Experience in Hastings, United Kingdom by Madeleine

What is it like to live in Hastings? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Hastings is a very real place. Its charm lies not in a kempt, surface-thin image of perfection but in its blatant acceptance of the harsh reality of drink and drugs. This type of atmosphere attracts and breeds the best kind of people; wryly interesting, dryly funny and often brutally honest folk in the best sense. The architecture is beautiful and the town's age means that while everything is within arm's reach, it also has the most confusing maze of little alleyways, each with their own ghost stories and histories. Night times can be a thing of welcoming beauty on the right night; should you choose to come here alone, you will be welcomed into conversation by anyone whose eye you catch on a night out.

The seaside on a summer's day is gorgeous, beaches packed with people, the cool sea breeze quelling what would otherwise be an unpleasantly hot day.

This goes hand in hand with a bit of risk, though - as with every city it has its own inner-demons, so it would be advisable to keep a sharp ear when walking down the streets at night alone.

What is the student lifestyle like in Hastings?

Very good - plenty of places to go to at night, and a lively atmosphere with open arms. There is a huge music and art community within its walls, easily reachable through most locals

How much does it cost to live in Hastings?

It can be relatively cheap depending on where you look, but prices are gradually increasing.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Hastings? Is there any advice you can give?

Hastings has a long-standing history with foreign student accommodation, and finding a welcoming host family is relatively easy within the town.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Hastings is renowned for its fish 'n' chips. The seafood is often freshly caught this morning, but should you prefer other dishes there are fantastic little restaurants from all over the world, from different parts of Europe to far east Asian cuisines.

What places would you recommend visiting in Hastings?

Hastings Old Town is nestled between two hills; the East hill and the West hill. I recommend journeying up one or the other (the East hill has a lift by which you can ascend should you be unable/unwilling to climb the steps). I also recommend TinTins, a great little pub with fantastic brews and plenty of open mic nights with great music.

Is it good to eat out in Hastings? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My personal favourite is a little Thai food restaurant-cum-Bookshop in the Old Town ("Boulevard bookshop and Thai Cafe"). It's run by a husband and wife: the husband runs the book shop, and the wife cooks in the back. You eat surrounded by old bookshelves full of wonderful books. The food is brilliant.

Is the nightlife good in Hastings? Where is good to go?

The nightlife's fantastic. Each pub has its own atmosphere and reputation; students tend to stick to the main street and go to one of the many clubs or bars around to visit the music scene. There're plenty of quieter dwellings to be reached, or for those who prefer the noisier stuff, the Carlisle is the local rowdy biker pub. Watch out for that place, it can get pretty rough.

What advice would you give future students headed to Hastings?

You'll have a fantastic time, but you have to take the initiative. As with any situation, in order to be interesting you have to be interested: push yourself to go out and investigate, talk to people in pubs, go explore. Be careful at night if you're alone; Hastings seems much bigger at night and it's easy to get lost in dodgy parts of town.