Lately, forums have been buzzing with discussions about studying in Barcelona and Madrid. Today, I want to share my experience in a less common but truly hidden gem of a destination: Girona! For those of you considering university studies in Spain, you’ve likely come across the University of Girona (UdG). Having lived here for a while, I want to offer a student’s perspective on what it’s really like to study here, hopefully providing a useful reference for future students.
University of Girona (UdG) Overview
The UdG is a public university. While its history isn’t exceptionally long, it’s growing rapidly. One of its most unique features is that its campus isn’t confined to a single area; instead, it’s integrated throughout the city. For instance, the Faculty of Arts is located right in the heart of the Old Quarter. Walking to class every day on ancient cobblestone streets feels like you’re living in a movie. The overall atmosphere at the university is very open and friendly, with a growing number of international students.
This is what the area around the Faculty of Arts looks like. Pretty amazing, right?
The City is the Campus, Life is Super Relaxed
Girona’s greatest charm is its environment. This city, home to the University of Girona, is one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones, and its entire Old Quarter is stunningly beautiful. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, the pace of life in Girona is much slower, making it perfect for focusing on your studies. The city isn’t large, maybe even a bit small, but it has everything you need, making daily life very convenient. On weekends, you can go hiking or take a short train ride to the coast. The quality of life is truly excellent. For anyone who loves a quiet setting but doesn’t want to be too far from a major city, this is a perfect choice.
Program Choices and Cost of Living
The UdG has particular strengths in fields like tourism, water science, chemistry, food technology, and robotics. Of course, as a public university, its business, humanities, and social science programs are also quite good. For international students, a major concern is usually the cost. The cost of living in Girona is lower than in Barcelona or Madrid, especially when it comes to rent. Here’s a simple table to give you a clear idea:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Shared flat (single room) | 250 - 400€ |
| Food/Groceries | 200 - 300€ |
| Transport & Communication | 30 - 50€ |
| Other/Entertainment | 50 - 100€ |
| Total | 530 - 850€ |
A Few Personal Tips
Finally, here are a few personal tips. First, language is key
! This is the region of Catalonia, so both Catalan and Spanish are used in daily life. Many undergraduate courses at the university are taught in Catalan, while Master’s programs tend to offer more options in English and Spanish. Be sure to check the language of instruction before applying. Second, start your search for accommodation early, especially around the start of the academic year. Lastly, make sure to get out and explore the city and its beautiful surroundings!
If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful, and cost-effective study abroad experience, the University of Girona is definitely an option worth serious consideration. Are there any other students here or anyone interested in Girona? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
