Erasmus Experience in San Sebastián, Spain by Martin

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Why did you choose to go to San Sebastián, Spain?

Summer weather, ocean, famous for students life, Spanish girls are beatiful, Spanish guys are cool.

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

4 months scholarship, I received 400E per month from home university (there is no way you can live with that in Sebastian).

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What is the student lifestyle like in San Sebastián?

Lot of Erasmus parties, lot of local parties with Basque students, lot of happenings at university. Trips with Erasmus students. There is everything you want and more.

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

It depends what you want, country, customs, culture are awesome, university classes... nothing special.

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What is the food like?

Food in restaurants is expensive. Food in university canteen is nothing special, sometimes really bad, lot of fried things. Baguettes and tortillas are good to try but not to eat every day. Cooking at home is cheap but takes some time. Cooking with friends from different countries is a lot of fun. Every Thursday is pinxtos night when you can buy cheap small tapas with beer or wine in a lot of bars, that is very good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in San Sebastián?

Start looking for accommodation 1 or 2 months before you go! (Facebook pages) You can find plenty of nice rooms in good parts of town for good price. If you start looking for room when you arrive in Sebastian, there will be not much to choose from.

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How much does it cost to live in San Sebastián?

Around 300E rent (with bills, may vary, depends on room and part of town, closer to uni or beach=more expensive), 100E bike or around 50E/month for bus if you live far from uni, 100-200E for food; free time, party etc. depends on your life style. For me it was around 500E/month total.

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

You can do it only with English but it is better if you know Spanish a little. Or you will need a Spanish speaking friend when arranging accommodation, etc. There are courses at the university. In San Sebastián you will also hear Basque language a lot and you can learn it in course as well.

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

Flight tickets from Vienna to Bilbao around 80-100E then bus to Sebastian. If you are lucky you can even buy cheaper ones.

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

Any bar in town part Gross or Centro, music club Dabadaba.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in San Sebastián?

Only my favourite bakery - the Loaf.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Lot of museums or festivals, but don't stay only in San Sebastián, there are plenty of interesting places to visit nearby. Bilbao, vine region La Rioja or France are also nice to visit.

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

Buy a bike, a lot of offers on Facebook pages. If you don't like your accommodation, change it fast. Rent a board and try surfing. If you want to improve your Spanish, find Spanish friends or partner in the tandem programme at the university. Enjoy your time in San Sebastián!

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