Erasmus Experience in Reykjavík, Iceland by Jóhanna

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Why did you choose to go to Reykjavík, Iceland?

I chose to go to Reykjavik, Iceland, because I wanted to go to a place that is not hot and sunny, but cool and dry (not humid). As I am a student of Scandinavian Studies and Icelandic, Iceland was the only choice for me. I love the language and wanted to improve my speaking skills. I also thought, like many other students that Iceland is immensely beautiful. It is, but only in certain respects.

It all depends from which viewpoint you approach Iceland. As a highly engaged student I don't have as much time to travel around all the time like many other Erasmus students have. Those who have a lot of free time probably can have the best time of their life in Iceland, as a looot of activities are offered from a program called ESN and they have fabulous stuff for you to take part in.

If you spend most of your time in town, then the landscape doesn't play such a big role. The architecture is somewhat odd. Many houses are under construction currently and the city is nice and colorful but definitely not modern or antique such as Oxford, England or Vienna, Austria. It is simple and often you may doubt its efficiency.

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

My scholarship last 10 months and I really don't get much money per month. You absolutely cant live of the scholarship. It's more like some extra pocket money!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Reykjavík?

Students can do a lot of activities offered by ESN Reykjavik and also downtown's bars and other localities offer weekly events for students to take part in. With an ESN card you can also get a range of discounts in many shops, restaurants, bars etc. From time to time there are also some events or festivals taking place and many many many local bands and musicians come to play in bars!

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

I love University of Iceland! I don't know about the University of Reykjavik (which is a uni separated from Uni Iceland), but the teachers are great and the way material is covered and taught is fantastic. It is so easy and wonderful and so much more practical and sensible. Here you really learn something for life not just for the degree or title.

Many courses use different techniques to teach at once. So you will be writing a test with ticking questions, then a few minor written homeworks, an oral exam, a practical project with oral presentation and a final written paper that is just 12 pages (excluding the title page, table of contents and sources)! Easy-cheesy and so wonderful for learning outcome.

The city is nice, especially when you live close. You can go everywhere very quickly on foot and downtown has almost everything you need. It has its own charm and you will certainly have a gorgeous time in Iceland!

What is the food like?

For the tourists, the Icelanders offer seafood, traditional food etc. If you are vegetarian or vegan there are also some restaurants for you. If you love Starbucks you will have a substitute that is called Té og Kaffi; it's really the same just in Icelandic style. As this is so far north you must be prepared that the food generally is not as tasty, as the vegetables and fruits are all imported. Some vegetables are grown in Iceland but even the cheese here is very mild and nothing like the stuff that Swiss, Dutch, German, French, Austrian or Italian people might be used to. Just expect that it will be very different.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Reykjavík?

Er..no. You will get a list of the university to help you find accommodation. I found it through Facebook by joining the group "Away from home - living in Iceland".

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How much does it cost to live in Reykjavík?

Approximately 60. 000 isk, about 400 Euro.

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

There are language courses available but all to be paid by yourself.

If you are from a German background it will be easier for you, even if you are English speaking you might have difficulties to memorize vocabulary and get the pronunciation right. For me personally, it's not that difficult, but I have already learned Icelandic for 1 1/2 years and I am Austrian, so I my West/South German native language is very close to Icelandic (North German).

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

By plane.

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

Húrra.

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

Gló on Laugarvegur/Klapparstígur for vegans and vegetarians.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Museums in Reykjavik, apart from that just go outside the town and explore the island!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Reykjavík in the future?

Don't despair. Friends and community are the most important to survive Icelandic winter. It's not that bad anyway. You have Northern Lights instead!

Many Icelanders speak German, and all of them are very good at English.