Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Giulia

How do you find the lifestyle in Murcia? How is it? Would you recommend it?

I personally love Murcia. It is, of course, a matter how you like to spend your free time. Murcia is a relaxing and easygoing city, which, for me at least, is perfect.

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

I am unfortunately not attending university here, I cannot therefore properly answer this question. However, I do work in a fairly international environment and share a flat with some foreign students. I also go out a lot. Murcia is a lively city, full of students and a lot of fun.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

Very little! I have lived in so many different places, such as Switzerland, England and France, all of which are unbelievably expensive, so when I first arrived in Murcia I was pleasantly surprised. I went to buy some food and only had to pay 1. 50 for a fair amount of food. I even asked the cashier if they were sure about the price, lol. The cost of living in Murcia is amazing and I don't have to worry about money at all.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Murcia?

Hmm, not really. Let me explain... I found a flat pretty quickly through the Murcia Erasmus group on Facebook and had lods of places to choose from. Also a lot of people use Erasmusu, you can also find part time jobs as well. "Bref", as French would say, I don't think it's too hard to find a place to stay in Murcia. Saying that, it's always better to start looking in advance.

What is the food like?

Excellent. I am originally from Sicily, so obviously I love my food and maybe that's why I like it so much here. I eat all sorts of things, so "las tapas" are perfect for me, my favorite things in fact. For lunch you can sit outside, have a "marinera", sip on a Martini... You couldn't ask for more really. I also recommend Murcia's own "pastel de carne".

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Murcia is a small, but still a very nice city. I like walking, and I strongly suggest to take a walk around the city. For example the last time I went for a stroll, I went from Ronda Norte, where you can find a place to grab some breakfast (if you're starting early). Then I went down Gran via, where you'll find all sorts of shops and then ended up at Plaza Santo Domingo. From there, you can go down all the narrow streets and eventually find yourself at the Cathedral and finally the river. On the way to the river you'll come across some amazing parks, interesting statues and iron bridges. In the Fama borough you'll find Plaza de Toros, that was recently turned into a night club, some more parks and a few museums. If you want ot see the museums earlier, just swap the route around and you'll be set. You can do it all in a day if you don't go in to every single museum. I recommend stopping at one of the typical "tapas" places so you can enjoy the amazing weather and the delicious food the city has to offer.

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

Anywhere! There's a Doughnut place between Plaza Circular and Ronda Norte that sells some yummy Doughnuts or you can go for a "pastel de carne" in any "panaderia". If not, you can stop by one of the many trucks that sell "churros" at a very good price. If you prefer something fresher you can go for a "smuoy" or a "llallao" in Plaza Santo Domingo. They are yogurt ice cream that you can top with whatever you want (kit kat, oreo, white chocolate, etc. ), very yummy indeed. There are also loads of tapas and sushi bar, Italians pizzerias, something for everyone. I usually shop at Mercadona, so I don't always eat out, but when I do I always end up with a full stomach and a big smile on my face.

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

At night, you can do anything you like. I can recommend you only the places, I have been to and I must say: I have always thought that our nights out in Murcia were pleasant. The movida here is absolutely amazing! You can do whatever you like, starting with a drink in any of the bars in the city centre, then go one to one of the many clubs close by. There are always so many people standing in front of the bar, therefore I recommend you to go to the ones you see lots of people outside. I have been several times to Revolver (my favorite place to go as it plays rock music)it is such a cozy place. I have been few times to Badulake, but I don't particulary like the music, but its such an main Erasmus spot and it is worth taking a look at the barmen. After 4:00 am, when Revolver shuts, it's time to go to REM, where you can get in for free after 4:00. The bar is quite nice, big, the is all sorts of music and people, I liked it a lot and I danced until 7am. As soon as I walked in Bizart, I got out faster than the light as there was not enough space, such a shame as I found the people in there very interesting. I believe that the best solution is to get in and out of the bar, if you don't like the place!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Murcia?

I advise you to come with a big smile on your face, because it is worth living the life just like you do in Murcia. You'll find somewhere that suits you best, when it comes to the night life Murcia is very actice. Another important is that you can get in for free in almost any club and the drinks are very cheap. The only thing I would say is make the most of your time in Murcia. Learn about new cultures, visit new places, eat delicious food, have fun and learn to say "acho" if you want to fit in amongst the Murrains.

Well, I guess that's it, suerte y que aproveches.