Erasmus Experience in Preston, United Kingdom by Javier

Why did you choose to go to Preston, United Kingdom?

There were two main reasons why Preston was my final choice. First because I wanted to improve my English level, however, you can do that in other places in Europe, especially considering that erasmus students usually hang-out with other international students. Thus, the second reason was that my home university had an agreement with UClan so I got a bachelor degree in one year, in my case, International Business Communication.

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

This is a very tricky question, especially with the contraversial that we are living right now in the scholarship environment. I've been in the UK for 10 months and I received around 5500€. It seems like a good amount of money and actually it is but you will need some extra-money in order to afford the cost of living. I would say that you need around 700-900 euros per month, it definitely depends on your standard of living.

What is the student lifestyle like in Preston?

Basically you go to College everyday but the way of teaching is completely different than in Spain. There is an average of 12hours per week but then you have lot of assignments, reports, presentations, so on, so forth. Therefore, people need to study to pass the modules. Nevermind students have also time enough to enjoy the nightlife in Preston. There is a bunch of really nice clubs were people get insanely drunk (british people) and international students contribute in this movement as well.

Apart from college and clubs, there are some beautiful parks to enjoy in those day that it's not raining (people should take into account that approximately 80% of days, it rains in Preston) but don't worry! you'll get used to it!

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

The city is not the best however is not that bad for students, you have an excellent 24/7 library, good clubs, and for instance I really enjoyed with the way of teaching (small groups, 20 students per class, where participation is a must). Cities like Liverpool and Manchester are just 45 minutes by train and Scotland is pretty close as well (Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful).

What is the food like?

Food..it could be the worst part of my story. Restaurants in Preston are more about kebabs, burgers... junk food in general. Anyhow there are some supermarkets like Morrisons that has a good variety of products (fish, meat, etc) but prices are higher than in Spain (exchange rate takes an important part in this issue).

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You would like to avoid Tesco, it's the most expensive one in Preston because is a 24/7 supermarket so prices have a premium

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Preston?

Not at all, there are accommodation for every kind of preferences. I chose Trinity Hall of Residence which is kind of expensive but not more than in Spain. Houses are also available to share with other flatmates for around 65 pounds. The difference is quite big because I paid 90 pounds per week in my hall of residence but the facilities are way better.

How much does it cost to live in Preston?

I already answered this question above, around 700-900 euros, depends on your personal expenses

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

There is going on a program in UClan that prepares you for the C1 test. UClan provides this for free (classes and test on February-March) and so far I did not have any constraint to apply for other companies or scholarships that a C1 level was required.

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

I live in Huelva and flights from Faro to Manchester were the cheapest by far. Faro for those who doesn´t know where is, it's a city in Algarve, Portugal. Prices are around 50-60 euros round-trip if you buy it in advance, so pretty cheap.

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

Everyday there is something going on in the city. I've been there 2 years ago and I still remember the schedule:

Mondays-- One pint one quid (pound in slang language) Ropper Hall and then Squires (the second best club in the city)

Tuesday-- Warehouse (Three floors club)

Wednesday-- Lava (i think it changes the name now, but it's the best club, surprinsingly huge)

Thursday-- Adelphi, again one pint one pound, afterwards I usually go to Glovers and Loft (the latter one is kind of the after-party because it closes at 6am when the rest of clubs and bars closes at 3am)

Friday-Saturday and Sunday are the worst days, but you can still enjoying in house parties (People usually throw parties on those days)

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

That's difficult.. maybe... I would say Wotherspoon (I don't know if it's well-written)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Nothing! Harris museum is a beautiful building but that's it. If you wanna experience cultural shows and this stuff go to Manchester and Liverpool, as I mentioned before are very close!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Preston?

Enjoy your experience there, it was my best year and now I'm coming back home from my third experience abroad.

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Mandatory cities to visit! Liverpool, Manchester, York, Chester, Edinburgh, Leeds

Blackpool is horrible but some people like it.. (I can't understand why.. ) Glasgow is kind of close but is a really industrialized city.. I don't recommend it.

Finally flight connections from Manchester are very cheap, I flew from Manchester to Dublin for 20 pounds and to Paris for 12 pounds, both round trip as an example of the different travels I did with my friends, Erasmus friends that will be your friends forever and ever.

Enjoy and keep dancing.