Experiencing Oran, Algeria, by Anis

What did the city of Oran seem like to you, as a place to live?

The city of Oran is the second biggest city in Algeria as well as an important Mediterranean metropolis. To me, it's very atmospheric - the residents welcome people with indescribable hospitality. I'd recommend it for tourists, business travellers and students.

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What's the student scene like in Oran?

The student scene in Oran varies from one area to another and everyone describes it differently; I'd say it's good, with pros and cons.

What's the cost of living in Oran?

The cost of living here is reasonable: for example, renting a furnished apartment is around 80 euros a day, a 6km taxi ride costs around 2 euros, a tram ticket is 32 cents, and a sandwich is around 1. 50 euros.

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

To find accommodation in Oran you just have to get in touch with an estate agency and choose from hundreds of offers.

What's the food like in the city? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is delicious, and very varied, especially with how sugary/salty things are. My favourite dishes are: H'rira, couscous (Taam), maakouda and msemen.

Which places do you recommend seeing in Oran?

The most beautiful spots are the seafront, and its view of Oran's port; as well as Fort Santa Cruz and its chapel, and the view from there for admiring all of Oran's beauty.

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What about eating in Oran? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Eating? Sure, you can have pizzas at West Original Food, and go to the mediterranean garden or eat fish in the Le Corsaire restaurant.

Where do you recommend going out in Oran?

For exploring as a tourist, you can visit the Ahmed Zabana museum, Fort Santa Cruz, and the lighthouse at Cap d'Aiguille. And for shopping there are loads of shops spread out along Ben m'hidi Avenue and Laarbi Tebessi Avenue, and in terms of food there's the Coco Rico restaurant, 'le Mediterraneen', West Original Food, Danny's Diner, 'la Pêcherie'...

What advice do you want to give to future Erasmus students in Oran?

A piece of advice for students would be to choose the host university well and plan the trip properly - even get to know students there already to get the maximum amount of advice and guidance.