Erasmus experience in Reading, United Kingdom by Leon

Fuente

Why did you choose to go Reading, United Kingdom?

My original plan was to go to London but I gradually decided that it would be too expensive. The second option was Manchester, but people who lived there told me that work was not going very well. I didn't know Reading at all but a friend that studied with me in the university told me that it was a city that was really nice, near to London and there were not many Spanish there, which meant it would be good to practice English. Now, that has changed quite a lot in terms of the amount of Spanish there.

How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive as financial support?

I went with a scholarship from the Mec to study English for 3 weeks. I received around €1800. Depending on the country that you select, they give you more or less money.

What is the student life like in Reading?

Well, as Reading is a town (they call it a town here but it is quite big with 150, 000 inhabitants) it has a great atmosphere but at the same time it is chilled. You can walk along the river bank or you can go to grab something from the centre, also known as 'The Oracle'.

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Would you recommend the city and the university of Reading to other students?

Yes, although I was not studying at the university, I knew people that were and they had very good experiences. Reading is only 25 minutes away from London by train, 20 minutes from Oxford and other places of Windsor where you can visit the castle that belongs to the Queen. Reading, in my opinion, is very well situated and well connected.

What is the food like in England?

I would say that takes time to get used to it, unless you are there for some time, you do not get used to the aftertaste. You will gradually discover typical dishes here that you like but I usually stuck to Spanish food. You can always cook yourself.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Reading?

It took me exactly 4 days. Within those four days we went to look at 7 houses. I should say that it is relatively easy if you move. You should look both online and in newspapers for adverts, including shops that display adverts in their shop window. There are also agencies that exist, who help you look for housing but you will then have to pay a little more due to their service.

How much does it cost to live in Reading?

Rent is usually around 350 sterling pounds a month. Not including costs like food, transport and extras, which can cause it to cost around 800 sterling pounds a month. Also, it depends on each persons spending, if you control it well you can spend less.

What about the language? Did you enrol in a language course at the university?

The language is how I always say: if your English level in Spain is medium, here it is low; if you level in Spain is high, here it is medium; if your level in Spain is low, here it is minimal. This is clear as when one arrives and starts to speak English, you realise that you do not know as much English as you thought you did. You should be patient, calm and slowly you will being to understand it. It is clear that the higher your level is in Spain, the quicker you are going to improve.

I did a 3 week course. 15 hours a week.

What is the most economical way to travel to Reading from your city?

Now I live in London. The cheapest way is by bus. But I don't recommend it, it is slow and you don't save enough money to make it worth it. Like I said in response to another question regarding Reading, it is very well connected with all cities by train. I think that the cheapest way in relation to service quality/price is train, without a doubt.

Which places do you recommend for parting in Reading?

The places I would recommend are Monroes (it used to be called Deja Vu and a lot of people still know it as this), Purple Turtle, Sahara and all of the centre. The party can be found in the centre. Everything is close so there is no trouble and there is something for everyone.

What about eating in Reading? Can you list your favourite places?

I think that every Spanish person who has been to Reading would say Weatherspoons. It is a chain of restaurants where they make wonderful hamburgers. In general you can eat quite well and very cheap. For example, a hamburger + chips + pint for 6. 50 sterling pounds. If you have a coca cola or a soft drink instead it is 5. 5 sterling pounds.

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What about cultural visits?

Well, Reading doesn't exactly have great things to visit, also to tell you truth I have not been 'moved' by the culture.

Any advice for future students in Reading?

That they enjoy it, I fell in love with Reading, both the city and the people. I think that you are going to have a wonderful experience. You are also going to learn English, don't stick with the Spanish, who multiply in numbers every year.

Goodbye and good luck!