Erasmus Experience in Leeds, United Kingdon by Lourdes

Why did you choose to go to Leeds, United Kingdom?

I am studying a bilingual teaching degree (English-Spanish) and specifically the English major of my degree. I chose this destination because it was recommended by English students. However, they offer a wide variety of subjects, so I don't believe that there would be many problems with them recognising different degrees or grading systems (they ask for a B2 level in English in order to attend the university).

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

In my case, I was on Erasmus for 5 months and I am from an Andalusian university, therefore my grant consisted of about 1500 euros from the OAPEE (Autonomous European Educational Programs Organization, (which a usual occurrence in Spain) and 965 euros from the Andalusian council, a total of 2465 euros. For those who receive MECD (Spanish Ministry of Education) grants, they are 500 euros more than the total price. But be careful, this leaves you with less due to the exchange rate between euro to pounds.

Here I've attached the link for the Erasmus Calculator from my university, it's really useful: Erasmus calculator

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeds?

Leeds is a buzzing city at any time of the day, with lots of students, both home and Erasmus. They have 3 universities, so it is entirely a student city.

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

I'd recommend it 100 per cent. In my case, I'm studying in the University of Leeds and I don't have any complaints, the quality of the service and help that they offer you is incredible. I have to also say that there aren't many contact hours (you'll have a lot of free time) but they are very demanding in terms of exams, essays...

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What is the food like there?

Awful, the food is really bad quality. Fortunately, Leeds has a food market where the food is quite good quality, although it is a bit more expensive (not much). In my case, as I live on campus, I've never bought anything from there as it's like a 30-minute walk away. The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University are 15 and 10 minutes from the city centre respectively.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Leeds?

No. There are lots of offers. I am living in university halls (which is what I recommend doing). My halls are Charles Morris, and it is great, 10/10. But it seems expensive, and there are cheaper options.

If you opt to stay in University halls, you can't choose which residence you'd like to be in. You have to fill out lists with your preferences and they will give you the residence closest to what you've asked for.

How much does it cost to live in Leeds?

If you are in a residence with a canteen you will have to pay your monthly rent, and not much more. The university give you money daily to spend in the canteen on your lunch and dinner. Also, travelling around the country is very cheap.

In terms of just renting a flat, I know that it is cheaper, but I can't give an exact amount.

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

I didn't do a language course but the uni offers a lot of them, there are many interesting opportunities to learn the language.

The Yorkshire accent is really difficult to understand, in Spain they usually teach us the Southern English accent. But nothing is impossible, by listening you will get used to it.

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

I live in Jaen and from Malaga there are direct flights to Leeds-Bradford airport. Then, I recommend using Uber (a taxi app) to get to Leeds city centre.

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I know that from Alicante there are also direct flights to this airport.

Also, from cities like Madrid and Barcelona there are direct flights to Manchester, which is cheaper and Manchester is located like an hour away from Leeds, so by train or bus you'll be in Leeds right away.

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

Anywhere. But I would recommend venues such as Backroom because it closes at the same time as clubs do in Spain (6 am). In the usual clubs/venues in England by 3 am you will already be back at home!

What advice would you give future students headed to Leeds?

I don't want to give any advice as you won't need it for Leeds, it's an experience that you have to discover for yourself. It's a city made for and by students, it will be an unforgettable experience.