Alex's Erasmus Experience in London, United Kingdom

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

I chose London because it's a city that has practically everything that you could ever need... A cosmopolitan place with people from every corner of the world and a lot of places to visit, etc.

How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

The grant lasted for 10 months, and I received approximately 400€ a month for 8 months.

What is student life like in London?

London is a university city: there are loads of people that come to study for their degree here, and others that, like me, have come for a year or even just a semester. In general, the atmosphere is really good, as you meet very different people and everyone gets on well.

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Would you recommend the city and the university that you study at in London to other students?

I recommend London without a doubt, although it's not a place where I would personally like to live in the future... I think that the UK is a stepping stone for a lot of people who want to study or work there temporarily. But, the climate, the food, the British people... I know you cannot generalise too much, but it's not my favourite place, let's just say that! But, as I said before, it's great for a temporary stay.

My university was Kingston: it's located in a neighbourhood (it's probably more of a village in reality) that has everything you need, and it's also has good transport links to the city centre with trains and buses, meaning you can be in Central London in just half an hour. The structure of classes at the university is very different to how it is in Madrid. Personally, I found them quite easy. At the start, I was a little bit worried because it's all in another language, amongst other things, but I got through it problem-free!

What is the food like in the UK?

In general, the food is awful. The people in the UK seem to think that eating is a process. There is lots of pre-packaged food, and the items in the supermarket aren't always what they say they are... Truthfully, nothing compares to Spain, especially the food.

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Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in London?

I stayed at the university residence as I had reserved a room there prior to coming. But, I do know that there is a service to help with finding accommodation, where they group people together and find a house for them. There are lots of students in Kingston, therefore I don't think it's complicated finding a place to share with others.

How much does it cost to live in London?

Hmm... quite a bit. I mean it depends on how much you spend, but, in general, everything is more expensive, especially public transport. Accommodation is also expensive. Personally, I spent some 1200€ a month (in total), without allowing myself many luxuries aside from going out and eating out a few times (in cheap places).

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

I more or less got by with English. Anyway, the British accent is very particular, and in the beginning, especially with the professors, I didn't understand anything... But anyway, without any major problems, you get it soon enough.

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What is the cheapest way of getting to London from your city?

By plane - EasyJet and Ryanair have direct flights. I recommend flying to Gatwick, as it's very well-connected with London city centre. Luton and Stansted are really far away, meaning you have to pay for a bus or a train on top of the cost of the flight... in the end, it's expensive. Personally, I used the Iberia Erasmus programme and would fly to Heathrow; it was always a very comfortable journey.

Which places do you recommend for nightlife in London?

I didn't really go out much in Central London because it was so expensive, but to give you a few recommendations, I'd say go to Fabrik and Ministry of Sound. We mainly went out in Kingston - it's much cheaper and has the university atmosphere.

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And eating out in London? Can you name your favourite places?

The food wasn't the best but whatever... I recommend going to the food stands in Camden, and eating fish and chips in Soho - the typical foods.

And cultural hotspots?

There are loads of places to see and visit: from the City of Westminster (Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, etc. ), walking through Notting Hill, the real parks (especially Hyde Park), Soho, the City...

Is there any advice that you want to give to future students in London?

That you really enjoy yourselves because it's an unrepeatable experience that flies by!

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