My Erasmus Experience in York, United Kingdom - by Antonio

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

Coming from a city as big as Madrid myself, I was looking for a more peaceful place such as York: a smaller city but with lots of atmosphere. It reminds me a bit of Salamanca.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

My exchange lasted for ten months, and I received a total of 225 euros per month, which isn't enough to live in York as it's pretty expensive there.

What's the student life like in York?

Great. There are lots of pubs and clubs for those who enjoy going out in the evenings. Obviously it's not as active here as it is in London or in Edinburgh, but there are enough students around to create a good atmosphere. The university also organises lots of events and trips, so there's always something to do.

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

If you want something slightly quieter than the hustle and bustle of the big cities like I did, I'd really recommend York. The city is a very historic, peaceful and cultured one, and the weather there isn't as bad as it seems.

What's the food like in York?

It's in the United Kingdom, that's really all I need to say...clearly I didn't choose York for its food.;)

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in York?

No, since the university sorted this out for me, but there are students who use gumtree and other sites to look for their own flat. After bills etc. you actually won't end up saving much by choosing this option, but if you do want to find somewhere to live yourself instead of letting the university do this for you, then try and arrive in York a few weeks before classes start, stay in a hostel and view some flats.

How expensive is living in York?

The cheapest rent I've heard of is 300 pounds per month, although 350 to 400 pounds is the norm. I paid 450 pounds a month in my university accommodation with bills included.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

I was already quite fluent in the language before I came, but I attended a free course at the university anyway to improve my English during my stay.

What's the cheapest way of getting to York from your home city?

In my case, I flew with easyjet from Madrid to Liverpool, and then got a bus to York. A cheaper option is also to fly from Alicante or from Girona to Leeds, and then get a 40 minute bus from Leeds to York.

What are the best places for partying in York?

In terms of clubs, there's Kuda, Revolution, Tokyo and Willow (you have to try the latter at least once during your time here xD). There're also pubs like the Lounge and the White Swan... there are loads.

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

I didn't go out to eat very often because I didn't have that much money left over from my grant, but I did go to Mumbai (Indian restaurant) and to Red Hot Chili (spicy Chinese restaurant).

What does York have to offer in terms of culture?

The York Minster, the old city walls (2 hours journey) and St Mary's Chapel. There are also lots of little villages surrounding York which are worth visiting. There's a good weekend market which is always full of people from neighbouring towns.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to York?

Make the most of your time here to improve your English, learn about new customs, make friends from all over the world, don't entirely forget about your studies, but above all go out partying as much as a you can, as you're on your Erasmus year!;)