Erasmus experience in Reykjavik, Iceland by Clemente Sánchez - Garnica Núñez

Why did you choose to go to Reykjavik, Iceland?

Well, everyone who went there for Erasmus has an interesting story behind them. In my case, I wanted to go to a Nordic country, and I didn't have any other options than Iceland and having a friend that was there the year before, he recommended it to me and I didn't doubt it.

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How long was the placement? How much financial support did you receive?

I was there from the end of August until the beginning of May, however, lots of people were there from the beginning of August in an introductory course to the language and the country that the University of Iceland offers, and until the middle of June recovering from exams. The grant that they gave me was an insignificant 170 euros a month, given in two payments and that hardly made a difference.

What is the student life like in Reykjavik?

It is a very young city, of course. It has two universities (Iceland and Reykjavik) and since it is a small city there are young people everywhere. The atmosphere is very friendly and the people are very open.

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

Of course. It is not your typical Erasmus where you travel throughout Europe, the prices are a joke and the exams are passed with mere assistance. The city seems worth it for lots of other things, so it is, for its charm and for the people that live there.

How is the food in Iceland?

The food is horrible. Being a country that is an importer of products due to its limited production of primary materials means that the food in the supermarkets is very expensive and bad, generally frozen. They have an interesting gastronomic culture but saying that it is not affordable for the student budget.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Reykjavik?

The University offers quite a lot of facilities to find accommodation so that among several options, you are the one that has to move to find a room. It is not considered difficult.

How much does it cost to live in Reykjavik?

A lot. After nearly three years since I finished my Erasmus there are nights that I dream of Icelandic Coronas, that interestingly exchanges with the Euro at the same worth as the old Pesetas. Yes, it is very expensive.

How was the language? Did you go to a course at the university?

The language that they speak and use there among the locals on a daily basis is Icelandic. Of course, everyone speaks perfect English with an easy accent to understand. Only a few people have a minimum level of English that you can understand and they understand you. You practically do not need Icelandic if you speak English and in fact, I learnt four words to flirt...

What is the most economical way to travel to Reykjavik from your hometown?

I live in Zaragoza, so the most economical way was to go with Ryanair from here to London and from there to Reykjavik with Iceland Express, the company 'Low Cost', or there they call it, 'Islandesa'. There is not a cheaper way to get there.

Which places do you recommend for going out in Reykjavik?

Thre is a lot of parting and lots along the main area of the city, Laugavegur. There are loads of bars on this street that are open until 4:30-5:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The rest of the week they are all close around 1:00 am, so everyone goes out on the weekends. There is a lot partying and fun.

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And to eat in Reykjavik? Can you name your favourite places?

It had lots of options, although expensive. There was the Bill Clinton hot dog site next to the port, the place where they give you whale meat and lobster soup (listed as the best in the world) on the port, hamburgers in various places. These were the ones that I went to most often but because of their names are impossible to pronounce, I never learnt them.

What about cultural visits?

I give it a ten for cultural visits. This island perhaps is the most unknown in Europe. It has lots of natural places to visit, and as you can go around the island, which is better in spring and takes about 5-6 days. You will fall in love with the country.

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Any advice you would like to give to future students in Reykjavik?

That they save, that they take some good boots and a good coat and that they prepare themselves for the night nocturnal party in Reykjavik.

Iceland was a major shooting location for Game of Thrones. Are you interested in where else Game of Thrones has been filmed? Check out this guide to the 10 different countries that the series has been filmed in.