Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Cartagena
These are some of the pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Spanish city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Cartagena
-
There are a wide variety of shared flats in different areas of the city, so you will be able to choose the best one for you. For example, if you want to be close to the beach you can choose some neighbourhoods further from the city centre, but if you prefer to be close to the universities you can choose neighbourhoods such as downtown Cartagena, San Diego or the Barriada Hispanoamérica area.
-
You will be able to use the money you save on rent to enjoy more activities in the city. If you like being outdoors you will be able to do activities such as canoeing, scuba diving, and caving, among others.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Cartagena
-
Some of the flats may not be in the best condition and may be somewhat old. Take a good look at the images to view what your room and the entire floor look like.
-
Pay attention to whether the apartment has a good conditioning system for summer since temperatures can reach 34ºC. In addition, you have to talk to your roommates about the use of air conditioning because of the expense that will be reflected in the utility bills.
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Cartagena
In the Apps for Erasmus+, you will read a lot of information about the procedures you have to do to formalize the exchange, as well as information about life in the city. One of the data mentioned by the students is that Cartagena is a relatively quiet city when it comes to parties, but don't worry about that because Murcia is very close, so you will be able to enjoy the nightlife of the capital of the community easily.
How to meet people in Cartagena
It is recommendable to share a flat and befriend your flatmates. Likewise, consider the following alternatives to meet other young people in this Murcian city:
Student associations in Cartagena
The Erasmus Student Network has a branch in this Spanish city, the ESN Cartagena. If you join it, you will not only be able to receive support when you arrive in the city, but you will also be able to access benefits in different areas and enjoy a large number of events and activities to integrate more with the students.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Cartagena
Most of the Facebook groups that you will find were created by ESN Cartagena. Some are general and others are divided according to the corresponding academic year. However, in all of them, you will be able to see the calendar of activities that you can join, which may include affordable trips (to Barcelona, Alicante or Ibiza, for example), board game evenings, language exchanges, and cultural visits and theme party nights.
Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Cartagena
If you join one of the WhatsApp groups created by ESN Cartagena you will be able to be in more direct contact with international students who are in the city. In this way, if you want you can propose spontaneous plans and find others who want to join.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Cartagena
Keep these recommendations in mind when living in shared flats in the Spanish city:
-
You can rent spare rooms that are part of private flats or residences. Remember that in student residences there are usually more rules regarding schedules and coexistence, so you have to see if it is what you prefer.
-
Living in Cartagena you will be able to enjoy a large number of celebrations during the year, such as the Cartagena Carnival or the Carthaginians and Romans Festival, declared a festival of International Tourist Interest. Take the opportunity to enjoy yourself with the locals!