Hi everyone, I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a long time. I’ve noticed most discussions are about Madrid or Barcelona, so today I’d like to share my experience in a less common, but in my opinion, a real hidden gem of a study destination: Cartagena. I’ll also talk about my university, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena. I hope this can offer a new perspective for students who are currently choosing a university.
Why I Chose Cartagena and UPCT?
To be honest, my initial choice was heavily influenced by budget. Compared to Madrid and Barcelona, the cost of living in the Region of Murcia is much more affordable. Cartagena is an ancient city with over two thousand years of history and also serves as a major Spanish naval base. This Technical University of Cartagena, Spain lacks the hustle and bustle of big cities; its pace of life is very relaxed, making it perfect for focusing on your studies. Plus, the University of Cartagena, Spain is in a coastal city! You can go for a walk by the sea anytime, and the Mediterranean sun truly heals all the fatigue from studying. UPCT is a university specializing in technology and business, with a strong academic atmosphere and solid teaching quality. If you’re studying engineering, architecture, information technology, or business administration, UPCT’s programs will be a great fit.
Campus and Academic Atmosphere
UPCT’s campus isn’t large, but the facilities are very modern. In my faculty, the lab equipment is brand new. The professors are mostly very dedicated. Since the student body isn’t huge, the student-teacher relationship is quite close. If you have questions, you can email them or just stop by their office, and they’ll always be patient in their explanations. The learning here is very practical, with a lot of projects and lab work, which is invaluable experience for engineering and science students. There’s also a lot of group work, which is great for developing teamwork and communication skills. Of course, you might end up with slacker teammates, but that can happen anywhere.
Cost of Living in Cartagena
This is likely a key point of interest for many prospective students. The cost of living in Cartagena is on the lower end for Spain, making it very student-friendly. Based on my own experience, I’ve put together a table of approximate monthly expenses for your reference:
| Item | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Rent | 200 - 280 € |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Internet) | 30 - 50 € |
| Food | 150 - 200 € |
| Transportation | 0 - 20 € |
| Other/Entertainment | 50 - 100 € |
| Total | 430 - 650 € |
If you’re looking to focus on your studies, especially in STEM fields, in a quiet, safe, and affordable coastal city, UPCT is definitely an excellent choice worth considering. The relaxed lifestyle and rich historical atmosphere here will make your study abroad experience truly unique. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below! I’ll answer everything I can!
