Sandra’s Experience in Valencia, Spain

What attracts you to living in Valencia? Would you recommend it? What’s it like?

I think it’s a very interesting city, with lots of variety in activities and cultural places to visit. Yes, I definitely recommend it.

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What’s the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

The student atmosphere is great. During my time there as a student of translation, we always had events that we could go to, students meetups to try and improve internal aspects of the university, and meetings where we can participate as volunteers to learn about and enjoy a range of topics.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Living in Valencia isn’t very expensive, except renting flats in the centre of the city. In general, going out at night, going out for dinner or going shopping isn’t expensive. There are lots of options to choose from – from cheaper places to more expensive.

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

Normally it’s not difficult to find a student flat in Valencia. There are always notices up offering flats to share.

My advice would be not to settle on the first notice and flat you find, and make sure you compare prices and flats.

What’s the country’s food like?

Valencian gastronomy is amazing… the oranges, the rice dishes, paella, Valencian salad. They are Mediterranean, healthy, and above all flavoursome dishes. The food in Spain is one of the best cultural values.

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What places do you recommend visiting in Valencia?

In general, Valencia is a good city to live in. There are good public transport connections, although perhaps the services aren’t as frequent as in other cities.

In my opinion it has lots of interesting tourist attractions for visitors that come to Valencia for the first time, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, the bio-park, the Formula 1 Circuit, the Cheste Circuit, the port, the areas you can go walking or play sport in the fresh air (like down the river or the Cabecera Park). I think that it’s a city where you can be out and about and enjoy the weather practically all year round.

There are also lots of interesting and picturesque towns near to Valencia city.

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

I like the restaurants El Palmar and La Bodeguita and also the restaurants in Plaza Xúquer.

What places do you recommend for nightlife in Valencia?

In relation to nightlife, I would have to say that there is a lot of variety. Drinking areas like El Carmen, Juan Llorenc and the Cánovas or Aragón areas. There is also something for all ages. From my experience, I have volunteered on occasion and Valencia has lots of events and parties aimed at everyone, and visitors can enjoy significant events like Las Fallas, La Tomatina and other popular festivals in the surrounding towns.

Do you have any advice for future students in Valencia?

My advice is get to know other students in the Faculty of Philology and Translation. We are students that love meeting people from other countries and other cultures and sharing our knowledge of languages. Valencia isn’t a city with lots of opportunities so I think the opportunities here are in terms of studing at the University of Valencia and experiencing cultural and valuable exchanges at meetups and events.

I advise you also get out and about in Valencia regularly because there are always lots of activities, parties and events that you can go to.