Laura's Experience in Valencia, Spain

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

I think Valencia is the perfect place to live. It is a very beautiful and sunny city, with great landscapes, and has especially beautiful beaches. It is also very well connected, as public transport goes to almost anywhere. The people are friendly, and the weather is very good. In winter it is not that cold, but in summer it can get really hot. It doesn't rain much either.

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What's the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

The student atmosphere in Valencia is good. There are many universities with their different faculties in the city, and there are several areas full of students where you can enjoy the university atmosphere both day and night. All the faculties have their own library, but also throughout the city there are several public libraries too. In addition, the faculties are very well connected in terms of transport.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

The cost of living in Valencia is average, you can find cheap places but also very expensive. The accommodation isn't excessively expensive, neither is the food. The restaurants are not very expensive either, but of course, it also depends on where you are going to eat.

Transportation isn't expensive but not cheap either, there are monthly vouchers that make it cheaper for you to travel throughout the city.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Valencia? Can you give some advice?

It usually isn't difficult finding accommodation in Valencia, but I would say that you definitely need to plan well and not leave it till the last minute, because otherwise, it may be that most areas where students usually stay are already full, and you might have to go to other less studenty areas.

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

Valencian food is fantastic, and Spanish food in general for that matter. In Valencia, rice is typical, "Paella Valencia" is the typical dish. But you can not only eat rice, in Valencia you will find lots of seafood, fish, but also very good meat, sausage, good vegetables, as well as lots of fruit. In terms of fruit, Valencia is famous for its oranges.

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What places do you recommend visiting in Valencia?

The Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the Turía River Park, which runs through the city, the City of Arts and Sciences, the Miguelete and the Cathedral, the Torres de Serrano and the Quart, the Mercado de Colón and the Ruzafa, the El Carmen neighbourhood, the different beaches, and the Port of Valencia.

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Where do you recommend for nightlife in Valencia?

There are lots of clubs, for example Mya, TB Club, Rumbo, La3, Bfore Club, White House... in most of them they usually do parties for Erasmus students too. There are also neighbourhoods where you can find a lot of parties such as: Ruzafa, Blasco Ibañez, Carmen.

Do you have any advice you want to give to future students in Valencia?

Enjoy this magnificent city, its people, and make the most of your experience there!