Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Jana

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

Because I am a hot-weather-lover and I really love living near of the beach.

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

We did half a year scholarship but then we considered this stay so awesome, that we did an another half of a year, so in total it was one academic year. We received about 350€ monthly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

The student life in Valencia is great! Can not better, there is a lot of stuff to do, places to go, a lot of fun and the most important thing, a lot of new people you can meet.

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

I would recommend definitely the city. I was not studing at the UV, I was studing at the UPV and my opinion it's the best university.

What is the food like?

The food is delicious, people who likes sea food and a lot of fishes, they will love it. For people more like me, not really friendly with seafood, there is a lot of another yummy stuff like jamon or chorizo and of course a huge variety of fresh fruits and veggies.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

It's really easy to find accommodation there. I have started to search through the internet and then came to see flats personaly, I have found the one in just one day. The first night I have spent in a hostel in the city center.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Well this is not really easy to say. It really depends on your lifestyle. The flat you will choose, the food you eat, if you don't have a problem to cook for you or you prefer to go to the restaurant often, it depends on activities you are attending etc. It can be cheap and it can be expensive as well, all depends on you.

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

Spanish language is easy to learn, if you will stay all the time with Spanish speaking people and if you will have everyday contact with Spanish. All around the city there is plenty places where can you sign up for a language course.

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

The trip from my city to Valencia is a looong journey. You have to get up to the airport in Bratislava or better Vienna and from there fly by plane.

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

I don't have any specific club because those are changing all the time, but definitely this town doesn't suffer from a lack of good music clubs.

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

As well as clubs, there are plenty of good restaurants all around the city.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You have to see the historical centre as well as the modern part called Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Valencia?

Enjoy!