Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Murcia, Spain?

Initially, our university in France offered us a place at their partner universities in Spain, which are Madrid and Murcia. Choosing Murcia was done quite quickly; the town being more on the smaller side, situated close to the sea, unlike Madrid which is more inland, is why I chose it.

The cathedral

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How long did you stay for? How much financial aid did you recieve?

My stay lasted 9 months, from September to June in the following year. Classes at the University start in October, which left me with time to sort out the formalities, registration to the university and select my classes.

How's student life in Murcia?

Student life is really great. The day trip to the Mar Menor in the month of September helped me meet other Erasmus students, it marked the start of some of the friendships I made there. There were numerous nights out throughout the year (bars, tapas restaurants, apartments gatherings with Erasmus students) and it was easy to approach people and chat with everyone.

Would you recommend the city and university of Murcia to other students?

Absolutely. Coming from abroad it makes for an un-missable experience. Murcia is a great, dynamic town, and I have learnt a lot during my studies at the university. If I could re-do it, I would not hesitate for a second.

How is the country's food?

Exquisite! Lots of specialities and tapas to eat without moderation.

Tapas in Murcia

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Did you have much difficulty finding accommodation in Murcia?

It's pretty straightforward to find accommodation. Researching online before going is a good idea. But don't panic, even by the time we had arrived, there was still an abundance of shared apartments with other Erasmus students available in town centre.

What's the cost of living like in Murcia?

(In 2010-2011) Coming from France, it's clear to see that the cost of living in Murcia was a lot less, when it comes to food, gas, rent and prices on a night out (there's loads of good deals).

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How's the language learning? Did you do a course at the university?

I have never enrolled in a language course at the university. The faculty's classes are enough to be able to make progress in both oral and written language skills. The teachers are quite understanding and they knew how to put you at ease in order to help you further with your Spanish. Contact with other students forces you to speak Spanish, in order to ensure you're understood.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Murcia from your city?

For me to get to Murcia, going by plane is the cheapest option. Being close by to Geneva (Switzerland), I went from Geneva Airport, to Alicante with a low cost airline. From Alicante airport, the bus to get to Murcia city centre runs quite often.

During my stay, a Tram line was under construction. It has now been in service for 2 years, and offers an alternative to buses and certainly improves transport from the city center.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Murcia?

There are loads of bars and clubs in town centre, in particular close to the Merced Campus, cathedral and the Plaza de Toros.

What about eating out in Murcia? What are your favourite places?

The tapas bars and restaurants: scattered around the streets in the city centre, areas close to the Merced campus and cathedral.

And what cultural visits do you suggest?

There's many museums and festivals (such as Levante S. O. S), festivals (Spring festivities, burial of the sardine which takes place between the end of March and beginning of April).

Sardine monument in the Segura river

'Bando de la Huerta' takes place during the 'Fiestas de Primavera' every year

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Murcia?

9 months goes by quick, especially if you're an Erasmus student. Don't miss out on discovering what Murcia has to offer, its riches, its gardens and parks, the town centre, its bars, the food specialities, shops, go to see their football team play (Nueva Condomina stadium), basket-ball, five-a-side... have no regrets and make great memories that you'll cherish forever.

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