Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Gülçin

What is it like to live in Murcia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Exactly, I recommend it! It is a great place to live with great weather and so much to do.

Murcia is capital city of Region of Murcia. And It is locate in the south part of Spain. So, everyday almost sunny, and you can enjoy the sunny weather. On the other hand, Murcia is small city that is not like Valencia or other big cities. But, It is improved as a city when you compare to other small cities. Also, people are extremely friendly and cheerful (perhaps It is releated with warm weather). I mean that you can see that there are laugh loudy and cheerful people around. There are lots of things to do for everyone that means cafés, the museums, restaurants, the cathedral, and other attractive squares.

-Plaza del la Cathedral Belluga-

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

It's the best! Murcia is known as a the student city. Because, there are 2 or 3 universities in this city, so the students make up most of population especially with foreign students. Also It means that you have chance to meet with different people. I studied in Universidad de Murcia that is state university.

If you want to trip around or meet with people comes from different places, you can follow the ESN Team and you can join to them in activities. I joined that for Valencia trip once, so It was great! Also, It was so cheap. I recommend the ESN Card which means that you pay nearly 10 € and they give this card to you. You can use this card for discount in local cafes, some brands like ryanair, also in museums like Louvre etc. I entered to the Museum of Louvre as freely because I had ESN Card and I was young than 26 years old (Whole discounts available for younger than 26 years).

On the other hand, Spanish people are open minded and easy going. So, you can easily meet with your classmate or colleague and their friends, then your social network getting expand.

Maybe, big cities more exhaustive but small cities like Murcia are more restfully and relaxed. Because everywhere fully with green and park, and there are not so much people or traffic. In fact, you dont need a vehicle that go from one point to another. Just walk! Also, you ride a bike. Every road cover with cycle path. Lots of people use bike, and the warm weather is allow to ride a bike.

Overall, It's great city to live!

Source

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

Not so much! Actually, Murcia is quite cheap. The average of renting a room is nearly 150€-250€ per month. Of course, this price is related with the location of flat, quality of flat etc. Also, there is a student apartment in the Espinardo Campus that called Apartamentos Campus. In 2018, It was about 450€ per month.

By the way, the markets are quite cheap for buying food that compared to other big cities. There are so much option for that. I would spent about 50€ for buying food per month and I ate whole things from vegetables to fruit, really!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Murcia? Is there any advice you can give?

Unfortunately, yes! I took a look at some website before move to there, and I sent email to Vimur Office many times. But I didn't receive any respond. Then, I talked face to face with them after I went and arrived to Murcia. In my first day they found a flat for me and I stayed at there until return. So, I didn't arrange my accomodation before arrive to Murcia. And It was difficult for me.

I would suggest that you take a look at some websites before you move but don't worry! You can booking in a hotel for your first days in Murcia. After that you can arrange your accomodation.

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

Oh, the food is great! Normally, I love eat and taste different meals. Spanish cuisine is mediterranean style, much more fish and seafood, olive oil, tomate etc. And It is not strange for me beacuse I am from Turkey and It is like to Turkish cuisine in some ways (especially for west part of Turkey). If you like seafood or vegetables, you will like it! And I have to say about Tapas. There are many type tapas according to region of Spain. Some of them, Marinera, Patatas bravas, Tortilla, Pan con tomato, Pescado frito, Ensaladilla, Croquetas and Paella etc. Furthermore, I want to say something about desserts. For instance, Arroz con Leche, Paparajotes, Churros.. But the paparajotes is my favourite! It is make of lemon tree leaves and cinnamon and sugar. It is really exciting and delicious. I recommend it to taste with ice cream.

My favourite dishes are Paella con verduras (with vegetables), Caballito (shrimp roast with a sauce), and Pan con tomato.

Source

-Paella-

What places would you recommend visiting in Murcia?

There is lots to see in Murcia, and in the surrounding areas like Alicante, Cartagena, Valencia.. You should visit the Plaza del Cathedral Belluga, The Plaza Santa Domingo, Segura River, Real Casino de Murcia (Perfect place and It is museum. Built in 1847. And Entrance is 3€. It is former social club for nobles). Also Plaza de Toros is bullring in Murcia. I didn't see this place but I wanna see there, one day. If you want to swim or If you want to enjoying the view of the sea, You should visit the Cartagena or Alicante. Cartagena is far from Murcia in 30 minute, Alicante is far from Murcia in one hour by car.

-Alicante-

Is it good to eat out in Murcia? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many restaurants, cafes etc. in the city center. These restaurants or cafes maybe in asian cuisine, or indian or maybe moroccan type of cuisine. So, there are many places for everyone. Also, You can find a place to drink a verywell spanish coffee and eat some cake. My favourite place is Cafe Lab, behind the Cathedral. Their coffee and desserts are delicious, I recommend it! Also You should taste Roses' Tiramisu. El Portal de Belluga is one of the my favourite spots.

What advice would you give future students heading to Murcia?

I have been in Murcia as Erasmus Internship student. So, I didn't have enough time to trip or hang out around. But doesn't matter, I learned many things in my field. So, I would give advice that is don't waste your time! You focus on what you want to focus on that. Spend your time very well. Evaluate every opportunity!