Nottingham Trent University

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Why did you choose to go to Nottingham, the United Kingdom?

I chose it because I was interested in improving my level of English and what better place than the UK to do this!

How long does the grant last? How much economic aid do you receive?

My Erasmus grant lasted the whole course, from October until June (9 months). Really the Erasmus grant doesn't exist. It's the parents who pay for the experience. So far, I have received around 1, 500 euros and I have already been there for half of my stay. Then the other half they give you when you return, but it's of no use giving it to me when I return if I need it now! What's more, if they have given me 1, 500 euros and another 1, 500 euros when I return, it will be a total of 3000. Truthfully, it seems like little money to me when my classmates from years before were given around 2, 000 euros for each 3 months of their stay, when they went. I suppose it will be a crisis thing! Although, it is unfair that they give 2, 000 euros to some for 3 months and then give me just 3, 000 for 9 months.

How is student life in Nottingham?

Truthfully, Nottingham is a city of students and university life! There are university parties every week organised by the same university and in the university's own venues, which allows you to meet many people - as many from the country, as from abroad, also there on Erasmus. From what I've been told, the bad part is that in it being such a university city is that during the Summer, it's a ghost city without anyone there, so doing a Summer Erasmus in Nottingham isn't highly recommended!

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

If what you're looking for is a university atmosphere yes, given that it's both in and outside the university.

How is the country's food?

Here what they have is fast and fatty food! There are lots of hamburger and kebab places... and those sort of places. In the supermarkets, anything can be found, but the meat is quite fatty and you often find ready prepared breaded meat or fish to be fried! However if you don't like fat, there is always the possibility to eat at home and prepare you're own food!

How did you find accommodation?

The university itself put me in contact with people who rented out houses at good prices! Although, there are always the residences which are a bit more expensive.

How are the prices of the accommodation? And the prices in general?

It is more expensive than Spain, although I suppose it will depend on the area because it is more expensive than Tarragona but I don't know if it is more expensive than Madrid or Barcelona. The student residences aren't at all affordable - 2, 500 euros or more for 3 months! However regarding the houses, for 300 euros a month you can find nice houses. Electricity and gas are really expensive and and the quality of life is a bit higher than in Spain.

How is the language? Did you go to any courses in the University?

I go to an English course that the university provides every week, although I would have preferred to be able to do an intensive course at the beginning of my stay. I believe that it would have better facilitated my stay during my first weeks! It's quite hard to understand the natives from around here but they have enough patience and repeat things for you as much as you need.

What is the most affordable way to get to Nottingham from your city?

From Tarragona, the best way is by flying with Ryanair from Reus to East Midlands. East Midlands is Nottingham's airport which is around a 30 minute bus ride from the centre and there are buses every half hour, 24 hours a day.

Which places would you recommend to go out and party in Nottingham?

Stealth, Rock City, Coco Tang (a bar) and Forum are quite good clubs. However if you're going to go out for a drink in a quieter place, there is Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem (it's the oldest pub in the whole of England and they make their own beer) or the Orange Tree! Regarding curious places, the Pitcher & Piano - it's a church which has been transformed into a bar!

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And to eat in Nottingham? Can you cite your favourite places?

If you like spicy food, Nandos! Then there are several buffets with Oriental, Mexican, Italian and Indian food... which have very good prices.

And as a cultural visit?

Nottingham's parks are beautiful. The castle isn't worth paying entry for because it's fairly neglected and there's nothing special about it.

Wollaton Park

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Any advice that you'd like to give to any future students of Nottingham?

Live the experience to the maximum because it will fly by!