Experience in San Sebastian, Spain by Helen

What is it like to live in San Sebastian? Would you recommend it?

In my opinion San Sebastian is one of the best cities to live in. Being a smaller city, it is so easy to get around, people are really friendly and despite the cost of living being a little expensive, it is worth it. It has one of the most beautiful landscapes, the freedom you feel because of the sea, you can spend hours or even days getting know the undiscovered corners of the city. It is certain that Donostia is amazing.

What is the student life like in San Sebastian?

In San Sebastian you can find three universities, the University of Navarra, the UPV (University of the Basque Country) and the University of Deusto. You see students wherever you go, architecture students in every park, students coming and going to the libraries, the city streets are full of young people wanting to take on the world.

How much did it cost to live in San Sebastian?

In general the city is expensive, or at least it has a reputation for being so. Like everywhere, you just have to be careful when choosing a location... who doesn't like having a coffee overlooking the Bay of La Concha? In that case, be prepared to pay 3-4 euros for that coffee... surely two streets back you can find them for 1. 20€...

Did you struggle to find accommodation in San Sebastian? Can you give some advice?

There are a few student residencies in San Sebastian so there isn't usually a problem with finding accommodation. Flats are expensive, but old houses (those mostly in the centre, in the Gros or Amara neighbourhoods) are very big, normally with 5-6 rooms so you can share it with other students and share the cost of bills between you all.

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

They say we have the best food and since I am a true 'donostiarra', I have to say I agree. I couldn't choose any meal in particular as my favourite...

In the Astigarraga area (10 minutes out of the city centre by car, there are some famous cider houses where you can enjoy a steak or cod omlette. I personally love fish, there is nothing like a good, freshly caught piece of fish served with some green sauce...

What places would you recommend to visit in San Sebastian?

There is nothing I wouldn't recommend...

San Sebastian is full of charming places. As a must and almost the first thing you have to see when you arrive is the Bay de la Concha, and the beaches of Ondarreta and Concha. The third beach located in the neighborhood of Gros, La Zurriola is also worth seeing. You also have to visit the Ulia, or Urgul Igeldo hills, where you can look down and enjoy wonderful views of the city. All the historic buildings too, like the churches, Buen Pastor Cathedral, the town hall...

And eating in San Sebastian? What are your favourite places?

Pinchos from the old town, they must be the best I have ever tasted!

What places would you recommend to go out and party in San Sebastian?

Bataplán is definitely the most popular club in San Sebastian. Thursday nights there are student nights, and Fridays and Saturdays is where most 18-25 year olds go for a good night out. On the other hand, the bars in the old town are always almost full too and usually have a great atmosphere. A new club has opened recently called GU, next to the town hall. Other good places include la Rotonda, Friends, Itzela... I'm not personally the biggest fan of these last three, but hey ho, you can't please everybody.

Any advice you would like to give to future students going to San Sebastian?

• The weather: (especially in winter) at first it may rain a lot, but nothing that a good raincoat and umbrella can't combat...
• Transport and mobility: The fact Donosti is a small city, it is very accessible on foot, but when the weather isn't great and you just can't be bothered, there is a bus that goes right through the city, and it is a very good bus service.

  Bus: The tickets start at 1, 65 € so I recommend getting a MUGI card (I'm not sure if you can get a discount for being an Erasmus student but I know that this card helps). With this card, journeys cost 0, 90€ and allows you to change lines since each bus has its own route and it might not always go where you want it to (this doesn't work with just a normal ticket, if you have to take two buses to get from point A to point B, you have to pay 3, 30€). The card costs 6€, but hey, you get your money's worth.

  Euskotren: we also have the euskotren which is a service that connects Donostia with many surrounding locations (and not so close as it actually goes to Bilbao).

  Bikes: there are also a series of bikes that belong to the council that you can rent out with a card. You can pick them up from one location and drop them off in another location... if I'm not mistaken, they are free for the first 20 mins and then it adds up per minute you use it, so you can use it for free and do some exercise.

• Party: you can get some discount cards for Erasmus students where you can get into venues for a cheaper rate... it depends on each university so just ask for yourself once you arrive.

I can't think of anything else important at the moment but in case I do, I will update the article. And if in doubt, all you have to do is ask!

See you soon friends!