Hello everyone, I’m a graduate student who came to the University of Valencia last September. Seeing many people on the forum asking about UV, I thought I’d share my real experiences over the past year, hoping to help those considering coming here.
About the University and Program Selection
The University of Valencia is one of Spain’s oldest universities with high local recognition. I’m studying International Business, and the curriculum is quite reasonable with many practical projects. The professors here are generally quite friendly, although some courses are taught entirely in Spanish which requires strong language skills, but there are also English-taught programs available. I strongly recommend confirming the teaching language before applying, as it directly impacts your learning experience.
Accommodation and Living Costs
When I first arrived, I lived in a student apartment near the Blasco Ibáñez campus, paying around €350 per month including utilities and internet. Later I moved to a shared apartment in the city center, which was more expensive but much more convenient. Valencia’s cost of living is considerably lower than Madrid and Barcelona, with a monthly budget of €800-1000 generally being sufficient.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Rent | 350-500 |
| Food | 200-300 |
| Transportation | 30-40 |
| Other | 100-150 |
Campus Life and Social Activities
The university has many student clubs and activities. The Erasmus student organization frequently hosts gatherings and short trips, which are great opportunities to make friends. I’ve participated in several language exchange events that greatly helped improve my Spanish. Local Valencian students are actually quite welcoming, and as long as you’re proactive, it’s easy to integrate into their circles.
The city itself is very student-friendly, with beautiful beaches, landmarks like the City of Arts and Sciences, and you can explore the old town or bike to the beach on weekends. Don’t miss the [University of Valencia study abroad] Fallas Festival in March—the entire city celebrates, and it’s absolutely spectacular.
Practical Advice
Regarding residence permits, be sure to prepare your documents in advance—you know how Spanish administrative efficiency works. I recommend scheduling your NIE and residence card appointments as soon as you arrive, don’t procrastinate until the last minute like I did. Also, getting a local bank account makes things much easier; I use CaixaBank’s student account which has no monthly fees.
For healthcare, the university requires insurance. Public healthcare is free but has long waiting times for appointments, so I suggest bringing some common medications. As for climate, Valencia is warm year-round, but winters can feel cold indoors without central heating, so pack plenty of warm clothes.
The study abroad experience at the University of Valencia has been quite positive. The city has a relaxed pace, high quality of life, and a relatively easygoing academic environment. If you’re considering studying in Spain, UV is definitely worth adding to your list. Feel free to ask any specific questions in the comments below, and I’ll try my best to reply.
