. I turned to the internet and by searching 'alquiler piso granada' and 'compartir piso granada' I came across lots of adverts which let me find cheap and well-located accommodation.

When you're there in person you can see all the posters throughout the city, especially near to the university, that advertise people looking for accommodation. All you have to do is give them a call if you're interested and also struggling to find accommodation online.

What are living costs like in Granada?

Due to the crisis at the minute, the cost of living varies depending on the individual. For example, the price will probably be extortionate for those who want to live in a big apartment by themselves, not only due to rent but also due to electricity, water, and gas bills. However, if you share your accommodation i. e house share, the costs are divided and the price, depending on your neighbourhood, can be a lot cheaper. Concerning food, evenings out, and buying things in general, the price remains quite affordable and lets you live your life at a reasonable price.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

I can't really say anything on this subject because I didn't take part in a language course when I arrived. I had already learnt Spanish before leaving school, but even then it was still difficult to understand everything first time round because the locals there speak quickly and with an accent. I do know however that there are language courses organised by the university to improve your Spanish and even some to learn English and Arabic.

What's the most economical way to get to Granada from your home town?

As I come from Lyon, the most economical way for me to get to Granada was by flying to Madrid. Easyjet is a really good low cost company to check out if you're looking into getting around by plane. From there, you can take the bus or train to Grenada, which takes around 4 hours. The difference in price between bus and train isn't that great, but sometimes getting the bus is the better option out of the two.

Where do you recommend to go out in Granada?

There's nothing better than Calle Pedro Antonio for going out as that's where most of the pubs, bars, and nightclubs are. Erasmus students like to go to WallStreet pub which displays its prices which change like the stock market. There's also Calle Elviare which is well known for its tapas. There's a number of different night clubs like Camborio, the excellent Erasmus nightclub where they put on lots of themed nights.

And to eat in Granada? What are your favourite places?

I really liked going to tapas bars to eat, like Babel who did really nice, cheap food. Also, in front of Babel, is a Pakistani kebab shop which do really good shawarmas. There's also McDonald's, Burger King and Subway for fast-foodies.

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

In Grenada, it's simply not heard of to not have visited the Alhambra, the big Palatine military building that requires an entire morning to visit as it's just so big. It contains a magnificent medieval Muslim structure which leaves you mesmerised. There's also museums and well-hidden picturesque areas of the city that make the Albaycin quarter, which holds true architectural treasures, just so charming.

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Any advice for future students going to Granada?

I have lots of advice! Be careful with the climate as Granada is situated in the south of Spain near an arid region, however la Sierra Nevada mountain just at the side can also quickly block out that warm sunshine. It can get really cold just as easily as it can become really hot; the temperature changes are quite brutal during certain times of the year and the weather can go from sun, to rain, to even snow in a minute, so pay attention to the clothes you're wearing and look at the weather forecast before you go out.

My other piece of advice is about administration. When you arrive, you're asked to fill out documents regarding mobility. Most of the time the university can't help you because it's not what they take care of. You have a few options:

• The International Relations office who give you your student card.
• The higher education school (international postgraduate school) which only look after Masters students. If you're an undergraduate Bachelor student, then normally the university take care of you!