Universidad de León (UL)

Eventhough Halls were more expensive than a flat (about £130 per month), they were the ideal basis for meeting people and keeping in touch with all the goings on. They are relatively new and very safe, not that Leon is dodgy, but having securoty entrance was pretty cool. The staff were excellent anc couldnt do enough for you. Internet is available as well, but the computers are a bit eighties! The staff try to mix international students with Spaniards, I shared with a Spanish girl and 2 english girls. Theres always some sort of gathering in Halls before hitting EL Hunedo... if your planning on going to Leon, this is a good start.. at least until you get yourself sorted. Theres a laundry onsite and a cafe/bar downstairs, which is pretty sweet when the sun is shining! oh.. an d a swimming pool right next door from about May!

It was a great experience. First, because I learned a second language and despite of this aspect, I learned to live in other environment, to be flexible and adaptable. Moreover, more than an universatary experiences, I learned to live with other people, other culture and thanks to that,now I am more open minded and it was also a good experience to know me more, to see how I react in a new environment,to know what I really wanted to do in my future. It was real personal enrichment.

At the time when I was in Leon the university wasn`t providing any kind of accomodation. Althaough there is a student residence,practicaly in the campus. Standards are quite high, everything is clean, there is an internet,in one "room" tehre is a kitchen, small living room and a bathroom to share but there are 3 independent rooms. unfortunatelly living there is much more expensive than renting a room. The city isn`t big so even if you live in the other part of the city than a university is it`s not far :)

The accomodation is just across the road from the university. Pretty close to shops. About 15 min walk from the city centre. The reason why I stayed at the residence was first because it was close to Uni (I'm a lazy bugger) and for the atmosphere in the residence. There is always someone around you, you're never alone, you just have to open our door. But you still have your own space. The mix of european students is such that you end up learning a different language than you are supposed to. I was sharing a flat with a spaniard and a dane, spent most of my time with italians and english speaking people from all over the world. To make the best of your stay, I advise to ask to share a flat with one or more spaniards. It just forces you to think in spanish and you'll learn an awfull lot more about everyday expressions, improve your confidence of speech, well trust me.. On the other hand, as mentionned before, the cost of staying at the residence is the double of what you would pay for shared accomodation in a private flat. So my other advice is to stay at the halls for a month, if you like it stay, otherwise look for a flat. The student union (junta de estudiantes) have got a department that will help you looking for flats (they usually have a list of flats and students that are looking for flatmates (both spaniards and foreign students))

Although not the cheapest accommodation available, the convenience of being fully equipped makes it worthwhile. It has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere which makes it ideal for people living abroad for the first time.

Housing at the university could be pretty good but it is more expensive and I prefer live in the town center