Erasmus experience in Split, Croatia by Daniel

Why did you choose Split, Croatia?

It was a new Erasmus destination that my university were offering and I was told quite a lot about it (at first there isn't much information about Croatia/it isn't very well known). Finding out about its weather, its landscape and culture and working out how much it costs to live there, I compared it to Spain and decided that Split was a better option for me as it had more advantages.

How long did the placement last? How much grant did you receive?

I was there for 11 months (from September to July) since after spending part of the summer there I didn't want to leave.

I only received the equivalent grant for a period of 5 months, if you decide to stay longer you will have to fund the rest on your own. Having a B2 level of English, I received 1, 750€ (which works out at 350€ a month if you stay for a semester, but if you stay 10/11 months, you get 175€ a month).

What is the student life like in Split?

Split isn't a huge city so there aren't loads of Erasmus students there (there is around 100/200). And the local student population isn't that big either, since the university is only small. Having said that, most students live and stay on campus so once you are on campus there is a great student atmosphere (most of them are Croatian).

Would you recommend the city and the University of Split to other students?

The university is really accommodating to Erasmus students, classes take place in tutor's offices and they are just Erasmus classes, so you get a lot more help and attention than if you were in the same class as all the other students.

What is the food like there?

The food there is Mediterranean. They have quite a lot of Fast food restaurants but no more than we have in Spain. You can get healthy food here from some take-away restaurants. But as for the rest, they are the same as Spain.

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Did you struggle to find accommodation in Split?

No, there are lots of websites advertising different rooms. Because it is a tourist city, there are lots of available flats in the winter (since they are occupied during the summer and then left empty). What you have to take into account is that when you rent a room, ask the landlord how long the contract is. Reason being, like I have said, is that if you arrive in the summer (May, June), lots of students that originally have a flat in the centre are relocated or discharged because the owners want to use them as tourist flats so they can charge more. So landlords often want to relocate you or simply not let out the flat during these months.

How much does it cost to live in Split?

At the moment, for a 3 large bedroom flat with 2 terraces, 2 bathrooms, and a big, joint lounge and kitchen, you can pay around 450€ (150€ per person). The student residencies usually cost the same but you're often sharing a room with someone.

What is the language like? Did you take a language class at the university?

To be honest, the language is very complicated and is nothing like Spanish. But you will be able to learn some words and phrases that get easier every day you use them. The university offers a course in Crotian that is worth 5 ECTS and is 9 hours a week (3 hours a day 3 days a week).

What is the cheapest way to get from your hometown to Split?

There are cheap flights (such as Easyjet) from Barcelona to Split during the summer season (April, May). The cheapest way to get there from Madrid is to fly to either Zagreb or Dubrovnik and then catch a bus from there to Split (takes 4 and 5 hours respectively), but the bus is cheaper.

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What places would you recommend to go out in Split?

During the winter not many clubs are open.

• In my opinion, the best is called 'Quasimodo'. It's a bar and it isn't very big but the music is quite good, some days they only play Croatian music but generally, they play international music and it's a good party.
• Also, not in the centre, there is another club called 'Kameleon' (electronic music, but you need to either get a bus or take a taxi to get there).
• The most 'exclusive' bar is called 'Vanila' (close to the Spinut residency), which has an entrance fee and a dress code. On Saturdays, it is usually full of people and they play local music which isn't very entertaining for us Erasmus students. In the summer, they open their terrace area which is better despite the drinks being really expensive.
• O'hara: it is walking distance from the beach and is open in the winter but it is best in the summer because you are able to stand on the beach and drink which is really nice).
• Bacvice Club: also on the beach during the summer and is the most popular beach bar because it is ideally located one the most central beach in Split. It is the only sandy beach too so all the tourists go there. During the summer, all the clubs play international music since their target audience is tourists.
• Tropic: right next to Bacvice Club, and they are very similar. It is smaller and partially closed, and can get quite cramped inside.

What about places to eat? What are your favourite places?

As for Croatian food, in Fife, a restaurant on the waterfront, they serve high quality food for a good price (very touristy but very cheap and very tasty! ). Most Erasmus students eat in restaurants on campus since the food is very good. It is also super cheap because the Croatian government spends 100 € per month per student on food cards that can be used on campus restaurants. So normally a full course dinner (starter, main dish, salad, bread, drink and dessert) costs a maximum of 2 €.

And as I mentioned before, fast food restaurants are popular here too.

What is there to do there culture wise?

Split is a city with a very small but beautiful old town. It is like a Venetian palace with perfectly preserved towers, doors, arches and spectacular squares. Visiting all the cultural attractions in Split takes no more than two days, its main attraction are the beaches and excursions to the islands that are located off its coast.

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Any advice to future students going to Split?

Split is one of the best Erasmus destinations that you can choose to go to. It is cheap, has good weather, lots of tourism and it is a beautiful city.

I would advise getting a flat/room on campus since there aren't loads of Erasmus students here, we are all like a family and we are together all the time so we are having fun and partying 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As for university, the tutors are very attentive and professional, and throughout the year away you will gain a lot of knowledge academically and about life.