Erasmus in Salamanca

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Salamanca

Salamanca is located in the west of Spain, bordering Portugal. It’s known as one of the most beautiful cities in the country, being declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage City.

Are you wondering why to go on Erasmus in Salamanca? It’s known for having the oldest University in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe, which has made the city a student reference for centuries. The youthful atmosphere has always been part of its essence, and more and more students are choosing Salamanca as their destination.

But it's not just its academic tradition that makes it special. Here are more reasons why you should choose this city for your Erasmus experience.

Cost of living in Salamanca, Spain

The cost of living in Salamanca isn't very high. The constant arrival of students over the years results in a very youth-friendly lifestyle in Salamanca.

The accommodation is generally cheap: the average cost of a room in a shared flat is between €250-€350 per month and starts at €150 per month.

As for food, like the rest of Spain, it’s not very expensive. There are many supermarkets with very affordable prices, such as Día or Mercadona. Going out for lunch or dinner is also an option, and Salamanca has plenty of places where you can eat for €7-€10.

As for transport, the cheapest option is the ‘Tarjeta bono-bus ordinario’, with a fare of €2 for the card, you can recharge it with €5, €10 or €20, and each journey costs €0.31. The first transfer is free within 45 minutes. A single bus ticket costs €1.15.

There's a lot of partying and a night out with friends isn't expensive, it’ll cost around €15-€20.

All in all, it depends on how much you spend and how you decide to manage your budget, but Salamanca is one of the best cities in quality cost relationship. In general, you won't spend more than €500 a month.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Salamanca

If you’re an active person who loves to make plans and enjoy yourself to the full, Salamanca is a great destination! The city offers a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes. For example, if you're passionate about culture, you can stroll around the Plaza Mayor square, visit the Casa de las Conchas or climb the towers of the New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva).

Do you prefer something more active? Student groups organise trips to explore nearby places like La Alberca, Las Batuecas Natural Park, or nearby cities like Ávila or Segovia.

If nightlife is your thing, there are pubs and nightclubs all over the city, with lively areas such as Gran Vía, Bordadores or Van Dyck. Places like Camelot, The Irish Theatre or MOMA Salamanca are popular with local and international students.

Culture and gastronomy in Salamanca, Spain

This Spanish city was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998. It’s full of culture and history, with impressive monuments and historical landmarks. Some of the not-to-be-missed ones are:

• University of Salamanca
• Old Cathedral
• New Cathedral
• Plaza Mayor
• Clerecía
• Convent of San Esteban

As for the gastronomy of Salamanca, it has a great reputation throughout the country. It’s characterised by traditional and artisan dishes. The most typical dishes include:

• ‘Chichas’: pork meat.
• ‘Chafaina’: rice with chorizo and other meats.
• ‘Cochinillo al fuego’: suckling pig on fire.
• ‘El Hornazo’: pie filled with meat, chorizo, ham and boiled eggs.
• ‘Bollo maimón’: a type of sponge cake.

You can try some of these dishes in Mesón Los Faroles, Gran Tasca Bar Manzano or Café Restaurante Mandala.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Salamanca

Advantages

• Unique student atmosphere: it’s a university city with a young and active life all year round.
• Affordable cost of living: prices are lower than in other cities, especially for accommodation and food.
• Cultural and historical richness: from the Plaza Mayor to its Cathedrals, Salamanca is full of iconic places to discover.
• Affordable nightlife: there are pubs, discos and lively bars with affordable prices and free entry in many places.
• Convenient size: it’s small and easy to get around on foot or by bike.
• Clear language: ideal for learning Spanish, as the Salamancan accent is easy to understand.

Disadvantages

• Small size: it can be small for those looking for a large city with more activity.
• Limited connectivity: without its own airport, international travel often requires a trip to Madrid.
• More traditional leisure: less choice of concerts or modern events compared to larger cities.

Cheap student accommodation in Salamanca, Spain

Are you looking for accommodation in Salamanca? On Erasmus Play you can compare the best student flats, rooms and residences in Salamanca.

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Salamanca

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