My Erasmus Experience in Kingston Upon Hull (2010-2011)

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Why did you choose to go to Kingston Upon Hull, UK?

In all honesty, to start with I had no idea where Hull was, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to go to the United Kingdom and I put it as my second choice (after Sheffield). Bit by bit I learned more and when I arrived there and the weeks and months went past, I realised that my Erasmus wouldn't have been the same anywhere else. What's more, another reason for going there was that I found out on the internet that it was one of the cheapest cities to live in in the UK, a great advantage of Hull.

How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive as financial support?

I was there for 9 months (September 2010 - June 2011) and I received €9000, €1000 per month as well as being a MEC trainee.

What's the student atmosphere like in Kingston Upon Hull?

The student atmosphere is the best! If you live in the Student Houses zone (nearly everyone does) then you have everything you need in the area so that you don't have to go into the city centre. There are supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, small shops... ), the uni 5 minutes walk away (you save money on transport and by being so close you also "force yourself" to go to class), tonnes of places to go out at night... And by living in the student area you end up knowing nearly everyone there!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Kingston Upon Hull to other students?

Absolutely, without a doubt, yes! The locals, contrary to what people think of the English, are super friendly, they greet you in the streets, if they see that you're lost they help you... And it's the same around the university. What's more, the first week of class (Freshers week), the uni is full of volunteers and they help you to find your way around the enormous campus.

What's the country's food like?

I'll just say: we're in England... Be careful, I put on 10kg in 9 months!

How did you find accommodation?

Through a friend who was coming with me and who had a friend who had already been there. Anyway, when the university sends you the paperwork, they tell you about student housing, residences... and I also know of people who rented private houses.

What are the accommodation prices like? And prices in general?

Well in comparison with other places in England people have told me about, they're good. My bedroom was quite big, all bills were included (water, lights, internet, heating... ), and I paid about 2500 pounds for the 9 months (around 270 pounds per month).

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How did you get on with the language? Did you go on a course in the university?

It's important to mention that the accent that the people from Hull have is a little peculiar, it moves away from what we have always been taught which was the "standard English", and at the beginning there were times when you were talking to someone from there and you didn't understand a single thing and the typical question: "are you speaking English? " came to mind.

However, I'm studying English philology at the US and accents are something that have always fascinated me, so it was all part of the experience!

And even though I didn't take any English classes at the University of Hull, I did notice coming back in June that I spoke English much more fluently than when I went.

What is the cheapest way to get to Kingston Upon Hull from your city?

From Seville the cheapest way (Ryanair and Vueling, more so Ryanair) is to travel to London and then take the direct train to Hull from King's Cross station (about 2 and a half hours, and booking in advance you can go for around 6 pounds).

There are also flights with Ryanair from Seville to Liverpool but they don't go every day and the times aren't very convenient.

The Malaga-Manchester option isn't bad either.

Talking of trains, I would recommend that you get the student Railcard from a railway station, which gives you quite a good discount on trains.

Which places would you recommend for going out clubbing in Kingston Upon Hull?

Mondays: Piper, Sugar Mill

Tuesdays: Fusion

Wednesdays: The Tower in Asylum

Thursdays: Karaoke at the uni and Johnny Mac also at the uni, or Pozition in the city centre

Fridays: The centre (sugar Mill)

Saturdays: Brassick in Asylum

Sundays: Fusion

But there are lots of other places in Hull, depending on the type of party you're looking for. And let's not forget the House Parties!

And to eat in Kingston Upon Hull? What are your favourite places?

A restaurant in the centre, and the Chinese buffet in the centre, the Haworth Arms pub on Cottingham Road, Newland...

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And for a cultural visit?

When you arrive at the uni you'll see that a tour of the campus is obligatory, the 14th century Holy Trinity Church, The Deep (the largest underwater aquarium in the UK), the Maritime Museum (keep in mind that Hull is an excellent coastal and fishing city), the Easy Riding Yorkshire museum (with history of the region), East Park, the natural reserve under the Humber Bridge...

Any advice which you would like to give future students heading to Kingston Upon Hull?

I would tell them not to rule out Hull because it's a small city, because maybe it's the best city for them, and that on arriving they'll see how great it is as a result.

In the winter months, it snows a lot and it's really cold (Temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius), don't try to travel, as you run the risk of trains and even planes being cancelled.

Make the most of Hull! Hull is not dull!