A city with magic!

Why did you choose Santiago de Compostela, Spain?

The truth is that I didn't hesitate with my choice. I had already studied English and French in the past so I was really looking forward to learning a new language. I though about studying Portuguese but then I discovered Galicia (the region of Santiago de Compostela) and I said... why not learning both Spanish and Galician?

At that moment I could chose Barcelona or Santiago and, despite the fact that Barcelona is fantastic, I was looking for something more "authentique", unique. The truth is that in Santiago I found what I was looking for so much that I decided to stay here and currently I'm working in Santiago. It's quite unbelievable if you take into consideration that when I arrived I found Santiago so rainy that I seriously thought about moving back home!

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How long was your scholarship? How much money did you get?

My scholarship was 9 months long, September - July, and I was given 120€ monthly. However, I can imagine that things have changed and I hope that current students are getting a higher quantity per month. Anyway, it was pretty easy to find a job as a waiter in a bar so I could live the life I wanted to life (and afford buying as much "licor café" as I wanted). In case you were not aware, I believe that in Santiago there are as many bars as inhabitants!

Could you tell us the student vibe in Santiago de Compostela?

I must confess that the students vibe in Santiago is amazingly good. I only have to say that 30, 000 people out Santiago's 96, 000 inhabitant are students for you to understand what's going on in this city.

It has 3 fundamental pillars University, Catholicism and Public Administration. What I liked the most is the balance between the 3 of them: maybe, on your way home after a night out, you find a pilgrim heading to Santiago's Cathedral or a man wearing black tie going to work, and everything is in perfect harmony. The streets and the University are always full of people, at University my classmates helped me a lot. You can go have a drink everyday and you will always bump into someone. I strongly believe that there are not many cities like Santiago!

Do you recommend Santiago and its University to future students?

I will definitely recommend this city! It is quite small but it has a huge cultural offer and lots of affordable activities to do in your free time. You can go everywhere walking, it is very safe and, moreover, you always have a plan to do!

What do you think about Spanish gastronomy?

I really liked the food, they had an incredible variety of fresh fish and seafood and at affordable prices. "Pulpo á feira", a famous octopus dish, it's delicious, you should also try "pementos de Padrón", a type of small, green peppers typical from the region which are very famous because of the fact that some of them are spicy but you cannot distinguish them until you already have them in your mouth. You can buy everything at the food market: "La Plaza de Abastos" were people from the countryside sell their own groceries, it's wonderful.

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Was finding accommodation difficult?

I found accommodation thanks to some friends who had lived in Santiago the previous academic course: before leaving, they talked with the landlord of the house so I could move in. You must search carefully for accommodation because while some flats are in great conditions, others are a bit old. If you don't know anyone who had lived here before and that can help you with the searching, I recommend you to don't give up and to see as much flats as possible before making a choice. In case you visit a real-state agency, read carefully the small print of the contract before signing so you don't have bad surprises. The best option is to move in with Spanish students and the best way to find your Spanish flat-mates is by putting and advertisement at USCasa in http://www.enxebrecompostela.com.

What about the cost of living in Santiago?

A single room at a shared flat costs between 160€ and 200€, expenses not included. Be aware with an expense called "COMUNIDAD" that you have to pay in many buildings of flats (it's related to the expense of light in the stairs, central heating, etc. ) and can be up to 100€ per month. Remember to ask always before renting a flat.

What about Spanish? Did your university offered any Spanish course?

The language was not a problem. I went to a Spanish course for Erasmus Students at "Centro de lenguas modernas", it was free and it helped me a lot. However, Santiago's streets are the best academy! But don't forget that in Galicia, Santiago's region, they speak Galician as well which is a co-oficial language. Take into consideration that you might find some teachers who chose to give their lectures in this languages, but don't worry, it is very similar to Spanish and very easy to understand.

Which is the easiest and cheapest way for travelling from your home-town?

I'm Italian and from Pisa you can fly with Ryanair to Oporto, Portugal. You can then go to Vigo, Spain, by bus and from Vigo to Santiago by train. Another possibly is moving from Pisa to Rome and then flying directly to Santiago with Ryanair.

Which places do you recommend for a night out in Santiago?

I would recommend you to eat some "tapas" in Raiña Street and go from bar to bar having something to drink. For example, "Trafalgar", where they will give you a "tapa" of spicy mussels for free with your drink. Then, I would go inside the old town and visit "Casa das Crechas" where they frequently play traditional Galician music ("muiñera", very different from "flamenco"). Finally, I would go for a drink: "licor café" at "Atlántico", a "mojito" at "Ultramarions" and whatever you feel like drinking at "Sónar". Around 5a. m. I would move to the new town and visit "Blaster" and "Yacaré". Last but not least, I would go have a great, big breakfast at "Galicia" and it's about time of going home and going to sleep!

Be aware that, normally, you don't have to pay to get inside the bars and clubs and, in case you have to pay, it will be less than 5€ and you will get your first drink for free.

Can you tell us your favorite restaurants in Santiago?

There are a lot of great restaurants in the old town: "María Castaña", "O celme dos caracoles" if you are looking for something more legant and "San Jaime" if you are going with your parents, where you can eat amazing seafood and percebes! In the new town I recommend "El Castelao" and "Raices" at Vigo's Square, that makes the best "bocadillos" in town.

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What do you recommend for a cultural visit?

The Cathedral's roofs, it's a one-hour-long visit and it's really worth the time, you get to see Santiago from the heights and it's so beautiful! I really liked it! You can also visit the museums "Museo do pobo galego" and "CGAC"and then rest at the public park of "Bonaval", amazing!

Any tip for future students?

Come On! You have chosen a very special city that, for sure, will stay in your hearts forever!