Leon, so unknown but incredible!

Why did you choose to go to Leon, Spain?

Honestly because I wanted to come and study in Spain and with low average grades like mine, I chose a less famous city and moreover, there aren't many faculties in Spain that do my course which is energetic engineering.

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

The scholarship is 10 months long, and each month I receive €230 from the European Union and €20 from my department in Bologna. It feels like a bit of a joke that I only get €20 per month... especially with all the money I've thrown at my department in Italy.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Leon?

It's perfect. The whole campus is situated in a neighbourhood within the city, which is not too far from the centre and they have all the services you'd need. It seems like there's a very well thought out and great atmosphere!

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

Yes absolutely. Although it's not famous as a city (before coming here, I didn't know it existed either), it has a some great aspects: the architecture of the city itself, the nightlife, the university, the weather, etc.

What is the food like there?

The traditional dishes are pretty good and tasty, especially the cold meats... the tapas in the Húmedo area which is in the centre, is amazing!

How did you find accommodation?

My godmother advised me to live in the university halls of residence which is on campus, but it's very expensive when comparing with normal flats... If I'm able to choose, I would rather have a flat, although, halls have a lot of advantages.

What is the price of accommodation? And the prices in general?

In halls I pay quite a lot, €250 every month without food... you can find a flat with all expenses included for €180 per month, and this is the worst offer.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with?

Are there language courses available at the University?

In September, or at the beginning of the scholarship, no. The University of Leon sent me an email saying that if I didn't know any Spanish (which was my case), I shouldn't have come. And to that I thought: where's the international spirit?! I only learnt Spanish by living with Spanish people. I also owe a lot of my Spanish learning to my godmother and my Spanish girlfriend. I did a Spanish course in February at the university, mostly because it was cheap.

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

From Bologna there are flights from Bologna-Madrid. Then, in Madrid, you have to catch a bus to Leon which takes 4 hours.

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

The whole of the Húmedo area is really good, you'll never get bored!

Is it good to eat out in Leon? What are some of your favourite places to go?

Each tapas bar has its own specialty... it all depends on what you like! They are very friendly in Jamón-Jamón and in Bacanal.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Well, the Leon Cathedral is really pretty, both inside and out... but also there's the Calle Ancha, San Marcos, the Bernesga river, San Isidoro, Plaza Mayor and the Town Hall. Also, the whole Húmedo area has very traditional little houses... There are also various parks.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Leon in the future?

Yes, my advice is simply to come here to do your Erasmus year, nothing more than that! Additionally it's a city made for bikes and you can go anywhere on foot as well! You're going to love it!