Sara's Erasmus Experience in Preston, United Kingdom

Why did you choose to go to Preston, UK?

I chose Preston because it was one of the two cities offered when I could study my course.

What is student life like in Preston?

Almost half of the city's population could be considered students, and when the academic year ends, the city is empty. During the semester, there is a great atmosphere in the streets and in the university district. Aside from the nightclubs and bars that have offers during the week, there are parties almost every day here.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to other students?

Personally, I don't think Preston is an amazing city, but it is cheaper compared to other larger cities, like Liverpool and Manchester, that are less than an hour away.

I would consider it to be a small city. It's like other typical English cities, where the centre has everything and the outskirts are residential areas.

The university is very good. There are lots of buildings located in the same area, right by the city centre.

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What is the food like in the UK?

Unlike Spain, there are so many takeaways and fast food restaurants. You can find pizzas, kebabs, Chinese food, Indian food, Morrocan food, and obviously chippies (fish and chips shops)! In English pubs, they serve from the typical English breakfast to a Sunday roast, sandwiches, curry, hot dogs, burgers, etc. The prices at takeaways and pubs are quite reasonable; they are usually no more than £10.

Apart from fast food restaurants, there are also higher quality restaurants at reasonable prices - between £10-£15 per person.

Was it taxing trying to find accommodation?

No, I applied for university accommodation.

Now, I am studying for a Master's degree here and I am staying in a private student residence (managed by a private owner rather than the university).

There are lots of offers and you can find accommodation through the university's website and other sites like SpareRoom.

How much does it cost to live in Preston?

Depending on the accommodation, this can vary between £60 and £100 a week and may or may not have bills included. On average, I would say it's usually around £300-£350 a month with bills.

With regards to the food, it's the same situation. You can shop at more exclusive supermarkets, like Marks and Spencer, or go to Aldi like all the other students.

What is the language like? Did you go to any courses at the university?

I didn't attend any classes because I had already studied English before and had a good level, but there are free English classes for students if you require them.

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What's the cheapest way to get to Preston from your city?

Travelling by plane from Madrid or Barcelona to Manchester and, from there, by train to Preston (takes 30 minutes), or flying to a London airport (Stansted, Luton, etc. ) and, from there, travelling by train to Preston. I wouldn't recommend the latter option if it's the first time that you are travelling there and you aren't very confident with the language because, from there (in my case, Stansted Airport), you have to get to Liverpool Street Station, then take the tube to Euston before catching the train to Preston. If you are doing this with suitcases, it seems never-ending. I have done this journey many times because it's the best option for me (it's economical in terms of both time and money), and in Liverpool Street Station there are no escalators or lifts to get down to the platforms with three suitcases... it's a little bit stressful, but not impossible!

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Preston?

There are lots of nightclubs to go out to, so I guess it depends on the type of music that you like.

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And eating in Preston? Can you name your favourite places?

• Wetherspoons
• Pizza Express
• Any Indian restaurant

And cultural visits?

The thing that would best highlight Preston's culture is Avenham Park. Preston doesn't have a standout place of interest, but you can always go to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds or York, which are all relatively close.