Julia's Experience in Valencia, Spain

What attracts you to living in Valencia? Do you recommend it? What is it like?

I think that Valencia is a very good city to live in. Before you go it’s important to know that there are two official languages: Valencian and Spanish. It is almost always sunny and the weather is good the majority of the year. There is always a good atmosphere in the city and there’s always something to do - like going to the beach or the mountains.

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What's the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Valencia is a good Erasmus destination. Lots of people live in shared flats in the Benimaclet area. There are a lot of cheap bars in that area, and similarly in the neighbouring area of Aragon. If you end up in the Ruzafa area you will also see lots of students drinking on terraces.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Valencia? Do you have any advice?

The only thing I can say is that if you can't decide between a flat and student accommodation, flats will always be a lot cheaper. I'm not an expert on prices but the area of ​​Benimaclet is the best to rent, in my opinion. You are close to the universities (except burjassot campus), you can walk to the centre, you have public transport next door and you’re close to nightlife.

What is the country's food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Spanish gastronomy is great. The most famous dish (and my favourite) is Valencian paella. Yes, Valencian. Nothing beats it! There are many varieties of rice: cooked rice, “arroz a banda” (a fish and rice dish), black rice, fideuà... There is also tapas, potato and onion tortilla (Spanish omelette), and Valencian lunches (sandwiches).

What places do you recommend visiting in Valencia?

I recommend visiting the centre of Valencia, including the El Carmen neighbourhood which is full of second-hand vintage clothes shops and thousands of places to go out at night, which is also true of the Ruzafa neighbourhood. You can also take a walk on the beach of Malvarrosa. If you want a beach a little further away from the city, I recommend the Saler, which is next to l'Albufera (it’s beautiful in the afternoon).

You can also take a walk along the old course of the Turia River where the City of Arts and Sciences is located.

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What about eating out in Valencia? What are your favourite places?

If you want to eat paella, the area of ​​Saler and l'Albufera is ideal. Any restaurant is good. You do have to make a reservation in advance though. It is usually a bit expensive (€25 approx. )

If you want to go for lunch, book at "La Pascuala". It is very cheap.

If you are looking for something more casual, in the ​​Ruzafa area you can find all kinds of places.

What places do you recommend for nightlife in Valencia?

If you're looking for a nightclub I recommend Comittee or Indiana. Or if it's the summer season, I recommend Akuarela.

If you prefer a pub, the areas of ​​Aragón (Parabarap), Carmen or Canovas are perfect.

If you want to go out for a beer, there is a place near the School of Psychology called "Most" that has huge beer pipes.

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