Erasmus Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Less

Why did you choose to go to Salamanca, Spain?

I chose it because of its reputation as a excelent student city. Basically safe for young women, good living prices, great offer in bars and entertaiment and foremost, excelent universities. The weather so far -a bit of summer and autumn- it's been great. Chilly but comfortable.

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

The scholarship is a semester long. I recieved 3000 euros at the begginng.

What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

It's great. You can go to class and then go to drink a cup of coffee or a 'caña' (a beer) and snack on tortillas or tapas. And at night there are plenty bars and pubs with cool ambience to chat with friends and spend a good time. And there are some organizations which plan excursions to other towns near (you can even go skying in a place called 'La Covetilla' one hour away from Salamanca) and lot's of parties (specially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings')

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

Totally.

What is the food like?

Tasty. Even if there're all world food, spanish food find a good example here. Specially tapas, pinchos and sweet food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Salamanca?

A bit, but if onyl if you're staying in a shared apartment for only one semester. In residences and when you're staying for a full course, is very easy

How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

400 euros per month covering everything from food to rent. I don't go out very much so I don't spend a lot in drinks and partying, but is not very far from it.

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

I'm from Latinamerica, but there are plenty spanish courses in here and I've seen that they are well planned for foreigners.

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

Plane. There was no other way.

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

To the Plaza Mayor and bars around it. Also Van Dick Street and Rua Mayor Street.

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

Sure. 'El Ave', 'Zhivago', 'Los Tres Gatos' and 'El Laso' (the last one is a quaint little pub but its tortillas are the best! )

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everything in Salamanca is worth it. The cathedrals, the museums, the roman bridge, the churches, the Calixto and Melibea's Garden, the buildings of Salamanca's University (Fifth oldest in Europe! ) and I particulary recomend the Jesuist Park. It's stunning in autumn.

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

Just come and enjoy, the city is pretty much a student's paradise.