Miguel V's Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain

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

I've been living in this beautiful city for six years now on the banks of the River Turia on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. What attracts me? Well, it is a perfect city to live in. It doesn't have the stress of bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but it still offers a lot of culture, gastronomy and fun. I completely recommend it; it is the land of flowers, of light, and of love.

What is student life like in Valencia?

It's unbeatable. Valencia has 2 main universities, the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University (Tarongers Campus). Therefore, the areas close to the universities and the areas where you go out are always full of students - there are as many Spaniards as foreigners. There are always Erasmus parties, events and trips organised by ESN Valencia. If someone is bored here and does not meet people and get to know other cultures, it is because they don't want to!

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Living in student accommodation is very expensive (between €400-900 a month... madness! ), but if you live in a flat it can cost about €150 a month, and you can share with other students. A weekly shop costs about €30, and for internet and bills, it's also about €30 per month. You will spend about €400 a month without any travelling, nor going out too much haha. With regard to transport, the Valenbisi (bicycles distributed around the city) is cheap and quite quick. But if you are not afraid of walking you can stroll leisurely to the centre from the university. The metro or tram is another option, although it is quite expensive. If you are sporty and you have a university student card you can use the University of Valencia's football, tennis and basketball facilities for free. There are also special offers at some of the city's gyms, some are only €90 for the whole year!

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

No. There are lots of student flats and there are pages online to find shared flats, many of which are with Erasmus students so you can practice different languages and have a better experience. My advice would be to have common sense, look and compare a lot, ask if you have any doubts, make it clear how much you are going to pay for rent, shared bills, electricity, water, internet etc., the length of the contract, what happens if you have to change flats, and how much the deposit is etc.

There are lots of people that change flats for different reasons throughout the year so you always have the option to change flats if that's what you want to do.

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

Spain isn't famous for three or four things, but five. One: World Champions of football and many other sports. Two: the food, some of the best (if not THE best) in the world (yes, especially Spanish omelette). Three: bulls (although many of us are not supporters of this "tradition"). Four: the siesta, that sacred hour of rest after a good feast. Five: the flamenco.

In terms of food, they follow a Mediterranean diet: lots of fresh fruit and vegetables (which are very flavoursome- especially the oranges in Valencia). They also eat a lot of fish and rice.

Mediterranean dishes are very healthy and above all, full of flavour!

What places do you recommend to visit in Valencia?

When I first arrived in Valencia I visited the City of Arts and Sciences, Oceanografic, Plaza de la Virgen and the old town. "El Barrio del Carmen" (the old town) is very interesting and at night it is very lively. However, living there is very expensive compared to the area by the universities. There is also the Bioparc, the Formula 1 Circuit (the road passes through the port so you can see the cars when they go through this section haha) or the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, which is a few kilometres away. There is also the port area, walking areas such as along the River Turia and you can also do outdoor sports in the Cabecera Park.

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It's a city where you can enjoy being outside and enjoy the weather all year round. This year there were people sunbathing on the beach in October!

And if you are more adventurous you can get the metro and visit some of the charming towns close to Valencia.

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

There are lots of good places on the beach and in Xúquer Square (plaza Xúquer). If you have a full purse you can try some more exquisite food in the old town haha. I particularly enjoyed a place called "Los 7 Percebes" near to Mestalla, but it's quite expensive. The students usually eat in the "Los Quintos" area (near to the University of Valencia). There are restaurants along Blasco Ibáñez, Polo y Peyrolon Street (calle Polo y Peyrolon) (which is also lively at night), and Honduras Square.

Which places do you recommend for nightlife?

Well, similar to the places to eat. For special parties there's the Carmen area, but in the week if you want to go to more Erasmus and university parties, the Los Quintos area is good at the beginning of the night, then Polo y Peyrolon, Honduras Square, the El Cedro area, the port (in summer), drinking areas such as Juan Llorenç, and the Cánovas or Aragón areas. Later on, for a more nightclub-scene, "La 3" by Avenida del Puerto is launching events and concerts with really amazing parties. There are lots of events depending on the style that you like haha.

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Is there any advice you would like to give future students in Valencia?

If you are Spanish you should try and join an association like ESN which hosts lots of events and parties with Erasmus students. It's really good for cultural exchange, you will meet lots of really interesting people and you will share an unforgettable time together. If you are an international student you should try and go to all the different events that are on for Erasmus students so that you can get to know other people as well as the city itself. I'm sure that it will be an experience that you'll never forget. Make the most of your time there, do all the activities you can, mix, and do not stop making plans with different people! Enjoy Valencia! ;)