My Erasmus experience in Murcia, Spain

Why did you decide to go to Murcia?

Basically, I decided to go to Spain because I wanted to learn Spanish. One of my friends did their Erasmus in Murcia 2 years ago and told me that she thought it was really good. Since I'd never been to Spain before my year abroad, and didn't know anything about any other cities, so I decided that I wanted to go to Murcia.

For how long did you receive a grant and how much money did you receive?

I was in Spain for about 10 months and received an Erasmus grant of 150 euros.

How is student life in Murcia?

Overall Murcia had a really good atmosphere. There were, however, occasions where it wasn't so good, but that always depends on the people you've met.

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How was the regional food?

The food is very tasty, I'd definitely recommend!

How did you manage to find your accommodation?

I found it using a website called 'Vimur'.

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How much did accommodation cost? And the prices in general?

The cost of rent depends on the flat and the location of course, but you can find shared accommodation that's relatively near the university for about 200 euros. The flats found with 'Vimur' are more expensive than flats that you find independently (for example, through the use of a bulletin board at the uni).

Is the language easy to understand? And does the University offer language courses?

I had already learnt a bit of Spanish in Germany and then attended 2 language courses that were offered by the uni in Murcia. These courses do cost money though (It was about 170 euros for each course, if I remember correctly).

What's they cheapest way to fly back from Murcia?

By booking flights with Ryanair or Airberlin. But be careful with Ryanair: You have to book suitcases as an extra and only have a luggage allowance of 15kg per suitcase. With Airberlin you get a discount if you book an outward and a return flight in the same booking, and you can also take more with you if the flights are a certain amount of time apart.

In your opinion, where's the best place to go out in Murcia?

Seeing as Murcia isn't that big, I'd stick to the city centre.

And for food? Which restaurants would you recommend?

Whatever happens, you have to visit Lizarran (a tapas bar close to the cathedral). I'd also recommend Tasca el Palomo and Los Toneles. There are also bars where you can find tapas on the street Calle de Cánovas del Castillo.

Are there interesting cultural sights?

Murcia isn't that big, so there aren't that many cultural things to visit, but the Cathedral and the Casino in the centre are must-sees. There are some museums too, if you're into those.

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Do you have any advice to give to other students coming to Murcia?

Learn Spanish. Without Spanish you won't find it easy and even if you know a bit of Spanish it's still very difficult.