Experience in Valencia, Spain, by Olga

What's it like to live in Valencia?

Valencia is an incredible city with atmosphere, sun, and friendly people. There is always something to see, to do, or someone to go out with.

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What's the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Valencia has a lot of university students, so there is an endless list of places to go out, from pubs to go for a beer in to clubs to go partying in. Also there are places where university students tend to go every day (because they have quite affordable prices), so it doesn't matter which day of the week it is, there will always be someone having a drink.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Rent in Valencia is not very cheap, but neither as expensive as cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.

A room in a shared flat in the typical university area that is good to live in can cost around €200. Also, you can find rooms for €180 that are decent enough, but if you want a really good one, it could cost more than €250.

Was it difficult to find your accommodation in Valencia?

Finding accommodation is not difficult because there are so many flats to rent, however, my advice would be to go through an estate agency that manages shared flats, so that you can tell them the price you're willing to pay, and the things that you would prefer your flat to have. Normally, on the internet there doesn't tend to be nearly half the amount of flats available.

What's the food like in Valencia? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is excellent, and no one can go to Valencia and not try the Valencia paella! Even if you aren't a rice lover like I once was, you will love it.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Valencia?

I insist that you go to the Barrio del Carmen, which is the old town of Valencia, and has tiny shops throughout it. Also, if you like art, I recommend that you visit the Benimaclet and Russafa areas. And if you're a theatre lover, and even if you're not, you must go to Russafa to see a play, they are spectacular.

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Is it good to eat out in Valencia? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

If you want to have some very good "pinchos" (little tapas plates) without paying too much, I recommend a bar called "Tanto Monta". If you would like to have a great dinner in Russafa there are a lot of bars that are worth going to: a Mexican place called "Tecolotes" which has the best nachos in Valencia, and for burgers, the "Black Turtle".

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

If you like to go out with your friends, sit in a bar and have a beer, I recommend the areas around "Cedro" and "Los Quintos de Aragón". In the last place I mentioned, go there if you like to listen to rock music whilst you drink. In the same area, there is a pub called "Standby" that's very good.

What advice would you give future students heading to Valencia?

Explore and live the Valencian life to the max: it really is worth it.

And, you mustn't forget to go on a bike ride through the area by the river at night, it's very pretty.

If you want to get to know people that speak Valencian and have the pro-independence attitude that has been preserved in this city, I recommend the area Benimaclet.