Julene's Erasmus Experience in Manchester, United Kingdom

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

The truth is that I didn't have many destinations to choose from. But, one of the main reasons that I chose Manchester was that it has a great reputation as a university city, where there are so many students, and the city has quite a youthful atmosphere and loads of facilities available for our use.

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How long is the grant for? How much money do you receive as support?

The grant is for six months. I receive approximately 300€ a month.

What is student life like in Manchester?

It's outrageous. There is nothing more to see in the city than young people and students, and the university is one of the biggest and most important in the UK. To me, it seems like it has a very good system.

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

Without a doubt - I am loving being in this city.

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What is the food like in the UK?

Food is the only drawback, along with the climate (even being from Bilbao I still find it bad) about the UK. With regards to the food itself, there are few enticing options and, truthfully, it doesn't appeal to me much. But, there is something for everyone.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Manchester?

I spent several days sending thousands of emails to different people who were offering acccommodation, and I went a little crazy looking at all the different prices, areas, facilities, etc. But, there are lots of different websites dedicated to advertising shared flats that are available to rent, and through that, you can get in touch with the people renting them. The main thing to do is to commit yourself to searching for something.

How much does it cost to live in Manchester?

I have to be honest: England is extremely expensive, and Manchester in particular, as it is one of the most important cities in the country. The truth is that the exchange rate from Euros to Pounds doesn't help much. The rent prices for shared flats (with bills included) are around £370 to £400 a month.

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

It's good. I have always been okay with English and I have been studying it since I was really young. Truthfully, it is a little difficult at first to understand people from around here, but you slowly start to get used to it.

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

The truth is that I haven't looked how much a bus to France and then a boat to Bilbao would cost. However, there are direct flights from Bilbao to Manchester with the low-cost airline Easyjet. If you look at the flights far in advance, the prices can be very affordable.

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Manchester?

Neither am I an expert on this topic, not do I know all the nightclubs in Manchester, but all the other Erasmus students go to Tiger Tiger, where there are Erasmus parties pretty much every week. Another nightclub that is really good is The Factory - a disused industrial factory that has been converted into a nightclub. Fifth is also very good, however I have only been once as I didn't particularly like the music. Aside from nightclubs, there are loads of pubs with live music and great atmospheres: Revolution, 256, Zoo, The Footage... There are so many places to choose from, but, mind you, here all (or almost all) of the nightclubs close at 3am, or even earlier.

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

The university has a bar and restaurant in the Student Union, where students receive discounts and they serve really good food. Food is served in practically every pub, but my favourite places are: The Footage, Nandos, The Deaf Institute, Bella Italia, and all of the restaurants in the Wetherspoons chain.

And cultural hotspots?

Truthfully, I haven't dedicated enough time to this yet. However, Manchester is the home town of Alan Turing, the founder of computer science, and is the pioneer of industrialisation, with museums dedicated to both. Within the university, the Museum of Manchester can be found. There isn't much to see in Manchester, the city centre and its main attractions can be seen in one day, or even two if you want to visit them at a relaxed pace, but there is something about the city that hooks you in.

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Any advice you want to give to future students in Manchester?

If you come during winter, it's essential to bring warm clothes and an umbrella. The frequency of buses in Manchester is crazy. There is also a special student card for the buses called a UniRider, which allows you to take as many bus journeys as you want around the whole city - even at night. The people here are really nice, so whenever you might need help out and about, like finding a certain street or anything like that, don't be afraid to ask because they will help you out with no questions asked.