Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Damjan

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

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I chose Valencia because my parents were here once and they were absolutely in love with this city and I did some search by myself and I must say that I didn't regret even for a second the choice of coming here, just the opposite, this city is just made to live beautifully.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The scolarship is separated through all months, but I can say that it is not enough for all the expenses because the Erasmus lifestyle is much more different than the one we are used to in our cities and it requires much more money, but the scolarship is really good and helps really a lot, depending also which country you come from.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

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Student lifestyle in Valencia is absolutely great. Of course the classes are a big part of everything, because I believe we all want to also learn something new, but there are a million things to do all the time and practically every day. Constant events, beautiful weather most of the time and a lot of young people ready to live the best time of their lifes, what else do you need as a student?

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

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I would definitely recommend the city and the university to other students in all their aspects. I am at the UV, but for those students who study engeneering careers, the UPV is one of nicest campuses I have seen, really I would recommend it to anybody.

What is the food like?

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Food is nice, but for me I must say it's nothing that would kick me off my feet. In my country we have a lot of similar dishes so it also depends I guess where you come from and what kind of cousine you have and like.

But, definitley, I can't say that there's something I don't like, there are some very nice dishes.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

It did not cost me much of fuss in finding the accomodation in Valencia, it is pretty easy and there is lot to choose from as the most of the flats are in area Blasco Ibanez, which is best for students.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

I would say, as the Erasmus life is not as our normal lives that we live at home, it is more expensive because there is a lot to do and see and of course pay, so I would say around 600-650 per month for a nice living.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Depending froom where you come, that will make you learning spanish easier or harder, if you speak a roman language, like italian, then it's gonna be much easier. But all in all spanish is not that hard and there are language courses in UV which are 60 euros for the whole semester.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Valencia from your city?

Valencia is very easy to travel through, especially for students, there are no hills, so mostly by foot and by bicicle, Valenbisi is the best option for me. For some longer destinations there is bus, tranvia and metro, taxi is also not that expensive.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Valencia?

In Valencia there is really a lot to choose so it would be hard to recommend, depending on type of person you are and what you like, what music you listen to etc, but there are a few nice clubs, for example "Mya". But for Erasmus students there is not much problem with that as there is every day in the week an option to go somewhere and do something.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Valencia?

There are few nice places in Valencia, at the beach for example La mas bonita, casa Carmela to try paella, but there are also nice ones in city centre for example La Papardella and much more others depending on taste. In the Blasco Ibanez, the so called student area, there are also a lot of places to eat, but they are not something special, just maybe to grab a bit some days, but certainly there are a lot ot choose from.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The whole city centre is beautiful, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Reina, the cathedral, Plaza de la Virgen and all the old city centre. Also a must see is a Ciudad de las artes y las sciencias which is really magnificent. In that sense Valencia is a really beautiful city.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Valencia in the future?

When you come, try to see in which campus is your faculty and decide where to find a flat depending on that, but Blasco Ibanez area is the best anyway. The city is really nice, pretty safe, specially compared to Madrid or Barcelona, but there is a lot of pickpoketing, so watch for your phones especially in crowded places with lots of students. I would say actually that Valencia is really maybe one of the best choices for Erasmus, it has everything, beautiful weather, fun, party, warm people, good faculties, all a student can ask for.