Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Dušan

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Why did you choose to go to Murcia, Spain?

Murcia offered a really interesting Master for me.

The other reason was closeness to Andalusia and active flamenco life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

For me, it is really great. Murcia is a huge student center and all types of students will find something for themselves.

The ones that would come here to study would have access to several huge libraries around the city and the campus, and city archives.

The ones that would come here to party would find a very active nightlife.

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

It really depends on what is your plan.

I came here for a specific purpose: to learn about flamenco and Spain as much as I can and so far I found everything I was interested.

If a potential student has an idea what he wants to find here, he will find. If not, Oxford would not help him...

What is the food like?

The food is good. I like the fact that there are a lot of fruits and vegetables that doesn't look like the ones from the rest of the Europe (shiny and unnaturally), so I guess you can eat healthy here... of course, there are always "Burger King", "McDonalds", Kebab fast food places, and all of the other usual types of fast food.

But, I have a small problem with the food you buy in the city. Even though I am 68kg, the portions of the food are way to small for me, and I more then often buy double.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Murcia?

I found it relatively easy.

You just need to come here, stay at the hostel a day or two and go to the campus where you will see hundreds of advertisements for flats.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

I menage to live with 500e a month, but only because I don't have more then that.

I live in a flat with four bedrooms, kitchen, 2 toilets, balcony, and I pay my part 170e (wifi and water included). We pay gas 20e a month (5 each) and electricity similar. So, depending on the location, you can pay 150-200e for the flat and all necessities.

I cook for myself mostly and I spent roughly 75e a week which is around 300e per month for food, water, hygiene.

I pay 20e a month for unlimited public transport and 10e a month for 1gb of internet on my Spanish sim card.

Have in mind that this are the basics! If you wanna party, use phone a lot more, eat in the restaurants, you can easily spend a fortune, but generally, compered to central and northern Spain, it is cheaper.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

People from Murcia have a very bad reputation when it comes to the language. It takes a lot of time to get used to their lack of "S" in the words, as much as shortening of words and even slang.

You can recognize that it is Spanish, but far from what we hear on the TV.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Murcia from your city?

By plain, for me, because I come from Serbia.

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

Wrong person to ask that, but I noticed a pattern: You start of in some rock pub, drinking beer, then you go in every single bar, disco place, or wherever until the early morning.

Nightlife starts around midnight and lasts until 5, 6...

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Murcia?

I love Rincon del Chapas, they have very good selection.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city itself is beautiful and if you look very carefully, you will see a lot of cultural stuff right on the streets. There are several theaters, cinemas, some really interesting museums. There is also the Caja Murcia, where you can here really nice classical concerts.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Murcia in the future?

Be aware of WHY are you coming here. Murcia is a specific place. Be aware, then ask someone who lives here.

I have found what I've searched for, but I know some guys didn't, and already plan their next destination.