Experience in Valencia, Spain by Roseta

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What is it like to live in Valencia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Well... Valencia is the city where I was born and the one I've been living and studying in during my nearly 20 years so what I am gonna tell you? I absolutely love it and I swear it's the best city ever to live in! Not too big to feel lost as other European capitals, well connected to travel, by the seaside, typical Spanish, beautiful food, people and climate, helpful environment, full of brightness and life, with a vibrant student atmosphere and with job opportunities to those who come from abroad with some experience and foreign languages. Lovely to live in at any age!

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Very rich! Each different person and likes can find its plan! There are lots of universities all around the city and we're thousands of young people here. The area of the universities is full of bars to have a drink after class, the libraries are always a good place to take advantage of your studies while you chat on the breaks and get to know people, lots of Erasmus students and activities every day. You can practice nearly every sport, have pubs of every kind of music, cinemas, theaters, cultural activities, beach, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, museums, big parks to play the guitar, go for a picnic or just relax.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Not much! Even if you're Spanish you'll find it cheaper than other central or Nordic areas but if you're from abroad, this is your paradise!

A good shared flat to rent can cost you 250 euros a month with expenses included, you can go out for a very nice tapas dinner for around 8 euros, you won't need lots of public transport since you can go by bike.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Valencia? Is there any advice you can give?

I'm living with my family here but my friends who are in a rented flat didn't have any problems. The light poles and the walls of the buildings next to the unis are full of advertisements; and there are Facebook groups, internet or by some friend who will help you find something easily.

Ask for a contract to avoid problems but usually the owners are honest.

You can also look for student residences like Galileo Galilei or Ausias March, which are just 5 mins walking from the main universities.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Come on... This is one of the most emblematic cities of Spain! So beautiful, traditional and cheap! You can find everything and also the most sophisticated and expensive food in some restaurants an average and tasty 2 dishes + drink + dessert daily menu in a bar will cost you 8 euros. You can find everything in supermarkets like Consum and Mercadona to cook at home.

My favourite typical dishes are Paella (chicken and vegetables with rice) and fideuà (a kind of pasta with seafood).

You can find ready-made food stores where you can find yummy and home made dishes for around 4 euros (there's a superb one in Ramón Lull street, next to Tarongers campus, called Com a casa). Try the giant sandwiches of La Pascuala by the seaside and the cakes from La Niña Bonita by the seaside as well.

Try horchata, our sweet drink only prepared in Valencia and gazpacho andaluz - a kind of tomato soup.

What places would you recommend visiting in Valencia?

It all depends on what you like and want! There are many shows, sightseeing tours, cultural visits, sports and most importantly the opportunity to sunbathe:

• El Río (where the river used to be) is an amazing green space to chill, practice sports, and always has something going on like concerts and fairs.
• Torres de Serranos y de Quart, all the historical center (Colón street for shopping, barrio del Carmen to lose yourself by the narrow streets, Plaza de la Reina y de la Catedral for beautiful sights and an ice cream).
• The beach to do some jogging, chatting, sunbathing, watersports.
• Don't miss La ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias if you are looking for a quick trip to the future, an ultramodern complex of different buildings containing science museums, the biggest aquarium of Europe, an opera and a 3D cinema.
• Barrio de Ruzafa y Benimaclet are bohemian neighborhoods where you can enjoy colorful houses and hundreds of pubs with live music, poetry, etc.
• Bullfighting square (like a little roman coliseum), the awesome train station and its roof, the townhall square full of benches where the couples feed the pigeons and they sell flowers.
• And stay for Fallas, our local festival in March. I'm not gonna explain it, you need to live it!

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

As I said, any bar would be cool but we've also got all kinds of McDonald's, Tommy Mel's, Tony Roma's etc.

But for prepared food I like Com a casa in Ramón Lull street and for a traditional menu any bar of Benimaclet and Ruzafa neighborhood, any restaurant from the seaside, Los Toneles in the city center and Lemongrass as a Thai one - definitely go try it!

Is the nightlife good in Valencia? Where is good to go?

Valencia has lots of night plans every day of the week! But Tuesdays is the student night and Fridays are for the locals but everyone is invited to both!

The best place to drink a pre-party beer is Los Quintos with great rock music and pubs like Blasco Ibáñez and Venida de Aragón.

Great night clubs, where you can dance until the early hours of the morning, are:

• MYA.
• Umbracle.
• Le Premier.
• Superclub.
• Las Ánimas.
• Rumbo.
• TB Club.
• La3.

What advice would you give future students heading to Valencia?

Enjoy it as much as possible and dive in the local culture which is very rich! Try to have Spanish friends, take advantage of your studies and travel as much as you can. Valencia will forever be in your heart!

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