Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico by Nannette

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

I love San Juan, Puerto Rico. Living in the tropics is amazing and I wouldn’t change my island for anything. The people are extremely Friendly and always looking for a reason to feast or party. The music moves you and the food is always tasty. You can find a beach near you wherever you go. To the north is the Atlantic sea and to the south is the Caribbean. The weather is always warm but if it gets too warm you can always escape to the rivers as well or the rainforest. The island holds a large amount of ecosystems, from desert like areas to tropical rainforests, there’s reefs and great surfing as well. In the city there’s always something to do. The nightlife is great and there’s many different scenes for everyone’s pleasure. You have to go to Old San Juan, it’s the old Spanish sector of the city. Where you can find 1500’s Spanish architecture and a colorful city full of life and wonder.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Juan?

The student life depends on your means and likes or dislikes as does everywhere you go. People meet in different places. From old town bars with world renowned cocktails to simple “chinchorros” where you can find beers for a dollar or two. It just depends on your taste. There are several universities and they all have different vibes but they are mostly united and the students stick together. Especially after Maria hurricane and the destitution of the former governor the community has gotten even closer. There’s a sense of empowerment, the people have regained their voice and the students have lead the movements passively. They danced and partied for days in front of the governors house as a protest and the movement was so large he had no other choice but to resign. It’s truly something to be proud of.

How much does it cost to live in San Juan?

Well you can find a small apartment for as low as $300, share an apartment with roommates in Old town San Juan for $1000 or live in Condado in a one bedroom for $1000 a monto. It just depends on your budget. Expenses like water and electricity are around $60-$80 monthly and food is rather expensive since everything is mostly imported. But you can find a one bedroom apartment in a really nice area for $700 and be 4 blocks from the beach in the city. If you move away from the city expenses are cut down by almost half.

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

It’s not hard, there are servers that can help you find what you are looking for. You can start by looking into clasificados online PR. It’s where I’ve found all of my past apartments.

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

Food is amazing, lots of fritters to choose from but my favorites are pasteles de yuca, mofongo relleno, tres leche and flan. Also Puerto Rican candy, the dulce de coco with ginger.

What places would you recommend visiting in San Juan?

Old San Juan
Santurce
Miramar
Piñones
Condado
Río Piedras

Is it good to eat out in San Juan? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Vianda
Cocina al Fondo, fresh puertorican fusión
Paulina Escanes, Mexican fusión
Flor de harina, pizza
Osaka, New taste, Asian
Mai Pen Rai, Thai

Is the nightlife good in San Juan? Where is good to go?

Yes it good, you could go to Old San Juan and go bar hoping. End up at la Factoría for cocktails and dancing, it’s known for its cocktails and several rooms with different types of music to fit your liking. La calle Loiza has a lot of good places to hangout and it’s a gentrification hub so its trendy and fun. Rio Piedras for student nightlife. Condado hotels for something fancier. El Lote 23 for something more relaxing, it’s a food truck park but it’s always fun.

What advice would you give future students heading to San Juan?

You’ll make friends fast and feel welcomed right away. It will be like having a home away from home and you will probably fall in love with the island and it’s people.