Erasmus Experience in Worcester, United Kingdom by Micu

Why did you choose to go to Worcester, United Kingdom?

I have chosen Worcester because their curriculum promised to feed my passion for football. Also, the attraction of studying within the English culture was an important factor.

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

The scholarship I received was 500 pounds/year for each of the 3 academic years I have studied at Worcester. Therefore, 100 pounds/month for 5 months from December to April. This sum covers the food for a week, maximum 10 day.

What is the student lifestyle like in Worcester?

Worcester combines the vibrancy and energy of a student-city with the quiet, relaxed mood of a elegant location. It's special. Depends on how it fits each persons personality. For me it worked in my advantage as the peacefulness of the surroundings gave me the chance to focus more on my studies. To make your own opinion try this links:
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/discover.html
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/discover/about-city-of-worcester.html

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

Surely. Worcester University is a place where people help you to grow professionally, especially the Sport and Exercise Science Institute. They care about your development and that make a big difference when you finish your degree and enter the professional world. The city offers opportunities for entertainment as well as education; therefore it creates a good environment for learning and socializing.

What is the food like?

Worcester offers a wide variety of products in Supermarkets, East-European markets, Indian- markets etc. Depends on preferences...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Worcester?

It did cost me at the beginning. When I was in Romania looking for an accommodation in the city before come at university I did have to pay around 10 pounds so that I have access to the emails and phone numbers of landlords on specific websites. But it differs from an website to another. This website was of really help: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/worcester
It takes lots of energy to search and find the appropriate accommodation, depending on financial and professional factors.
Good luck!

How much does it cost to live in Worcester?

It can vary from 250/month (very few) to 600+ pounds/month (in the University Accommodation). The average is between 300 and 400 pounds/month for students.

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

It will be an adventure to deal with the West Midlands' accent but with a flexible attitude is doable, rapidly. More info on: http://www.worcester.ac.uk/community/international-language-requirements-support.html
"Additional Language Support

The Language Centre organises a range of preparatory English Classes for students who need to improve their English before they enrol onto their Bachelor's or Master's courses.

We offer 6 and 10 week pre-sessional courses

During the summer period as well as additional IELTS preparation classes

For full details of the courses, please visit the Language Centre"
(Worcester University website)

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

The easiest and most economical travel method is by bike. A second-hand bike can cost you from 40 pounds to 100, but it can do the job. You will need energy and commitment as the rainy days will be a challenge on bike. The transport system is very well developed and it offers routes from the university to all the important commercial and social centers in the city and 50km around Worcester
The university gives you help with the transport and provides pick-up services from the airport to the university:
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/community/international-travel-to-worcester.html

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

"Discover Worcester" is one of the university's advises. Personally, I would recommend a elegant restaurant on the edge of the river.

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

City center is a good place to try food, loads of offers from sushi to fish&chips. Try the one it fits your tastes better.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The view from the top of the cathedral can make a nice panorama for a picture.
For more advises about places to visit you can download the Worcester City guide from:
http://www.worcester.ac.uk/documents/worcester-city-guide.pdf

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

The best advice would be to chose what you want to study very carefully as it is a lot of work to complete a degree. I did choose something I loved to do and that helped me a lot. But that is just me. Open mind and flexible approach would be of real help as time in Worcester would represent an avalanche of learning new skills, meeting new people, embracing a new culture and discovering new places. I hope it helps.