Experience in Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Balazs

What is it like to live in Santiago de Compostela? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Absolutely perfect for an erasmus student. Not that big city, lots of familiar faces.

What is the student lifestyle like in Santiago de Compostela?

I would say this is the lifestyle of Spain. Wake up at late and fo to sleep late :) But I never felt myself useless.

How much does it cost to live in Santiago de Compostela?

Pretty much, but I really liked my apartment there. It was around 150 euros and the plus bills per month. I think I spent generally 300 euros per month for life.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Santiago de Compostela? Is there any advice you can give?

I got lucky because I found very easy through facebook, the girl wrote to my research and she spent pictures I liked that because it was very with details. So when i got Santiago I met with the land-lady and I could see the flat and she gave me one day to decide so it was very nice. Of course I decided to stay there.

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

I really liked, and nowadays too I like the tortilla espanola, and it could be seems it is very easy to prepare but is not true:) And I liked the vegetables there, and the atún was very cheap because of the ocean's near. I bought almost every day for breakfast.

What places would you recommend visiting in Santiago de Compostela?

First of all, the Cathedral! Don't miss it, I have some friends they didn't visit the Cathedral because ,,oh we are going to see it later" and the time is gone. After of course the bars, and discos. There are some very nice there. Momo, Babel were my favorites.
And I also did the Camino from SAntiago to Finisterre. I never forget that experience. It was one of my best decision of my life.

Is it good to eat out in Santiago de Compostela? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yeah, there are some very nice places at the new and the old part of the city too. Example I liked the Bar River at Rua de Alfredo Branas, they always had very good and delicious tapas. And the point they always gave a big one tapas I liked that! Ah and of course Burger King was always helped us after a long party...usually I used to go to the supermercado and cook at home. It was the cheaper decision.

Is the nightlife good in Santiago de Compostela? Where is good to go?

very good, even i thought the beginning it is just a little city, I think there is no street without bars or party places. The point that the night life begininng from 2-3 to 7-8. Before that the people has the ,,botellon", probably they are drinking somewhere, usually at home or at bars. And after that they are going to get a bars, in my time the famous ones were the Apolo, Shango, and the retablo.

What advice would you give future students heading to Santiago de Compostela?

In my life until now I had the most unforgettable and happy moments there and I would never change these moments for anything. I love Santiago forever, so if you had a chance go for it and live there!