Erasmus experience in Oviedo, Spain by Susanna

Why did you decide to go to Oviedo, Spain?

I wanted to go to Spain in the first place but I only had small and pretty unknown towns among which to choose. From the pictures in the internet Oviedo looked like a quiet place where I could live alone and with no car.

source

How long does the scholarship last for?

My scholarship was supposed to be for 9 months but they decided to provide it for only 7 months. All the same, due to personal reasons, I only stayed in Oviedo for 6 months.

The financial aid supplied by the university is rather insignificant, 230€ per month, with which I could barely pay for the rent of the flat. All the rest needs paying by yourself.

What was the student life in Oviedo like?

I came here only to write my dissertation, so I haven't attended classes much. I can't tell.

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

As far as I could observe regarding the university, it strikes me as being well-organized and efficient. Everyone's friendly and willing to help.

With regard to the city, it actually depends on your demands. If you come from a big city I wouldn't recommend it to you: it would seem as if it was only a town for you. But you enjoy living in small cities with everything within reach, then I definitely recommend that you come here.

What's the food in Oviedo like?

As an Italian I can tell that Spain is one of the countries outside Italy where I have eaten best.

Did you have to pay in order to find accommodation in Oviedo?

Not at all.

How much does it cost approximately to live in Oviedo?

It depends on the life you lead, on how often you go out and on how much you have to drink!

Apart from the house rent, which is normally about 190 - 230€ per month, and apart from the extra-spendings in travels and daily trips, there are people who spend 300-400€ per month and those who easily reach 600€.

How is it going with the language? Have you been attending any Spanish course at the university?

I had never studied Spanish before and I haven't attended any language course in Oviedo, much less have I been to class so I've been learning everything I know "on the road". I can tell that my oral and written comprehension is nearly excellent after 6 months. Speaking Spanish, however, is still quite hard and not fluent, but my classmates who have been going to class on a daily basis do speak it much better.

What's the cheapest way to arrive in Oviedo from your city?

Taking the 2-hour direct Rome-Santander flight and then taking the bus, which takes 2:30 hours and drops you off at the bus station in Oviedo.

Where do you suggest going out at night in Oviedo?

There's only a central road. You can't get it wrong.

What about eating outside in Oviedo? What are you favourite places?

Lots of places are cheap but many others can be more expensive. It depends, but you can get a pleasant meal in any of them. Tierra Astur outside the city centre (15 minuts by shuttle) plays live music and offers a set menu for 15€, drinks unlimited, fun assured.

What would you suggest that people should visit?

Wandering around time and again. Plenty of green spaces and nature. Madrid is only 5 hours away by bus.

Do you have any recommendation to give to foreign students in Oviedo?

Bring umbrellas, a raincoat and hiking shoes.