Erasmus Experience in Valladolid, Spain by Katie

Why did you choose to go to Valladolid, Spain?

I wanted to go to a smaller city to see the 'real Spain' and I had heard that they speak the clearest Spanish in Valladolid!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I got the Erasmus grant which they paid to me monthly and helped with my accommodation.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Valladolid?

Lots of Erasmus activities for students, lots of things to see and do around the city!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Valladolid to other students?

Yes I would recommend Valladolid- cultural, lots of tradition and not so many tourists so you have to speak Spanish! (Which is great if you want to improve) Cost of living is good compared to other places, my friends in Madrid were paying three times as much as me! University very supportive and offer good range interesting courses!

What is the food like?

Lots of tapas bars some with tapas for 1 euro! Food different to British food but it is all part of the experience!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valladolid?

I started of in a halls of residence and then I looked for a flat in the second semester to save money and meet some new people! I recommend looking when you get there because there are tonnes of flats and you want to make sure you are getting value for money!

How much does it cost to live in Valladolid?

I paid about 220 rent including bills a month which is pretty average, still nice flats for less!

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I paid for a six week language course at the university which was very helpful! My other classes were tough at fist but you get to grips with the language!

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Valladolid from your city?

At first there was a direct flight from London which was great but that stopped in February so I Often caught a coach to either Madrid or Santander and then flew from there to london stanstead! Coach around 15 euro and then if you book flight in advance, less than 50 euro!

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Valladolid?

My preferred night out would be a tapas bar crawl or to a cocktail bar. "La Passion Cafe" is a really nice bar that does wonderful cocktails for 6 euro! There are plenty of Erasmus parties and club nights too!

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Valladolid?

Las Tres Bellotas is a tapas bar that does one euro tapas and they are massive! Nice restaurants in the centre of city but quite pricey.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Plenty of museums in Valladolid, and the cathedral! There is a tour bus that goes around the city which is good to get your bearings! Valladolid also a great location to explore the north and Castilla y Leon by coach!

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Valladolid in the future?

The siesta is not a myth, everything shuts between 2 and 5 pm and also on Sundays all supermarkets are closed! I arrived on a Sunday which was a bit of a shock!