Gurrola Yepiz's Experience in Mexicali, Mexico

What do you think of Mexicali as a place to live? Would you recommend it? How is it?

Mexicali is a metropolitan city, which has wonderful people. In fact, it is not a very old place, given that it was founded on the 14th March, 1903, which is relatively recent.

This is a city which is very hot in summer and very cold in winter.

I would definitely recommend that you get to know Mexicali, it is a place which is very welcoming to foreigners. It is a world of work and parties.

Besides, it has a border with California, also bringing you the chance to know another country.

Just a few hours from Mexicali you can find the cities of Ensenada, Tijuana, Rosarito, Tecate, amongst others. There are also great places to visit the beach, the mountains, museums and party places etc.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Mexicali?

The student environment at university level is very competitive, as the UABC is recognized as one of the best universities in Mexico.

Unlike in Europe, there is a more concentrated focus on the students, since the student group is reduced to a maximum of 30 students per class.

The aim is for the classes to be dynamic and integral to the student's learning.

How much does it cost to live in Mexicali?

There is no problem with this. Mexicali is not one of the most expensive places in Mexico , the food is very good and you can find very cheap places, public transport does not exceed 0. 60€, and super markets are also very cheap.

Perhaps the highest is the rent, which costs approximately between 1, 500 to 2, 500 pesos, which in euros would be between 85 to 170 € , depending on the area where you want to live.

A breakfast costs you approximately 3 euros and a lunch or dinner costs you a maximum of10 or 11€.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Mexicali?

Do you have any advice?

Well the truth is that I have never looked for accommodation, because I did not need to, but there are a lot of places where you can look to find accommodation.

In the faculty where you go, there should be a coordinator who will help you by recommending houses or apartments where you can find accommodation, or in the general store in Mexicali which is OXXO, there you can buy the newspaper and look for a place, since there is a specific area within the newspaper where they advertise houses for rent.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I think that one of the best things about Mexicali is the food, it is very very good.

My favourite dish, without a doubt, is the grilled beef tacos - they sell them in kebab shops or taco shops.

There are other tacos, such as tacos al pastor, or barbecued pork tacos which are also delicious.

These are accompanied with a salsa bandera (tomato, onion and chilli), cabbage and guacamole. There is also a wide variety of sauces to try.

There is also Chinese food even though it is obviously not typical of Mexicali, but there are many Chinese restaurants, such as "China House" which is one of my favourites. You can eat very well here and you will be completely full afterwards.

Another Mexican dish that I like very much is sopes, which is a kind of tortilla but a little bigger which is made with beans (optional), chicken or roast meat, and vegetables on top.

I don't think I'll ever be able to try all of them, but other dishes that you must try are:

• Tamales
• Beef quesadillas
• Golden tacos
• Chilaquiles
• Pozole
• Menudo
• Stuffed chillies
• Frijoles puercos

What places would you recommend visiting in Mexicali?

• Ensenada
• The vineyards
• The salt lagoon (at night)
• Within Mexicali is the city zoo
• Guadeloupe Canyon
• The Hardy River
• San Felipe and its Dunes
• Puertecitos

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Is it good to eat out in Mexicali? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

• Asadero las brasas (there are several of these in different parts of the city)
• La casa del abuelo (Rumorosa B. C. )
• Fontana pizza (Italian restaurant)
• Asadero " San Pedro"
• China House (Chinese food)
• Pancake House (Excellent for breakfast)
• Flautas and sopes
• Jugos Bamoa

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Mexicali?

• Boa
• Maya Night Club
• Raw Dance Club
• Irish Pub
• Jagger Club

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students in Mexicali?

Do not miss the opportunity to know a place which is really different to your home country, always make the most of things, and open your mind to know a different and multicultural world.

Have courage and good luck!