Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Santiago

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

There was a possibility for me to go to Valencia for a project with the Municipality of Valencia and the UPV (Universitat Politècnica de València). I was immediately excited because I really like Spain and I already knew the culture of Spain (Spanish mother).

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

I did live in Valencia for two and a half months. I did not get any help with living costs from the university or the Municipality.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

The student lifestyle is like this:

• In the morning you eat some biscuits or maybe one slice of bread. But not much. From 8:30 to 14:00 you have lessons.
• From 14:00 to 16:00 you will eat lunch. I ate a lot of Valencian Paella, which is delicious!
• From 16:30 to 19:00 you have more lessons at the University. But don't worry. Most of the days you will have lessons rather in the morning or in the afternoon, but not in both shifts.
• After eating in the midday, I normally got some sleep, (siesta). After the siesta, I visited my friends or went to the gym or La Turia for some running.
• In the night I was most of the time walking in the city, or drinking something at the terraces. When I was busy with my project, I was working on that in the evening. Most days I was going to bed at 23:59. To wake-up the next morning at 7:30 again...

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

Yes! It is an amazing university with good facilities. The campus is one of the biggest in whole Europe! You also can do sports/music activities at the campus. The campus is also a place to meet other students and make friends to drink something or do activities with!

(I am sorry for my bad English).

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What is the food like?

The food is amazing! As someone who visits Galicia every year more than once, I can say that I know Spanish food very well. The food I had in Valencia was at the same level as the food I ate in Galicia (Santiago, La Coruña, Lugo, etc. ).

The best dishes for me are the Valencian Paella and the Calamares a La Romana. But everything I ate was very good

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

Yes, I did some research to find a good place. But it was totally worth it. I know that there are many places at Blasco Ibáñez (a street near the university). Many students live there in apartments (for 3 people). Erasmus students are very welcome there! And other options are hostels. I lived at a hostel.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

The costs are completely dependent on your own lifestyle. I have chosen an expensive place in the centre of Valencia (Plaza del Ayuntamiento). But friends of mine lived together in Ruzafa (a neighborhood 10 mins walking from the centre of Valencia). They lived there for 300€ a month. But If you want the best of the best, then it will be 1000€ per month. It's completely up to you.

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

Spanish for me was not a problem because of my Spanish mother. But for those who are not familiar with Castilian it could be difficult. But if you live 4 months with only Spanish people around you, you will learn the language pretty well.

Yes, there are plenty of language courses available at the university. Just search for it on the website or ask other Spanish students. Every student I've been talking to, they wanted to help me!

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

There are buses and the metro in the city. I've been using metro more than the bus. But travelling by bus is more interesting, because you can look outside of the window and see all the beautiful buildings. Metro, on the other hand, is a little bit faster. A bike is also a good and cheap option.

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

I've been to many places, these places are the best to go!

My top 3:

1. Indiana
2. Umbracle
3. Le Premier

The whole list:

• Umbracle (Mya/terraza)- Friday, Saturday (Reggaeton, R&B, house)
• Indiana - Friday - Saturday (Reggaeton, R&B, commercial)
• Podemos de animas - Saturday (Reggaeton, R&B, commercial)
• Rumbo 144 - Wednesday (House, R&B, commercial)
• Le premier - Thursday, Friday, Saturday (Reggaeton, R&B, commercial)
• Nylon - Saturday (Alternative music)
• La3 - Thurday, Friday, Saturday (House, R&B, commercial)
• Aquarella- I don't know - (never been to)
• Play- Friday, Saturday -(Reggaeton, alternative)
• Bolseria - Saturday, Sunday ((Reggaeton, R&B, commercial)

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

I did visit a restaurant nearly everyday, so yes I know the best places.

• Los Toneles menu 10€ (weekend 12€)
• La Mary menu 10, 30€ (weekend no menu). This was my favorite place with Los Toneles!
• Bahia menu 10€ ( weekend 10€)
• La Polloria (7, 50 unlimited chicken! ) (weekend 8, 50€)
• Galacia restaurant (in Ruzafa) menu 10€ and the best meat I've ever had in Valencia was in this restaurant! It's called: Chuleton de Lugo! I payed 20€.

But there are many good places to eat in Valencia. The best places are the places where the Spanish families go to. It's cheap and good!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Valencia.
• La Turia.
• Lonja de Valencia.

There are more, but I don't remember their names right now... ask people in Valencia!

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

I know you will enjoy your stay in Valencia 100%. The culture, the weather, the food, the nightlife, the beach, the universities, the people. Everything is nice! The only bad thing now is the economic state in which the city is in now... There are not plenty of job options for the people in Valencia... and that's a pity.

But for Erasmus students, it's one of the best places in my opinion.

(Again Sorry for my bad English in this interview)

Salut and enjoy Valencia!

Santiago.