Experience in Santiago, Chile by Gianni

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

Living in Santiago is an amazing experience. The city is as developed and liveable as any city in the United States or Europe. SIx metro lines, cheap taxi fares and efficient bussing make getting around easy. The city is massive and offers natural landscapes like hiking up the San Cristobal mount. It also has a wide selection of malls, cinemas, theatre etc. The city is also very international, and therefore has a large community of people from outside the country. This is reflected in the culinary scene as well as other things.

What is the student lifestyle like in Santiago?

There are two major universities in Santiago, La Catolica and La Universidad de Chile. Both are very big and prestigious in the Latin American scheme. Because of this, the city has a young population, and is built to accommodate young people.

How much does it cost to live in Santiago?

Imported things from major European chains (i.e. H&M) are expensive, but day to day life is cheaper than in Europe.

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

There are many hotels. that range in prices. From normal to total luxury there are lots of choices. There are also numerous hotels and aribnbs.

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

Santiago gives access to food from all over the world. Namely Peruvian, USA, Japanese, Chinese and Italian. Due to immigration from those countries, the food is very authentic.

Chilean food classics are the Churrasco sandwich (my favorite) el completo hotdog (lots of sauces and palta, which is an avocado paste) and asados (barbeque) Chilean empanadas are also delicious.

What places would you recommend visiting in Santiago?

- Cerro San Cristobal is a fantastic hike
- Costanera center is a five story mall filled with famous stores, cinemas and a floor filled with restaurants
- The tower in the center is the tallest in South America and the observation deck is opened year round
- La moneda is the Chilean parliament
-Truth and reconciliation musem
-Estadio Nacional (try to catch a Chile match, I have been to stadiums in Italy Nicaragua, Panama and Canada and the atmosphere is still unmatched)

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

Il Golfo Di Napoli, best Pizza outside of Italy. It is owned by a man who immigrated from Salerno.
Eating out is generally great

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

The center and povidencia are excellent spots, el W is a famous nightclub

What advice would you give future students heading to Santiago?

Have fun, don't take the safety for granted, and open your mind.