Experience in Murcia, Spain, by Adrián

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

I honestly think that it's one of the best cities in Spain to live in.

The unbeatable climate, the sun shines almost all year round, well, almost too much because in the summer it can get really hot. But apart from that, it's wonderful. This kind of weather enables you to lead a sociable life, combined with that of leisure. People go out partying a lot, and you can find people out in the streets until really late.

There are mountains very nearby, great beaches about 30 minutes away, Alicante International Airport is 45 minutes away, there are roads going in every direction... Also, it's an average sized city, very easy to get to grips with, and you can move around the city quickly through its tiny streets.

The university life and the growing Erasmus influence is making the city more and more cosmopolitan, fun and pleasant for young people.

The bars are very cheap, you can go on a night out with just €12 and come back with money left over, there are loads of tapas bars and restaurants.

The city itself is sadly not very pretty, apart from the 4 most important places and streets. But, alas, the majority of the city isn't very attractive (I'm saying this mostly because I'm an architect), but it has its charm, and it's very comfortable.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

The lifestyle is perfect. The Espinardo campus is enormous, there are so many young people all over the place and you start to notice it more and more. The contrast is interesting. At the beginning of the academic year everyone goes out partying in the street, and during exam time they disappear and congregate in the libraries. But, when the exams finish, they emerge once again from their hideaways to party.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

Renting a shared flat in the centre of Murcia would be between €150-200 plus extra bills. It could be 50 for electricity and water.

For food, like in any place, would cost around €100-130 per month.

You would need about €20 for a whole month to use the tram or buses.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Murcia?

Do you have any advice?

I live here, so it doesn't cost me anything, hehe. But it doesn't cost a lot. There are a lot of apartments.

My advice would be, look for a half decent flat, the prices don't change much, choose a room but not one in an apartment in the south of the city. The flats there are isolated, old and very hot. If you get one in the centre, take note of the windows and check they're good, as you will need to sleep during other people's nights out.

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

HA! The best, everyone knows that in Spain, everyone eats very well indeed.

My favourite dishes are paella, "migas" (which means crumbs in English, made with leftover bread and various types of meat), guisos (a kind of soup/broth) are very nice, and they can be made with meat or fish.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Murcia?

The Cathedral, the streets Calle Trapería and Calle Platería, Santo Domingo, Paseo Alfonso X, Gran Vía and the river... and a little bit more.

Is it good to eat out in Murcia? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

Around the University de la Merced, the law department, there are many pubs, tapas bars and restaurants, and I like the ones closer to Rex cinema: El Chapas, Madre de Dios, Las tablas del Escribano, El Chaflán, El Palomo, Tinta Roja, El Mallorquín...

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

In terms of bars, without a shadow of a doubt, for Erasmus students I would recommend Badulake, where all different types of people go, also Bizart, which is new, Sala Revolver, Trocadero, Foster, Contracorriente...

If you want to dress up a bit more, I would suggest Boutique, Cool, Luminata bar and Luminata club.

To round off the night, I would advise you go to go to Plaza de Toros, Musik, or the clubs slightly further away such as Teatre or Novo.

There are also alternative music clubs around Avenida Mariano Rojas.

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

Get to know everyone, it's worth it and it's a great experience.

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