Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Edouard

Why did you choose to go to Murcia, Spain?

I chose Murcia as it's a large city which few people know of, and now I am very happy to be living here because the people are very friendly, they love to smile, the girls are good-looking, the climate is perfect (when compared to that of Rouen haha) and the Murcian people know how to party!

Murcia is the capital of the region

Source

How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help?

The Erasmus grant which all students receive is 160 euros a month. At my university in Rouen (in northern France), they give you more or less 50 percent of your Erasmus grant at the start of the year (750 euros) and the rest at the end of the year (850 euros).

Also, you can apply for other scholarships (I recommend doing this as 160 euros a month is nothing), such as the CROUS scholarship or the 'Dossier Social de l'Etudiant' for French students; I received 450 euros a month from the DSE, which is more than enough to live off...

For the grant from the DSE and CROUS, the amount depends on your parent's income!

The entrance to the Merced campus

Source

What is student life like in Murcia?

The student life is fantastic!

When you're an Erasmus student (as am I, as I'm from France), people are really interested in you because they want to learn about or hear you talk about your culture or language. You feel like a boss!

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

Yes, absolutely! It's a big city which is ever-changing and developing, and there are loads of things to see and do in the city (shopping centres, Murcia's sports teams, the city's monuments, etc... ), and outside the city, such as the beaches (in La Manga, Bolnuevo, San Javier, etc... ) as well as the cities of Cartagena, Alhama de Murcia, Lorca, etc...

How's the country's food?

I like it a lot! It's different to the food in France. But you can eat tapas all over Murcia, there's also Murcia's traditional dishes, such as Paparajote, a pudding made using a lemon leaf, plus Murcia's traditional meat cake.

Paparajote

Source

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

It's sooo cheap compared to France! I pay 250 euros for my room, in a flat which is 130m² and I'm living in the centre of Murcia, thirty seconds away from my university!

Be prepared to spend on accommodation anything between 150 euros and 350 which depends on your landlord.

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

So, I have been in Murcia for 4 months and at first it is difficult because you don't always speak Spanish every day, but if you do, little by little, you will meet people or go to parties and you will improve day by day and in six months time enough to be able to speak and understand the language.

The university offers language courses at the start for people who are unable to or can only speak a little Spanish.

The Merced campus

Source

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

I personally live in northern France, if you want to save money, buy a plane ticket in advance as it's cheaper, plus it's faster to go by plane (Paris to Beauvais to Murcia = 2 hours).

I don't recommend going by car or train because you will pay a lot more and the journey will be boring...

There are two airports near Murcia; Murcia San Javier and Alicante

Source

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

Badulake, Ignanazu, Theatre, Foster, Reserve, Espit Chupitos... (bar or club).

But going out is better during the fairs in September in Murcia or during Semana Santa!

What about eating out in Murcia? Can you tell us your favourite places?

I go to loads of places with my friends in order to discover the city's restaurants and what they have to offer...

What about for a cultural visit?

Murcia cathedral, the casino, Plateria and Traperia street, Romea square, the Monteagudo, etc...

The Casino

Plaza Romea

Source

Do you have any advice you'd like to give to students coming to Murcia?

Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy! It is a unique experience in your life that you can only do when you're young, you will meet loads of people from many different countries and it's also good for your professional future, etc., etc... and often, your Erasmus memories are some of the best!

As I said before, Murcia is a big city with lots of things to do, see and enjoy, which you won't find in your city back home! Go for it! ¡ACHO ACHO!

There are loads of international students in Murcia!

Source