The roommates you live with in Valencia can become some of your closest friends since you’ll be sharing daily life with them. Therefore, it's essential to find a flat where everyone has a similar lifestyle to avoid conflicts.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Valencia
If you are considering sharing a flat with other students in Valencia, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Valencia
- You’ll meet other students as soon as you arrive in the city, so you’ll be accompanied from the beginning.
- Save on rent and utility bills, making it more affordable to live in popular student neighbourhoods like Eixample of Benimaclet.
- Living with people from different parts of the world offers a unique chance to learn about different cultures and customs. Take the opportunity to learn more about their lifestyle and language!
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Valencia
- Arguments can arise if house rules about visits, smoking, pets, and noise aren't clear.
- It can be challenging to get roommates to stick to cleaning and tidying schedules.
- Your room will be your only private space, so make sure to make it cosy and personalise it to your liking.
Erasmus Apps for your exchange in Valencia
The European Commission is promoting the use of an Erasmus+ app, which helps students plan their mobility. This app provides assistance with procedures, answers to common questions, and access to various services, discounts, and even tips and experiences from previous students.
How to meet people in Valencia
Besides interacting with your flatmates, there are several ways to meet people in Valencia. Here are some of them:
Student associations in Valencia
The universities that receive the most Erasmus each year are associated with ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Thanks to this, you’ll have access to different events and activities organised for Erasmus students, where you can meet others with similar interests. Two prominent universities with ESN support are the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Valencia. There are other associations in the city, but these are primarily aimed at international students.
Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Valencia
There are various Facebook groups for Erasmus students, some specific to the season you'll be there and others more general. These groups are a great way to meet people and find information about Valencia.
WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Valencia
In Valencia, there are plenty of WhatsApp groups to join if you want to meet people with common interests. For example, there are groups for different sports like volleyball or soccer, parties and events, the LGBT community, and students of different nationalities.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Valencia
Here are some recommendations if you’re going to live in a shared flat in Valencia:
- Valencians are generally open and cheerful, which creates a positive living environment. Plus, living with locals can help you immerse yourself in the culture.
- If you live in a central apartment, you can fully enjoy the Fallas de Valencia festival in mid-March. Be prepared for busy streets, celebrations, and firecrackers late into the night. The grand finale, where the Fallas are burned, happens on the last day, making a central location ideal for enjoying this vibrant event to the fullest!
- If you prefer a quieter lifestyle, consider accommodations in neighbourhoods further from the city centre, as central areas tend to have a lively student atmosphere at night.