Erasmus Experience in Pamplona, Spain by James

Why did you choose to go to Pamplona, Spain?

I thought it would be somewhere different for me to go. I hardly knew anything about Pamplona before coming, apart from the running of the bulls obviously, and I thought it would be more interesting to go somewhere completely different rather than go for the obvious choice like Madrid, for example.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I'm here for the whole academic year - arrived in late August 2014 and will leave June 2015. I receive an Erasmus grant of 350 Euros a month, which is nice!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Pamplona?

It's awesome - so many students are the place as there are 2 universities very close to each other.

The international scene is huge here; people are so welcoming and friendly, especially if you're from the UK. I couldn't recommend it more.

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

100% yes. The university isn't easy, it's definitely not the easy 'year-off' work I had been told I would get! But at the same time it's not hard - and the University itself is very nice (brand new buildings and technology etc). The city is awesome, I really love it here and am so glad I get to stay for another semester.

What is the food like?

It's good - we tend not to eat out as students but when we do its really good. Pinchos are really nice and pretty cheap if you need something quickly.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Pamplona?

I didn't pay but I know people that did. Best advice is not to rush finding accommodation. I know people that did and that now regret it. I arrived without anywhere, stayed in a hostel for almost 2 weeks before finding anything. I was starting to panic but I'm glad I waited as I've got the best housemates now.

How much does it cost to live in Pamplona?

Nothing compared to home! I pay 200 euros per month in rent which is good. Monthly rent ranges from 180ish to about 350 but if you're paying 350 you've done something wrong.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

It's fine, as an international it's fine as there are so many people in the same position. Also lots of locals speak English and other languages if you cannot speak any Spanish. I speak a mixture of Spanish and English depending on who I'm with. Try to live with Spanish speakers if you're keen to learn; it's easy to take the easy way out and live here for a year and not speak a word of the local language.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Pamplona from your city?

I fly from London to Madrid and then fly from Madrid to Pamplona, simply because it's more convenient and faster for me. It may be slightly cheaper to get a train from/to Madrid from Pamplona (approx 60 euros) but it obviously depends on where you are coming from.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Pamplona?

Depends which night, Thursday is Juevintxos and Singular night (my favourite), Wednesday is Crazy Wednesday at Valentinos which is full of internationals. The Spanish love a drink so any night you want to go out you'll manage to have fun.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Pamplona?

La Piedra, La Tagliatella, La Brasa y Lena are my favourites.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I'm not much of a cultural guy but the Ciudadela is a nice place to relax when the weather is still warm and nice. If you like football Osasuna's stadium is close and a good laugh.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Pamplona in the future?

Make the most of it, it's an awesome place with awesome people. Stay for San Fermín.