Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Manuela

Why did you choose to go to Murcia, Spain?

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I have chosen this town because I have been told that Murcia is "the land of Sun" and really like the warm weather. Also, I've been told that in Murcia there are chances to speak Spanish more often than in other cities (Madrid, for example) where I could have met people from my country (and speak with them in my native language).

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Firstly, I went in Murcia for 6 months (first semester of my last university year). At the end of the period I decided to prolong the staying because I liked so much the time spent in Murcia.

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

Student lifestyle...it seems to me that there were few students who were really studying (beyond the time spent at the classes). It happened to me 2-3 times to get the greater mark in my classes.

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

Yes, I really think this is a place were you can both study and party. The professors have dedicated hours for discussions with students in order to help them understanding better the aspects requested by the students (I've really appreciated this).

What is the food like?

If you like fish and seafood, this is the best place to live :)

Murcian Salad:

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Murcian empanadilla:

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Paella con mariscos:

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Murcia?

I found accommodation when I met the other girls going also in Murcia, immediately after we had been obtained the scholarship. The sister of one of the girls had also been in Murcia (also as Erasmus student) and she arranged for us to stay in the same apartment were she stayed.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

The money from the grant was enough to cover the living costs (rent, utilities, food). My parents helped me with extra money for trips.

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

For Romanians, Spanish language is considered to be very easy to learn. It was the same for me :)

Yes, there are Spanish courses in the University. Before starting the University courses at the end of September 2013 I have been participating at 2-3 weeks of Intensive Spanish classes which helped me a lot.

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

I used the plane (from Bucharest) because the trip by car / bus would take more than 30 hours.

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

There was a bar named "Badulake" where an association of students organized very often parties especially for Erasmus people. Of course there are many bars / clubs you can go but I will let you discover them :)

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

Our colleagues from apartment (2 girls form Murcia) took us to a place (unfortunately I do not remember the name) were governed the principle "all you can eat"; you pay 10 euros (this was the price in 2008) and then you can eat how much you want form all the dishes served in that restaurant (including, deserts and beverages, beers, wines). There are also many good places to eat in the centre of the town, near the building of University of Murcia.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Cartagena, historic town to just an hour by bus. I have been in Cartagena for at least four times and every time I discovered other beautiful landscapes. Even trips by boat (half an hour or an hour) are possible on the sea...Superb!

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

Go to parties, talk to all Erasmus students from all countries (you can not imagine how many things you can learn / discover) and, of course, go to all courses and study as better as you can because you have great / dedicated teachers in the University of Murcia)!