Erasmus Experience in Portsmouth, UK by Nerea

Why did you choose to go to Portsmouth, UK?

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I have to say that Portsmouth wasn't my first choice. My first choice was two universities in London, luckily they didn't give me them because life there is much more expensive. The reason I chose Portsmouth between my options was because it was in the south of England where you can understand the English quite well, also for the area which is located at the sea, therefore I love it. On the other hand one of the Translation Universities is the best one there and my Erasmus coordinator recommended it to me and told me it was very prestigious.

How long does the scholarship last? How much financial help do you receive?

My Erasmus scholarship lasted 9 months, i. e. the whole academic course. I came home for Christmas and then I came back at the end, in June. As help I receive around 2, 500 euro.

What is the student scene like in Portsmouth?

There's a very good atmosphere, the people are very nice and friendly (although it definitely varies, like everywhere). Being a university city there's quite a lot of students around every corner and consequently many Erasmus ones. The nightlife is very good and you're always going to find a bar, pub or club where you go out with your friends and find a good atmosphere. Sometimes everywhere is too full but as for the area where the clubs are it's all very concentrated it wouldn't be a problem changing bars (as long as you don't have to pay).

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

Of course. It seems to me that he university installations are in a large category, as much the library as common areas. If I had to give it a mark I would give it an outstanding.

What is the country's food like?

The food was the only thing that I didn't like. In England they honestly don't eat very well... but well, you end up getting used to it.

Did it cost anything finding accommodation in Portsmouth?

Yes, a bit. The truth is at the beginning it became quite complicated since my partner and I got scammed. Some time later we found a house with no issues but at the beginning it was difficult despite the facilities that the university gives, because after all you are the one that has to look for everything.

How much does living in Portsmouth cost?

It's quite expensive to be honest. Everything is generally dearer than in Spain and the quality in terms of food for example is worse. Counting rent and everything it's more or less I would say around 1, 500 euros per month.

What is the language like? Did you go to some course at the University?

The language was good since, being in the south you can understand the people very well. I didn't go to any course.

Economically what is the best way of getting to Portsmouth from your city?

I travelled to London and from there I caught a train to Portsmouth that's the best way to go. You save time and money.

What places would you recommend for going out partying in Portsmouth?

I would recommend Astoria, PopWorld, Yates and Tiger Tiger.

And for eating out in Portsmouth? Can you mention your favourite places?

For eating out my favourite place was "The Isambard Kingdom runel. It's a restaurant beside the university where you can eat quite well for being in England. There are a variety of tasty dishes, and it isn't expensive for the amount you get.

And what is it like to visit culturally?

Spinnaker, Old Portsmouth, Commercial Road, Southsea and the Isle of Wight if you have the opportunity. The city in general has a special charm.

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Do you have any advice you want to give to future students in Portsmouth?

That they enjoy the experience to the full, that they try to see some sights in the area because it's worth it with the beach and the magnificent views from Spinnaker, and that they go out partying as you can also learn a lot of English that way. And not to trust any "Laura Lubbers" because that's who scammed me.