Erasmus Experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom by Maria

Why did you choose to go to Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom?

I went on Erasmus in 2009-2010 to finish my degree there, which was in technical architecture. I chose Newcastle because I wanted to practice and improve my English, and in turn sought a city that is well-connected to Spain for when I needed to return home.

I chose Newcastle because I wanted to practise and improve my English

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How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help?

In 2009 you could choose the length of the Erasmus scholarship, with a duration of either 5 months (I cannot remember exactly) from October to February or 9 months from October to June. I chose the latter option and do not regret it at all, the people who opted for 5 months were left wanting more.

As for financial aid, I have to admit that I was very lucky.

• For the Erasmus scholarship I received 485 € per month.
• By being an MEC Fellow I got another 450 € per month.
• Town council scholarship 300 € in total.

The University of Newcastle

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So I started off with a good salary that allowed me to live well, although you have to keep in mind that you start off with your own money, I think I remember that I did not receive the first income until December.

How's student life in Newcastle?

Newcastle is a cosmopolitan city, chosen by many students from all over the world, from all different cultures. In my case, I got to know people from Malysia, France, Syria, India, China, Sri Lanka, etc.

People there go about their business and do not interfere with the way of things or the being of others.

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

Yes, absolutely, for me it was a really productive and enriching experience. The city is very pretty, there is a large river in the city's centre called the River Tyne, which has 7 bridges crossing over it. It's a beautiful scene weather on a clear or snowy day.

In the city centre there is a wealth of architecture, a pretty lake where you can feel as if you're away from the city itself, and pretty areas, such as Jesmond or Heaton.

There's always a good atmosphere, with people coming and going. And at night-time, it is the best city for a night out; there's something going on every day, from Monday through to the next Monday.

Newcastle's nightlife is famous

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The University of Northumbria has a gym, where for 13. 50 pounds you could go for the whole day and attend whichever classes you wanted. I couldn't miss body blast, yoga, aerobics... and for 1 pound, you could go in the gym and swim in the pool. Although this has changed now, because when I was there they were just finishing building a sports building with swimming pool.

As for the academic aspect, this was also really good. Everyone, from my teachers to my tutor were really helpful to me.

How is the country's food?

I can't say much about the food because I was a good cook, and good at shopping in Tesco or Morrisons (which is cheaper and is a large shopping center, but is not in the city centre, but is accessible by bus and on foot) and cooked at home for myself. Although we also went out for dinner, when we did we opted for Italian restaurants or hamburgers.

Typical meals include Fish and Chips, roast beef and Sunday lunch.

Fish & Chips

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Newcastle?

The city has about 30 student residences, for which you can reserve a room before arriving, once you have received all the information from your university. In my case, I decided to go on an adventure, visiting houses or residences available to rent, and during these five days I stayed in a hostel until I found accommodation.

I went to see rented accommodation, and few of them were worth it, as most of them were very dirty or far from the city centre. In the end, I decided to see the student halls; the office allocates you one. At first I was unable to choose the room, although I had no preference for any in particular, and no one else entered my house, the 3D Clapham House, and a companion came to collect me, and as soon as I saw that the house was completely renovated I not hesitate for a second, that's where I wanted to live. I lived 2 minutes from my classes.

I preferred the city centre, the hustle and bustle, the shops, having university nearby and paying a little more, than living in the suburbs, where there is no thing going on, no atmosphere, and where you have to pay for a subway or bus.

An example of a typical student residence

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How much does it cost to live in Newcastle?

Let's see... I paid about 450 euros for my halls, whereas a friend of mine living in a house on the outskirts paid about 290 euros (plus transport, as everything is based in the centre).