Erasmus Experience in Manchester, United Kingdom, by Ana

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

I am currently on my Erasmus year in Manchester. The main reason I chose here is because it had the best subject options that related to my degree, and because they offer a lot of places for my course. The public transport links are really good here if you're ever thinking of visiting it.

How long was your placement? How much grant did you receive?

My placement is 10 months, so the European Union gave me €1150 for the whole year, which is €115 euros a month. This is the only payment that I was guaranteed to get once I arrived, but I still had to wait until November before I got my first payment. I don't know when I will get the next payment or if I will even get it, but I'm expecting it sometime after Christmas, maybe even November. I will get my final payment when I finish here, once I have filled in all the necessary documents, normally at the end of Summer.

What is the student life like in Manchester?

It is excellent in my opinion and everyone else I know thinks the same. Half the population of Manchester during the academic year are university students. There are students of all nationalities and from all over the United Kingdom. Every day there's a party, you don't have any time to get bored or recover. If you do not like "clubbing", you can join all sorts of societies such as sports, dance, volunteering... etc. My university (MMU) also organizes Erasmus activities every week, where we either go for tea and socialise or go a trip to visit tourist spots in the area.

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

Absolutely yes, but it does depend a lot on your financial situation and whether you like big cities or not. If what you want from your Erasmus is to party and discover new cities, this is your place. It is also a good opportunity to make yourself more known if you play in a band because you can play live in bars. The weather is neither better nor worse than the rest of the UK, the thought of the cold weather here scared me shitless but I actually don't think it's that bad. I go to Manchester Metropolitan University, so I don't know what it is like to go to Manchester University, but from what I've heard, it has a much better reputation and prestige.

What is the food like in the country?

The multiculturalism of the city allows you to try all kinds of different cuisines, so do not just live on fast-food! Most people go to the Indian restaurants on Curry Mile, which is a road near the university, or go for Chinese food. You cannot miss going to the Spanish restaurants that fill one of the streets close to the centre.

Did you struggle finding accommodation in Manchester?

It took me some time to make my mind up, but I found somewhere in May, and once I had reserved a room in the residency, I felt a lot more relaxed about it all. The sooner you find somewhere the better.

How much does it cost to live in Manchester?

I pay 460 euros a month for just accommodation, and I'm not in an expensive area. If I take into account my food shopping, doing different activities, going out and breaks away, it would be about 700 euros a month. That is without taking flights into account, which cost around 100 euros for a return.

What is the language like? Did you take any language classes?

The university offers free language classes almost every day at different times, so that everyone who wants to go can do. I personally don't go, because I have been lucky enough to share a flat with native English speakers so I prefer to practice at home.

What is the cheapest way to get to Manchester from your city?

From Malaga airport. I am from Cordoba, but the best connections are from Malaga rather than Seville, and the flights are cheaper from there.

What places would you recommend to go out in Manchester?

It depends a lot on who you're going out with. I haven't been out in all the different areas yet but there are all sorts of different styles to choose from. The international society organises Erasmus parties in the bars Latin Crush or SIN Party. You can find out about events on the Facebook group or other social networks and find out what parties people are going to.

And eating in Manchester? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

Curry Mile is one of my favourite places to try new favours without wasting too much money. Out of the Spanish restaurants, I go to El Rincón Rafa, because it's like going back to Andalusia for me. I also recommend Jamie's Italian, the famous British chef's restaurant, Jamie Oliver.

And are there any cultural sites to visit?

To be honest, it doesn't have the best cultural and historical sites, however I haven't actually been on a 'cultural tour' here yet. I hope I will do it one day. I have been to other tourist sites and cities such as Oxford, which is so beautiful that you will want to stay there for the rest of the year. The good thing here is that Manchester is in a good location to visit other cities and cultural sites across the rest of England. The international society organises trips every weekend.

Any advice that you would like to give to future students coming to Manchester?

Don't miss the first welcome week there. They give you a load of information, gifts and advice, and you will meet so many people so it is crucial for the rest of your year there. And above anything, enjoy it!