Erasmus in Ponferrada

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Ponferrada

If doing an Erasmus in Ponferrada is a possibility for you, you’ll find below what the experience would be like!

Located in the northwest of Spain, this city in Castilla y León is an ideal destination for international students looking for a peaceful experience. With a welcoming atmosphere and a great history, Ponferrada offers the opportunity to live in an environment surrounded by nature and with a strong cultural tradition. It forms part of the region of El Bierzo, a region known for its mountainous landscapes, its vineyards and its gastronomy, where products such as 'botillo' and roasted peppers stand out.

The city is home to the Ponferrada Campus of the University of León, where Spanish and international students study every year. This creates a friendly university atmosphere and lets you meet people from different parts of the world. In addition, the cost of living is lower than in larger cities in Spain, which allows you to enjoy the Erasmus experience without spending too much. In this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your Erasmus in Ponferrada unforgettable. Let's get to it!

Cost of living in Ponferrada, Spain

The cost of living in Ponferrada is affordable compared to other Spanish cities. As a student, you can live on a budget of between €600 and €800 per month, including accommodation, food, transport and leisure.

Accommodation: single rooms in shared flats usually cost between €170 and €250 per month, excluding utilities such as water and electricity. University halls of residence have prices ranging from €600 to €800, depending on the services included (such as electricity, water or heating).

Transport: the city is easy to navigate on foot. Even so, there are city buses with cheap fares. A single ticket costs €1.15 and a monthly pass costs around €14.

Food: Grocery shopping in supermarkets such as Mercadona, Carrefour or Lidl costs between €80 and €100 per month. Eating out is also affordable: a menú del día (set daily menu) in local restaurants costs between €10 and €12.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Ponferrada

For a livelier nightlife, many students go to León, which is about an hour away by train and offers a wide variety of bars and nightclubs. Still, in Ponferrada you have a few clubs like Richmond Discoteca, Lubersil or La Buena Vida. As there is not so much nightlife, people organise parties or get-togethers in flats or residences. However, on Thursdays there are different special prices in the bars, so young people get together more often.

If you're looking for outdoor plans, you can explore the Temple Botanical Park or take a hiking route through the different mountains of El Bierzo. For history lovers, the Templar Castle is a must-see.

Culture and gastronomy in Ponferrada, Spain

Ponferrada is a city with rich culture and history. Events such as Templar Night, a medieval re-enactment in honour of the Order of the Temple, and Holy Week, with traditional Christian processions, attract many visitors each year. In addition, the town is part of the Camino de Santiago, which brings pilgrims from all over the world to the town.

The gastronomy of El Bierzo is another great attraction. Some typical dishes are:

• ‘Botillo’: spiced pork cold meat, cooked with potatoes and vegetables.
• ‘Cecina’: cured beef, with an intense and delicious flavour.
• ‘Bierzo roasted peppers’: red peppers with a smoky touch, ideal with meats and cheeses.
• ‘Chestnut cake’: the most traditional autumn dessert, with a crunchy base and a creamy filling of local chestnuts.

To enjoy these dishes, you can visit restaurants and bars like ZOREBI, Central de Pintxos MALACAÑA or La bodega de Godivah.

Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Ponferrada

Advantages

• People are welcoming and make it easy for international students to integrate.
• The cost of living is low compared to other university cities.
• It’s surrounded by nature and offers many options for hiking and outdoor activities.
• The local cuisine is delicious and affordable, both savoury and sweet.
• It’s a safe and quiet city.
• If Spanish isn’t your mother tongue, living in Ponferrada will give you a great chance to learn or improve it.

Disadvantages

• There is not as much nightlife compared to larger cities.
• In winter, temperatures can be cold and it may rain frequently.
• For international travel, it may be necessary to travel to airports in nearby cities such as León or Valladolid.

Cheap student accommodation in Ponferrada, Spain

Do you need accommodation in Ponferrada and don't know how to find it? In Erasmus Play you can find the best flats, rooms and residences for students in Ponferrada.

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Ponferrada

Other Erasmus destinations

Erasmus in Sant Cugat del Vallès

Erasmus in Toledo

Erasmus in Valencia

Erasmus in Leganés