Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Martina

Why did you decide to go to Valencia, Spain?

Because of the beautiful modern architecture. Then when I moved there, I found out that the city has two souls: one is modern and futuristic and the other is traditional and ancient. The city is really pretty, you will fall in love with the weather straight away.

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

Personally I haven't got any scholarship yet (I've been here since September and I'm writing this on the 5th of December). Anyway, the city is cheap, accommodation costs are average and it costs less than 15 euros to buy groceries (a lot of them) to last a week!

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Extraordinary. It's like a whole different world compared to the Italian one. You have to try it to believe it!

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

Of course!

What is the local food like?

There's not a great variety: paella, tapas, horchata... but anyway it's all good food.

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Was it hard for you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

Not really. I looked for some houses on the internet and I booked some viewings. Once I got to Valencia, I stayedin a hostel and I went to the viewings... after three days I had already found a place!

But remember:Sunday is a holy day, no one will schedule an appointment on Sundays. Even during the siesta it is rare to be able to book an appointment (in fact, my appointments were always scheduled after 6 pm). The best areas to live are Blasco Ibañez, Plaza del Cedro (where there are always parties) and Benimaclet. Yecla, on the other hand, is an area with a bad reputation. The city centre (El Carme) and the Colon area are far from the uni.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Basically, it depends on what you do. It's a city that offers all kinds of entertainment...

When trying to not spend much, I suggest to you two options:

• If you like parties, you just have to put your name on the Facebook lists and you'll have free entry until 2:30 am. Since the biggest clubs are a little further away from the city centre, you will just have to share a taxi with other friends (for example, from Blasco Ibañez to the club Mya if there's four of you, you won't spend more than 2 euros each). Then there are the famous Erasmus parties that are completely free and generally take place in fairly central clubs like the Rumbo, in Blasco Ibañez in front of the Plaza del Cedro, or the Carribean's that is located in a cross street of Blasco Ibañez as well.
• Every night in Plaza del cedro there are the legendary "botellón" events and the square is surrounded by clubs and pubs to suit every taste...

As far as shopping is concerned, Valencia is full of Mercadonas! There is one in every street, the quality is excellent and the prices are "Italian". The Dia is another very famous chain of supermarkets, prices are very low, but I would not recommend buying meat there!

Another problem that I had to face is clothing, as I could not fit clothes for the whole year in a 20kg suitcase. But Valencia boasts any clothing chain! H&M, Zara, Stradivarius, Bershka, etc. If you are willing to go a bit out of town then go to the shopping centre Bonaire and shop at Primark! Great price/quality ratio!

As far as transport is concerned, buses are very well connected in every part of the city. The underground is a bit expensive, but it's good for long-distance travel. A bus ride costs 1. 50 euros, a tube ride 2 or 2. 50 euros. If you have to take two buses, and thus buy two tickets for 1. 50 each, then you should take the tube! The 10 rides pass is convenient... but the best solution is the Valenbici, with bikes and stations on every corner of the city!

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

At the beginning it is tragic of course, but then you gradually master it, you just have to be patient...

The university organises a course for Erasmus students which is six months long. You pay 5 euros to do a test that tells you the level you could reach at the end of the course. Once you know the result, you just have to go to class and sit the exam at the end (it costs 60 euros, 10 euros per month, plus the 5 euros for the test, which makes 65 euros in total). If you get a good score at the beginning, you could achieve a B2 level.

Another piece of advice I have for you is to take part in the language nights organised by Tandem at Big Bang (Plaza Honduras, a cross street of Blasco Ibañez). They take place on Thursday nights (if I'm not mistaken), and different languages are spoken at every table (the one of the flag that you'll find as centrepiece). You meet new people, you learn new things and if you want you can learn more about other languages, not just Spanish.

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

Low cost flights, thank God there's Ryanair!

What places would you recommend to go out for a night out in Valencia?

If you are close to Blasco Ibañez, then definitely Plaza del Cedro! The Bolseria is a nice place in the city centre. The best clubs are Mya (in the parking of the City of Art and Science) and Las Animas (at the harbour, but unfortunately it is only open in the warmest months).

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And what about eating out in Valencia? Can you tell us your favourite places?

The food chain 100 Montaditos is definitely interesting! Even though you won't be full after a montadito... Bodega Fila is a must go and a "very Spanish" place located in Calle Cardinal Belloch. If you feel like "golosinas", I believe the most famous chain is Belros: it's avid, it takes you back to your childhood! For the most gluttonous, Cupcake Republic in Calle Colon can't be missed.

Finally, when you are feeling nostalgic: La Dolce, in Blasco Ibañez makes authentic Italian ice cream... it's a bit expensive, but really good. Segreto Freddo merits attention as well and is close to the cathedral. I also recommend you Farinas in Blasco Ibañez: good pizza and run by Neapolitans!

What about cultural places to see?

The City of Art and Science is not to be missed! It's quite expensive, but it's really worth it. The old town is impressive. The Turia Gardens are beautiful as well. An urban park crossed by bridges of every kind (the futuristic Pont de l'exposición, the romantic Pont de las flores, the old Pont d'Aragon etc... ).

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Any advice you would like to give to future students going to Valencia?

Erasmus is hard at first, but day after day you will be grateful to be in this amazing city! The atmosphere, the people, the weather, they are all so amazing that you'll think you're dreaming.

Good luck to everybody, I hope I have been helpful and as clear as possible.