Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Martin

Why did you choose to go to Murcia, España?

I was told Murcia was a really typical Spanish city and I didn't want to go to a place like Madrid or Barcelona as I didn't want to be seen as a "one-year-tourist".

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

Unfortunately, my Erasmus scholarship wasn't that high and I only got 150 € a month, not quite sufficient to cover all my costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

I studied at La Merced campus and everything is really familiar there. You see many people you know at the campus courtyard, have tapas or a beer at your lunchbreak and meet your classmates at Las Tascas at night.

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

Definitely! Great city, nice teachers and a fantastic atmosphere!

What is the food like?

It's all about food and you won't be disappointed! Many vegetables for vegetarians, but also meat and specialities from Murcia (mostly) and general Spanish tapas.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Murcia?

No, I easily managaed it without an agency. There were a lot of flat share (pisos compartidos) offerings throughout the city (especially in the campus area).

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

I only paid 150 € for my room in a shared flat. But I need to say that it was really basic and I didn't have Internet. Though, it was central and I shared it with 3 Spaniards which was super beneficial for improving my Spanish.

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

Well, it's not too easy at the beginning especially with the Murcian accent. But keep patient, talk to as many people as you can (Spanish of course) and then there will be the point when you realise: I just talked an hour to my classmates and they didn't leave bugged by the language barrier.

There are Spanish courses in Vista Alegre, run by the UMU (Universidad de Murcia). Quite cheap and I took it for one semester, should have done it for both.

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

From Frankfurt/Hahn it was flying to Alicante with RyanAir and then taking the bus to Murcia.

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

Sooooo many! Guess you'll be soaked into the Erasmus nightlife without any chance. Definitely go there but try to see some other places too. The temptation to end up there every night is high though...

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

I liked Tapita Murciana, but plenty of good places.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

La Feria in September, Cartagena and the mountains around. Murcia isn't Rome but it has much history too with the Reconquista, for example.

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

Don't plan too much as it will come differently. Just go there and enjoy.