Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Laura

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

I chose Valencia, Spain because I wanted to live in a city that wasn't as huge as Madrid or Barcelona and wanted one that was near the beach. I knew about the Fallas Festival and thought it would be great to experience that since I would be studying abroad in the spring.

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

I would recommend the city of Valencia to other students because it is beautiful and easy to adapt in.

I would not recommend the University of Valencia. Getting registered for classes is difficult. You won't be registered for classes until after you arrive and you only have a limited amount of classes to register for because the are all filled by the local students. One of my friends was not able to register for any classes because the ones she needed for her major were full the only ones available were some that would not transfer to her university. She had already signed a five month contract with her landlord so she had to stay in Valencia without going to university. Many foreigners had this problem. Luckily, I was able to find classes that would transfer.

What is the food like?

Before coming to Valencia I heard that the food was amazing but everyone has a different taste. Sea food is very common here so if you like seafood you are set. After trying so many restaurants and leaving unsatisfied, my go-to restaurants are currently Italian.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

I found accommodation through this site Erasmusu but as we arrived the place did not look like it did in pictures. The pictures made the rooms appear very large but they were actually really small. My roommate and I were unsatisfied with the flat we had found so we decided to look elsewhere. I would recommend looking at the place before signing the contract.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

The cost of living in Valencia is really cheap compared to some areas in the United States. Accommodation is not expensive and neither is food. Transportation is also cheap in my opinion.

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

There are so many Spanish courses available not only through the University. They are very effective. I am taking Spanish courses through El Centro de Idiomas and I am learning a lot. The Spanish I know, however, is Latin American Spanish so it is very different to the Spanish used in Spain.

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

I have been to many Italian restaurants in Valencia and I have liked them all so far. I have loved all of the pizzas that I have tried so far and the pastas. Another place that I love is 100 Montaditos.

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