Experience in Salamanca, Spain by Laura

What is it like to live in Salamanca? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Salamanca is enjoyable in general terms. It's not a big city so you can go anywhere by walking, but public transport may not save you if you're in a real hurry. I would recommend you the city if you like quiet living and don't need a big one to feel comfortable. The city isn't small though, and the variety of things you can do is better than other similar places. One of its best things is, really, its historic atmosphere.

What is the student lifestyle like in Salamanca?

Quite variated. Vibrant. There's time to study, time to party, and a lot of resources for any student's needs. Two campus (the new one and the historic one), sport services, cafes, libraries, pubs, party, gardens (there should be more in my opinion), shops...

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How much does it cost to live in Salamanca?

It's not an expensive city although prices rise every year, as in most part of cities in Spain. You'll need around 600 euros per month for all the expenses: rent (150-300, depending on how and where you live), bills (30-60), you're unlikely to use public transport as it's easy to rent a room nearby the main places, food (100-150, depending on how healthy you want to eat, of course! ), uni books and photocopies (20-100), going out if you like it (well this also depends on how much you want to spend, but the average goes around 10 euros per week)... and so on.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Salamanca? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it's rather easy and landlords tend to be reliable. However, you may find a lot of cheap but quite unpleasant places. Ask about all conditions and always sign a contract. There are a lot of sublets. I don't recommend it.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is good in general. There's a lot of restaurants offering quality and Spanish food for a good price and service, as there's a great demand. Try jamón ibérico, please. It may seem very typical but it's worth trying. Apart from that, fish and vegetable dishes are ok (especially vegetable ones). The thing that is best cooked here is meat, from beef mostly. (eat paella in Valencia, really). Wander around the city and pop in that restaurant that seems nice to you (avoid fast-food ones).

What places would you recommend visiting in Salamanca?

It would be tiring to tell every monument you should see, for that there are multiple and excellent guides. But the cathedrals, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Anaya, Calixto y Melibea garden, Casa Lis, University's facade and all the historic part of the city are a must.

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Is the nightlife good in Salamanca? Where is good to go?

Yes, it is. Where you want to go only depends on your likes: what music do you want to hear.

• For rock and metal: Charro Rock, Ciao, Potemkin, Imprenta, Paniagua, Astaroth, La Soziedad.
• For pop-rock and pop: Bender, TBO, Irish Rover, People, Camelot.
• For jazz and blues: Birdland, Santa Ana, Malabar.
• For latin music: El Savor (a classic place you must go).
• For a more quiet atmosphere with a variety of music: Clavel 8, Molly Malone, St Patricks, Tío Vivo, El Javi, Café Moderno.
• There are also places that play electronic kind of music: I know Country (more "light" and melodic), there's also Cubic and much others but I don't know them.

What advice would you give future students heading to Salamanca?

One simple advice: enjoy and also do your best at studies, remember that Salamanca is much more than party.