Erasmus Experience in Southampton, UK by Danislug

Why did you choose to go to Southampton, UK?

I chose Southampton because Solent University offered me the chance to go; I study Fine Arts and I specialize in audiovisual. Solent seemed to be a good option amongst all the other UK options (Leeds, Middlesex and some in Scotland). They spoke English, I could stay for the 9 months that my course lasted (not everywhere offered this option) and the facilities are very good, this was enough for me.

How long did your grant last? How much money did you receive to help you?

The grant lasted the 9 months of my stay.

The European Union gave me 1, 332€ and the Mistery of Education gave me 800€ euros 2, 132€ in total.

But let's carry on...

How did you find the student atmosphere in Southampton?

In general there's a good atmosphere, the students are very punctual and most of the teachers are very good.

But there needs to be more camaraderie between the locals and the Erasmus students, I noticed a quite alarming individuality between them, they all take great care not to help any more than necessary. Their courses last 3 years and I was in a class with people from 2nd year, therefore most of them got to know each other the year before. This can be a problem when it comes to making new friends or work groups, you'd better hurry or you stay outside. They aren't the ones worried about integrating into a foreign country, and the teachers don't make an effort either in this aspect. Be careful because in the UK, we are starting to notice xenophobia.

Would you recommend the city or the University of Southampton to other students?

I didn't like the city; every time friends came to visit me in the UK we stayed in London, where you can get a bus to for £10. There, there are lots more things to see, you can see all of Southampton in two days and it hasn't got much to offer.

As for Solent University (I wasn't in Southampton University, this is another one), the facilities were good and the cafeteria was great, if not a bit expensive (and taking into consideration how the pound is).

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How was the country's food?

Quite normal. Fish and chips is the typical dish, but I've never tried it. Going out for lunch/dinner is expensive, buying alcohol is even more expensive, people drink cider because it's cheap. As for the residential side, there was a TESCOs, but I would recommend going shopping in ASDA in the centre, it's cheaper but you had to walk 15 minutes to get there and then the same back.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Southampton?

Not too difficult. I started looking as soon as I knew that they had accepted me into Solent and found out what the University was offering me.

Lucia Foster Welch.

Then there is Mercury Point, and another one, the rest are shared flats with more students.

How much does it cost to live in Southampton?

On average, £100 per week, therefore around £400 per month for the rent. Then, you have to take into account food, laundry (it costs £2 to wash your clothes and £1 the drying machine, that's why I would wash my clothes together with other Erasmus students).

It's expensive, the difference between the Euro and the Pound is quite significant.

How did you find the language? Did you attend any course ran by the University?

The language was fine, at the start the UK accent surprised me, but in the last few weeks you get used to it. The teachers give classes completely in English, so don't go thinking they will speak to you in Spanish...

I found a course in the University which was accepted. On arrival then give you an inicial English test to get an approximate idea of the level you have and from this they can they recommend one group or another. The course was fine, nothing more.

If you want to really practise English, I recommend getting a job face to face with the public.

What's the cheapest way to get to Southampton from your city?

I arrived into Bristol from Manises Airport, and from there my dad drove to Southampton, and we did a bit of sight-seeing.

But from Valencia I went direct to London Gatwick Airport and from there I got the bus to Southampton (there are also trains but the bus is still considerably cheaper).

Which places would you recommend for a night out in Southampton?

For the price and my understanding of "party/night-out", I didn't go out that much. I found it much cheaper and more fun to have dinners and then drink in the residence's kitchen.

But if I have to say a place, I suppose I would recommend Cafe Parfait.

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If you like live music in the Fire House I saw a tribute band to Rage Against The Machine place and they were really good. This place is quite recommendable.

Fuente

And what about eating in Southampton? Could you tell us your favourite places?

In almost every place on a Monday everything is half price, it's undoubtedly the best day to go out for a meal. The last few times I went out to eat, we went to Slug and Lettuce and to Revolution.

The majority of places are chain restaurants and serve very similar dishes.

And what about cultural visits?

There is the Marintine Museum that I never visited.... It's better to go to London and see the British Museum or the Royal Academy....

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Don't forget to go to Newforest if you have the chance.

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Do you have any advice to give future Southampton students?

If you are going to Solent and you want to work somewhere that isn't a restaurant or fundraising for NGOs (which is what I did, it's easy to get into but it's a lot of hard work), Solent has an agency called Solent Creatives (http://solentcreatives.co.uk/) which bridges the gap between the University and all kinds of companies. You work normally with an established salary of £6 per hour (student rate) or if it's a video about £100/£150 per video (including recording, editing and post-production).

I made 3 videos for this agency and I know that I didn't earn much but it taught me a lot in the form of experience, more than any class:

• Wellow School Longdown Activity Farm
• Southampton Gymnastics Club