Erasmus Experience in Lleida, Spain by Chloé

How long is your stay? What is the amount of aid you receive?

My stay lasts 6 months, I received 800€ Erasmus scholarship.

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How is the student atmosphere in Lleida?

Really good! I had no trouble integrating because they are not used to having Erasmus students in their classes. At the level of Erasmus also very well, we have 2 weeks of language courses (Catalan) before the start of the course which allows us to all meet each other, there is also a Facebook Erasmus group. About 100 Erasmus, this allows you to get know (almost) everyone.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Lleida to other students?

Yes! The city is located halfway between Barcelona and Zaragoza, two great cities! We are as close to the mountains as to the sea (Tarragona is 30mins by train). The people are really pleasant and welcoming, it's almost always nice and warm (from March at least), many parks where to sit down and relax. It is also a historic city with many things to visit.

How is food in this country?

Very good, lots of olive oil and tomatoes, I like it a lot but pay attention to the weight gain. There are plenty of cheap tapas bars (2€ for a large plate of patatas bravas). It is very cheap compared to France.

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Have you had any difficulty finding accommodation in Lleida?

Not at all, there is a Facebook group to find accommodation (https://www.facebook.com/groups/380754068663962/) and lots of cheap accommodation available. I really recommend to spend 2-3 days at the hotel while visiting the apartments that interest you. It is necessary to count from 100 to 200€/month for housing (if you share a flat) with all expenses included. Most of the time the prices shown do not include the charges, attention.

What is the cost of living in Lleida?

Not very expensive. 150€ on average for the accommodation.

150€ for the food (by taking pleasure in eating, it is quite possible to get away with 100€ per month but without going to bars/restaurants).

Plan your budget because the prices are very interesting (2€ for tops, 10 € for shoes/bags).

How is the language learning? Have you been to language courses organized by the university?

I already spoke Spanish and I attended classes in Catalan organized by the school which proved to be very useful for classes and everyday life, we do not come back bilingual but it allows us to familiarize ourselves with the accent.

What is the most economical way to get to Lleida from your city?

Fly to Zaragoza airport with Ryanair (be careful, flights every 2 days only) and then carpool to Lleida (Blablacar), otherwise go to Barcelona and then carpool to Lleida.

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What places would you recommend to party in Lleida?

All Avenida Prat de la Riba and the Ricard Vinyes square, the equivalent of a thirst street. The Legend bar on Tuesdays and Fridays to dance salsa (free classes), Fissure bar and Traganits on Thursdays and Saturdays to dance to local music, the bar Queens for the cheap drinks. To finish the evening the nightclub River, La Boite or Larida among many others, we can obtain free entries if you end up at the Fissure.

What about eating out in Lleida? What are your favorite places?

The Bar Roma (tapas) is great and cheap, you have to book in advance to get a table.

Pecaditos (tapas) is not very expensive either.

La Risueña to see football matches.

Dominos Pizza and its formula pizza and unlimited drinks at 6, 90€.

The bar Lo Marraco on the Sant Joan square for a drink on the terrace and to have a sandwich (super good) at 2, 50 €.

And what cultural visits do you recommend?

The Seu Vella, the Gardeny castle, the Llotja.

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Advice for future students in Lleida?

Enjoy!