Erasmus Experience in Reykjavik, Iceland by Julio

Why did you choose to go to Reykjavik, Iceland?

I was able to go with another friend and I also wanted to get to know the Nordic culture.

How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive as help?

It was 9 months, I received approximately EUR 650, within the Erasmus scholarship and the general of the Ministry.

What is the student atmosphere like in Reykjavik?

Very focussed on their practices which are the classes, working with Icelanders is quite complicated because they are quite closed characters.

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

Of course, the experience is unique, I would go back right now!

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What is the Icelandic food like?

Suffice it to say that the official plate is the hot dog... they don't have a gastronomic culture like Spain does, but in the supermarket you can fix and make the perfect shop like you can here. Special mention to the salmon, very very cheap and delicious!

Did you have any difficulties finding accommodation in Reykjavik?

No, I negotiated it with the university, but I moved in the second term (for a change more than anything) and it was very easy since there are many Ghuesthoueses that welcome tourists during the summer, but during the rest of the year they welcome students as they don't have any other option and they are reasonable prices.

How much does it cost to live in Reykjavik?

I can say that I didn't save anything, but I did not have to spend much more money. Also, I believe that I was lucky because when I went the Icelandic, króna was at it's lowest moment, otherwise I would have spent much more money doing much less things.

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

Icelandic is very difficult! I signed up to classes in the university but I stopped due to schedule issues, in any case everyone speaks English, so if you know English communication will not be a problem.

What is the most economic way to travel to Reykjavik from your city?

In two flights:

Madrid-London and London-Reykjavik

Of course, there is a trick to save even a little more, if you buy the tickets through the page of Iceland Express (the low cost) choosing to pay in Icelandic kroner.

Which places do you recommend to go and party at in Reykjavik?

All of the centre is great, and every local has it's target audience, the best way to discover what you like is to try, but make sure that the boys of ESN (Erasmus student network) can lend you a hand!

And to eat in Reykjavik? Can you mention your favorite places?

There are fast food places throughout all of the city that are quite cheap, not very healthy but perfect for a day that you do not want to cook. In the hagkaups (a supermarket) they have places where there are prepared ingredients, a free buffet, for a good price you can take a container and fill it with what you want, perfect to eat in uni, although there is to say that the menu in the cafeteria, if you want to eat early, it is very good for the price that it costs.

In terms of typical places to eat, near the port there is a bar where they have pieces of whale and lobster soup (delicious! ), perfect to take your visitors.

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And how about a cutlural visit?

Rent a car and go to the country side! There, all is worth it in the landscape. If you are more urban, there are many museums and curious buildings, although what the Icelandics really like is music, every weekend there is live music in almost every pub, and also there are various music festivals throughout the year, a special mention to Airwaves and to Isafjordur.

Any advice you want to give to future students of Reykjavik?

Go and enjoy the ungoverned beauty of this place, you will make friends with the Icelandic people (it is difficult, but not impossible, and beer and the football opens many doors), go to the pool every week (warm water in the fresh air at -5 and it is free) aim to do all the activities that you see that are typical of there, and fill your suitcases with colourful clothes, for that the Icelandics are very dull!