Erasmus Experience in Murcia, Spain by Polina

Why did you choose to go to Murcia, Spain?

Because I was learning Spanish as a second language in university and wanted to improve my speaking skills.

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

It is 9 months and I received 395 Euro monthly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

It was great, I lived close to the center so I didn't have any problems going out until late, plus with a shared apartment we could save enough from food and domestic products. It was a really nice experience.

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

Definitely! I studied English philology in La Merced and my teachers were all English native speakers, very competent and friendly. I had subjects that don't exist in my university in Bulgaria. I came back full of ambition and ideas to integrate these subjects there.

What is the food like?

Well, I lived with one more Bulgarian and 2 Turkish, my best friends were Mongolian and we often made international dinners, so I can hardly say much about Spanish food. Sorry! But I did love Paella, though!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Murcia?

We found the cheapest possible - 130 Euro per person, sharing a room with my friend.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

With the money I received from my scholarship I could cover all my expenses and taking a good account of my budget I even could save for travelling around, so I guess life there is not expensive.

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

They were available, but we missed the date to sign up, so we had to find other ways of learning, like printing books of exercises and talking a lot with Spaniards. It was too fast in the beginning but for nine months you get used to it.

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

Wizzair!

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

I liked Pub Music, Badulake, Puerta Falsa, Revolver, and many places whose names I don't remember. But even staying in the park with good friends is a pleasure.

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

I never did eat in a restaurant there, sorry! Food was my main source of saving money.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The events that happen in the streets are a good cultural experience, also the festival SOS, the opening of the year, faculty celebrations and some regional holidays like Senderismo en Muratalla, etc.

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

Enjoy the best you can! Whether you are staying for 5 months or 9, use every second to get to know people. Erasmus is a world mixture, you don't only learn about Spain, but also about the World, and it teaches you much more than any student book. And when it ends, don't go home being sorry that it has finished, be grateful it has ever happened! Have fun, guys!