Mareva's Erasmus Experience in Salzburg, Austria

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Why did you choose to go to Salzburg, Austria?

Salzburg was one of five options that I chose from when it came to selecting a destination for my Erasmus exchange. My options were centred around both English and German speaking countries. I wanted to go to a country where the English level was high, and I felt that both the Germans and Austrians have a very high level, so, thanks to this, I have been able to improve my English there.

How long does the grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My stay lasted for one semester - from February to July - and the financial support that I received totalled 310€ a month.

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What is student life like in Salzburg?

During my stay there, I was fortunate enough to be able to stay in a student residence that was pretty much attached to the university. There, the atmosphere was really friendly and lively, given that we were all students and it was where the majority of students met up for parties. With regards to the city itself, the nightlife scene kicks off on Wednesdays, and, although the city is small, there are lots of bars that organise student nights.

Would you recommend the city and the university you attend in Salzburg to other students?

The city is beautiful when it's both snowing in winter and when everything is green in springtime. In spring, you can enjoy the endless fields, lakes, and mountains (it's worth going hiking in the Alps).

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What is the food like in Austria?

I didn't really have much chance to eat out in the city's restaurants, but I have tried some of the local specialities and I have to say that it's worth trying them for yourself. Obviously, it's another country, so be open to new recipes.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Salzburg?

Thanks to the help from my university, which recommended a number of student residences close to the campus to us, it was very easy to find accommodation; we ended up choosing the one that suited us best.

How much does it cost to live in Salzburg?

The way of life here is really good, which, as a consequence, means that the cost of living is relatively high, but, that doesn't mean that it's massively different to that of other European cities. Monthly expenses (accounting for the cost of the residence, food, transport, and any leisure activities) were around 700€.

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

In the beginning, the language is a little bit complicated, but with the help of some German classes that the university offered us and some German students, little by little you end up mastering the language. I don't think that it's particularly difficult. The friends that I have that stayed for a year spoke German fluently by the end of their stay.

What is the cheapest way to get to Salzburg from your city?

From Alicante, the cheapest way would be to take a flight to London and, from there, another flight from London to Salzburg. If not, another viable route is flying from Alicante to Memmingen, then taking a train to the main station in Salzburg, but getting there in this way takes a little bit longer.

In both cases, the flights are with Ryanair.

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Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Salzburg?

There are several bars in the city centre, and there is a bar that organises a student night once a month called Republic Café - it's the most well-known bar in Salzburg.

And eating out in Salzburg? Can you mention your favourite places?

With regards to restaurants, I haven't really had many opportunities to eat out, but there are many in the city that serve some of the local specialities.

For beers and typical German sausages, one of the best places to go is Augustiner Brau.

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And cultural hotspots?

The views from Salzburg Castle are beautiful. There is also a really cool museum located just inside the castle. I also recommend travelling around Austria as it's not very expensive to do so. In Linz, there is a very famous concentration camp where many Spaniards were held during the Nazi regime. I took a trip to several lakes during the spring, and I have to say that they are beautiful. I also recommend going skiing a couple of times. There are lots of things to do both in and around Salzburg.

Is there any advice that you want to give to future students in Salzburg?

Although it's not the most well-known city, it's worth spending a year or a semester there for your Erasmus exchange. It's situated right in the heart of Europe, allowing you to travel all over the continent. Enjoy your stay - that's the best advice that I can give you. The Erasmus experience is something that only comes around once in your life.

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