Experience in Murcia, Spain by Pilar

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

It's a city that's comfortable, happy, safe, nice and not lacking in community or welcome... Although everyone "does their own thing", when you need them, they're there for you. Don't be shy and don't wait for it to come and find you... get out there and be yourself. You have a lot to offer in friendship and I assure you that you'll find friends here that you'll have forever. Murcia will be the city for you.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Murcia?

Depending on the campus you're studying at, there are slight differences in people's mentality. But it's always pretty laid-back... apart from when it's time for exams. However, in the streets, the rest of the time, there's a party atmosphere.

How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

It's a very affordable city, so is the accommodation, transport and food there. And, of course, the Thursday Market makes things a lot cheaper as you can find some real bargains for footwear, clothes, etc., as well as the best oranges and vegetables in general.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Murcia? Do you have any advice?

The university had a service to find you accommodation in shared flats and it works really well, they make sure the owners are earnest and high quality, they can also act as an intermediary in the event of any conflict. It's called Vimur. Speaking as a property owner, I really recommend it. But there are several portals you can use since everyone and everything is on the Internet now.

What is the food like there? What are some of your favourite dishes?

It's basically the Mediterranean Diet, they cook lots of vegetables with meats, eggs or fish.

Vegetables are important in our diet. I use them to cook my favourite, most delicious and healthy dishes, like chard and green bean potage, mint or green bean rice. Lentils in white rice and they're so cheap you end up saving money every month.

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Where do you recommend to visit in Murcia?

In the city, the whole of the Historic Centre, the Cathedral that has the most beautiful Baroque façade in the whole of Spain. Its plazas, its terraces, which are always full and where you can have delicious tapas after delicious tapas.

Cartagena and its great historical heritage. It's like a huge stone book that will tell you the history of the Mediterranean.

The coast, all of it, but especially the untamed beaches south of Cartagena until Aguilas and the first ones in Almeria. It's such a privilege to find so many unspoiled beaches considering how over exploited and open to the masses the Mediterranean has become!

As for inland, you mustn't miss out on towns, like Cehegin, Mula and Caravaca, with such rich historical old towns and huge family mansions which still retain some of their splendid pasts. But most of all you can't miss the mountains, the landscapes, the rich and original gastronomy, like the rabbit and sea snail rice dish or the winter gazpacho. It's a small region but it has a diverse range of climates, landscapes and levels of expense. It's always surprising how much of a difference a few square kilometres can make.

And to eat in Murcia? What were some of your favourite places?

There's one place I always go back to, almost since I was a child, and is still the best traditional cooking for the best price, Los Navarros. They deserve first prize for their consistency in being so good. But Murcia is full of places, new and old, where the food is amazing, because of their great products, great cooking, great cooks and the best patrons! Those who don't fit these qualities don't last long.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Murcia?

You've got me there! In my younger years, the Casino was the best place to go dancing on Saturdays... These days I think there are some clubs in Las Atalayas... but I have no idea if they're good or not.

Do you have any advice for future students in Murcia?

Yes, I advise that they enjoy themselves, love the city and that they keep it in their heart forever.

At the end of the day, making good memories is how you get by when life gets hard and it's important for everyone, even people who just came to fulfill requirements. In these difficult moments they can think about their Erasmus year in Murcia and they can go back to wandering through the streets and enjoying the weather and the food there. Having been an "Erasmus mother" for so many years, I've tried to fill them all up with these good memories so they'll still be able to smile about it for years to come.

I still keep in touch with a lot of them, they give me their news and we can still have a nice time together.