Erasmus Experience in Reykjavík, Iceland by Lucy

What is the student lifestyle like in Reykjavík?

Expensive, you can always ask for student discount but the answer nearly always seems to be that they don't do it. Drinking is 'cheaper' to buy alcohol from vinbudin and then go to the happy hours. The shop opening times are also strange here, open late and close either early (6pm) or late around 9pm.

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

The university has great facilities however the style of teaching and the course content are very different. Deadlines seem non-existent and the teaching so far has not been engaging.

What is the food like?

Expensive again, there's not a huge selection at the supermarkets and fresh food is a luxury if you are on a budget. The different restaurants are fun to try though.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Reykjavík?

It didn't cost me to find accommodation but don't just settle for a place because you can get really mugged off. Anything more that 85000isk for a one person bedroom with shared apartment is too much. Also for some reason many places don't have showers or washing machines so watch out for that. Anywhere higher than 103 postal code area is too far away from the uni unless you get a bus pass.

How much does it cost to live in Reykjavík?

LOADS! Weekly shop is around 6000isk and I don't eat meat so that's a cheap shop. Meals out are around 2000-4000isk not including drinks.

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

There are language courses available but unless you are a linguist you will find it difficult to pick up. The language is beautiful but nothing like any other language and everyone speaks English.

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

Bike or bus

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

Kiki, The Dead Rabbit has great live music

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

Chuck Norris, The Public House, The Harpa, Giu

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

Get a job because the wages are great around 1900isk/hour. The landscape make Iceland so explore, especially the Western Fjords and the South.