My university Experience in Murcia, Spain

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

Murcia is a big, but not too big as a city, since it is quite easy to get around it, and unless you have classes on the Espinardo campus, you don't need to use public transport. It's not especially striking as a city (apart from the cathedral, which you can't miss out on visiting) but for me at least, it's quite a good place to live and the area in the centre (Santo Domingo, Plaza de Romea, Platería... ) is nice for a calm, quiet afternoon's walk taking in the lovely weather which is so common there (except in summer, then you better run away... ).

What's student life like in Murcia?

The university has 2 main campuses: the Merced campus, which is in the city centre, where humanities are taught (languages, law, history, history of art... ) and Espinardo campus, which is much bigger and where the rest of the faculties are. When going to Espinardo, the most popular option is usually to take the tram, as you can get unlimited journeys for 20 euros a month, and, if you have classes every day, this ends up being worth it.

You also have the option of taking a bus, which mainly depends on which area you live in. However, I myself studied on the Merced campus which is convenient as it's five minutes from the centre of Murcia and many areas with student housing. Some say that the Merced is the best as it's in the area of the 'tascas' (student bars), so every day it is almost obligatory to go there after class and have a bite to eat and drink.

Something you also have to do without a doubt as a student in Murcia is go to one of the paellas (a misleading name as no, there is no paella at most of them). Each faculty has their own one and over the course of several months there are paellas every week. It basically consists of a large-scale 'botellón' inside a select area of the university, which has been specially set up for this. You bring your own drinks and food, and spend the day there.

For anyone who, like me, isn't a huge fan of drinking, this may sound terrible, but this is not the case in reality. There is a stage with music so if you don't like drinking, make your way to the centre of the crowd and give it your all, it's that simple. The price is usually only 4 or 5 euros, with the exception of the Economics faculty's one, which is known for being on a larger scale and has a bigger budget so that they can get better DJs. But apart from this, they are all the same as each other.

A 'paella' on the Espinardo Campus

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How much does it cost to live in Murcia?

In my opinion, the cost of living is quite low in Murcia. For those who like beer, it's a great place. There are also loads of '100 montaditos' type places where you can eat and drink for quite a low price (even more so if you take advantage of the offers). As far as accommodation is concerned, it usually adds up to 150 a month per person, 200 for those which are more expensive. Also take into account other basic services such as WiFi, look around for offers as some are very good. CableMurcia is a company which has good student offers (a lot cheaper than other such as Ono or Jazztel), and throughout the two years we had WiFi with them, we had zero problems.

CableMurcia have a shop on Trapería street

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

There is a lot of accommodation designed for students, and you don't have to look for flatmates, as there are many flats which have a spare room, so it doesn't have to be complicated. Of course, I went to see flats which were in very bad condition, with doors full of holes or event without countertops 'because the current tenants don't use them'. Undoubtedly, there are many others which are very good, it's just a matter of seeing them for yourself. As far as advice goes, I would recommend the Vistalegre area: it's close to various tram stops and only a ten minute walk from the Merced and centre, and it's a very peaceful place. On the flipside, I would recommend avoiding the 'La Fama' area as there is more crime there, as in the 'Carmen' neighbourhood.

Vistalegre

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How's the food? What dishes would you recommend?

Undoubtedly, if there is something traditional to try in Murcia it is the meatloaf (pastel de carne). Most people who try it like it, including me being a picky eater.

What places do you recommend visiting in Murcia?

The cathedral is undoubtedly a highlight you have to visit: the Baroque facade and interior are amazing, though not as flashy, and well worth a visit. It can be found in square next to the Trapería and Platería area, where most of the shops that are not on the Gran Vía are situated. It's a pretty nice area, with small, pedestrian streets. The Salzillo Museum and the archaeological site are also quite good. There are also many parks and places to wander around, other than the river area, which is in my opinion especially beautiful at night (although it also depends a lot on the state of the river, which does not always carry as much water as it should).

How is eating out in Murcia? What places are good?

In the centre there are large chains such as 100 Montaditos, TGB... and there's always McDonald's of course, so if you're after a cheap lunch or dinner, you'll have no problems. There's also a pizzeria, called Vadepizza, with an offer on Wednesdays which means all pizzas cost two euros (at least this was the case before). To eat more from this category, Imperial is really great, highly recommend it: it's known mainly for its pasta and pizza and, although it's not as cheap as the other places I have mentioned, the price is still quite good.

Is the nightlife good? What places are good to go?

The 'tascas' area is full every Thursday, so if you're looking for a good atmosphere in the centre, you'll without a doubt find it in the tascas. If you want to go out more to party and dance, I personally recommend Musik, in the same place as Murcia's Plaza de Toros. They don't have the typical reggaeton music so if this is what you're after, Luminata is better. Luminata bar closes at 4 and is quite small so you can't always get inside, whereas Luminata Disco is much larger and closes a lot later. Although I have not been, everyone also talks about Theatre, even though it is much further away (this is way I have never been there) but they say it's worth it.

What advice do you have for students coming to Murcia?

Enjoy it and take advantage that 95% of days are breathtakingly sunny, explore it whenever you are able to, as there are always small corners that are worth seeing. But not in summer, going out in the street during this time is not humanely possible.