Hey everyone! I’ve been a long-time lurker and have seen many posts about Barcelona and Madrid. Today, I want to share my experience about a less-common but absolutely hidden gem of a study destination: Girona, and some real insights into my university, the University of Girona. You might be surprised by some of its notable alumni of the University of Girona.
Many people’s first impression of Girona might be from Game of Thrones—and yes, the filming location for the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing is right here. But when I chose this place, even before I learned about the rector of the University of Girona, I was more drawn to its tranquil, safe, and historic atmosphere. The UdG campus isn’t a single entity; it’s spread throughout the city. For example, the Faculty of Arts is in the Old Quarter (Barri Vell). Walking to class every day through thousand-year-old stone alleys feels truly magical. There’s a strong Catalan atmosphere at the university, but teachers and students almost always speak Spanish as well, and there are course options taught in Spanish or English, so you don’t need to worry too much about the language barrier.
Cost of Living
Compared to Barcelona and Madrid, the cost of living in Girona is much more affordable. I’ve put together a rough monthly budget based on my own expenses to give you an idea:
| Item | Monthly Expense (€) |
|---|
| Rent (single room, shared flat) | 250 - 350 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Internet) | 40 - 60 |
| Food & Groceries | 150 - 200 |
| Transportation | 0 - 20 |
| Entertainment & Social | 50 - 100 |
You can live quite comfortably on €500-700 a month. For students checking out University of Girona admissions who want to save money while experiencing an authentic Catalan atmosphere, it’s truly a great value.
The city of Girona itself is a work of art. My favorite thing to do is take a walk along the Onyar River at dusk, watching the reflection of the colorful houses and the Church of St. Feliu on the water. All the academic stress just melts away. The old city walls are also a fantastic route for a walk, offering stunning panoramic views of the entire city and the Pyrenees mountains in the distance.
If you’re not a fan of the hustle and bustle of big cities and yearn for a place where you can focus on your studies and truly experience life, the University of Girona is definitely worth considering. It’s just over an hour by train from Barcelona, and it’s also very convenient to visit nearby coastal towns or the Pyrenees. Exploring the entire Catalonia region in your free time is an incredible bonus! Is anyone else here in Girona or interested in UdG? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
