One of the best experiences of my life: My Erasmus in London

Hello!

I would like to share with you my Erasmus experience living in London and offer some tips and tricks which you may find useful.

Why did you choose London?

Well, the truth is for a while I had been itching to escape Valencia and live in a big city. This is why London caught my attention more than any other place.

How long does the grant last for? How much money do you receive from it?

In my case, because I study a double degree (tourism and business administration), my grant lasted 5 months. It is funded by the European Union (EU) and is decided in relation to the cost of living in each country. There are 3 categories, countries at level 1 being the most expensive to live in. If you haven’t managed to obtain the MEC grant from the Spanish government, you will receive €300 a month. If you did, then you will get €500 a month as London is a very expensive city to live in compared with the rest of Europe.

What is life like for a student in London?

I feel the student experience has been quite poor. At least at my university there weren’t a lot of Erasmus students, although there wasn’t much going on there as I was in the centre of London. Almost all universities have a students union which organises events and activities to get Erasmus students as well as students in their first year, to meet new people and integrate themselves into university life.

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

The city definitely! It is very cosmopolitan and multicultural. It is impossible to get bored in London, there is always something to do or to see especially in my favourite area around Piccadilly Circus, its always busy with a lively atmosphere thanks to buskers, tourists and street dancers. I also loved how many parks are in the city like Hyde Park, Holland Park and Regent’s Park. In these places it’s easy to flee from the chaotic, urban life and disconnect. They are all so colourful with loads of flowers due to the weather. Many people cycle, walk around or enjoy a picnic and at Christmas time the enormous fair Winter Wonderland (photo below) is set up in Hyde Park, offering rollercoasters, food and drink stalls and hundreds of other activities. London at Christmas time is so special because the whole city is decorated and there is a very special and friendly atmosphere.

I also highly rated the university, above all the way classes were taught as well as how students were examined. If I had to mention one complaint it’s the distance, the University of West London (UWL), where I studied, is in zone 3 and was quite far away from where I lived.

How did you find the national cuisine?

In my opinion, they don’t have a strong gastronomical culture apart from fish and chips and tea. It is very different to Mediterranean food.

Was it hard to find accommodation in London?

Very much so. I wanted to stay in the centre as that’s obviously the liveliest area. Even though I started looking months in advance, It took me ages to find a room. You also have to be careful with adverts, a lot are fake or a scam. I recommend the chain Lha London, a chain of hostels where a lot of young people stay as many are very central and affordable.

How much is the cost of living in London?

Quite a lot. I paid between £500-600 a month for basic accommodation at a hall of residence. I had a bed, a cupboard, a sink in my bedroom and then I shared a bathroom and kitchen. I paid £70 a month for transport, I used to take the metro to take me between zones 2 and 3 (as the bus doesn’t go by zones). The weekly food shop cost me between £30-40, I recommend Sainsbury’s, alongside Lidl it is the most affordable.

Was it hard to speak the language? Did you take any university classes in English?

It was fine! I didn’t take any English class as I already had my Cambridge qualification. However, the EU makes you do a test to check your level before and after your time abroad in order to evaluate your progress.

What is the cheapest way to get to London from your home town?

By plane. I live in Valencia and I found a cheap flight by Iberia, first stopping in Madrid. For €100 I took with me two suitcases, one of which Iberia gave to me for signing up to their programme 'Iberia Joven. '

Which places would you recommend to go out partying in London?

I would recommend Tiger Tiger on Wednesdays (entrance is only £2 if you’re Latino, Spanish or Italian and you get discounts off drinks). Also, The Loop Bar on Fridays where entrance is free If you sign up beforehand on Facebook and if you go in before 12 and Scala on Saturdays. All these events are Spanish ones.

And what about to eat in London? Which are your favourite places?

I love Vappiano, a very good Italian close to London Bridge and Wetherspoons. Both are cheap.

And for cultural visits?

There are so many places, even ones that are not particularly touristic, it’s amazing. Neasden Temple (photo below) or Neals Yard close to Covent Garden are both cool.

Is there any piece of advice you would like to give to future students living in London?

If you don’t have classes every day look for a job! You can combine both, will find it very easy to find one and receive very good pay which will help alongside your grant. You will need to obtain a social security number but it’s not necessary to start working. You can start to work without one no problem and then once you get it just give it to your employer.

Also, don’t forget to register at a local GP’s just in case. Alongside your EU health insurance card, this will ensure basic medical coverage.

If you have any other doubts or questions, send me a message! I will help you the best I can.