A Spanish girl doing an exchange in Guadalajara, México

What do you think about living in Guadalajara? Would you recommend it? How is it?

It is an amazing city to live in. It is really big and there is always something to do, it is really hard to get bored there.

I completely recommend it. I came to Guadalajara to do my exchange with fear as I did not know I could find there (México is seen as a dangerous place in Spain). Nevertheless, Guadalajara was a complete surprise: it is pretty safe compared to all the other cities. In the area where I live (Providencia) is really beautiful, kind and it has millions of restaurants and bars nearby.

How is the student's environment in Guadalajara?

There are a lot of students, both nationals and internationals from all over the world. There are about 7 different universities in the city, which creates a huge student environment and will make it easier for you to find people alike. 

How much is the cost of living in Guadalajara?

In my opinion, it is pretty cheap if you compare it to the cost of living in Europe. A room in a student flat costs in-between 150 y 250€ approximately, depending on the house quality and the area where is located (the city centre is usually cheaper but it is not the best area to live).

Was it difficult for you to finding accommodation in Guadalajara? Can you give us some advice?

No, it was pretty easy. I looked for it through the organization Conexión GDL which has a lot of exchange student's houses; even though their prices are a bit higher than usual, I consider it worthwhile (you will live with a college student's environment and you will never get bored).

How is Mexican food? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is delicious. Although for people like me, who do not like spicy food, it is a bit complicated since almost everything contains chile.

The typical food you will find in Guadalajara will be tacos (of thousands of types of meats), "Tartas ahogadas" and "Carnes en su jugo".

What places do you recommend visiting in Guadalajara?

The zoo, the cathedral, the slaughtered theatre, Paseo de Chapultepec, Zapopan, etc.

And what about eating in Guadalajara? Can you mention your favourite sites?

The streets foods are usually good and cheap. Otherwise, I recommend going to Chai for breakfast or going to the buffet Sirloin Stockade (very cheap and you will find food of ALL kinds ).

What places do you recommend to go out in Guadalajara?

There are many places, you will never know them all. The area of Chapultepec bars is famous. Otherwise, there are also many discos, one of the most famous is La Santa.

On top of this, there are also weekly huge parties in student houses, many of us spend the nights there.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Guadalajara?

Keep an open mind, forget about the topics and prejudices that exist about Mexico and live your own experience to create your own idea of the country.

Of course, go with caution, do not roam streets that you do not know since not all areas are equally friendly. Undoubtedly, I recommend downloading the Uber application to be transported throughout the city (it is a fully safe taxi network to travel wherever you want and it is extremely cheap).

Furthermore, take the opportunity to travel as much as you can and learn how wonderful Mexico is, a country that used to not attract my attention and now has me in love.