So you’re moving to Valencia for your Erasmus or internship. Great choice! Sun, beach, good food and a city where there’s always something going on. The first weeks can still feel a bit overwhelming though: new city, new language, new rhythm. Here are some tips to help you settle in.
1. Get used to the Spanish rhythm
One of the biggest surprises for many students isn’t the language, it’s the daily rhythm. In Spain people usually have lunch and dinner later than in many other countries, and evenings tend to start late too. Our tip: don’t fight it, join it. Enjoy a long lunch, have dinner on a terrace with friends, and you’ll feel like a local in no time.
2. Finding a place to live
Many Erasmus students share a flat with other students. Start looking early, because a lot of people arrive at the same time. A few tips:
- Don’t pay anything for a room you haven’t seen, in person or by video call
- Ask what’s included in the rent
- Look beyond the city centre too, the neighbourhoods around it are often cheaper and still well connected
3. Getting around
Valencia is easy to get around. Walking and cycling work great, and for longer distances there’s public transport like the metro and the bus. Ask whether there are student discounts, it’s always worth checking.
4. Meeting people
Erasmus is as much about the people as the city. Some easy ways to build your circle:
- Join the welcome events and trips organised for Erasmus students
- Go to a language exchange: you practise Spanish, someone else practises your language, and you both make a friend
- Join a sports club, a gym or a volunteering project to meet locals, not just other internationals
5. Places you can’t miss
- The Turia Gardens: a long park that runs through the city, perfect for running, cycling or a picnic
- The beach: relax, swim or have lunch by the sea
- The Mercado Central: a beautiful market full of fresh local food
- The City of Arts and Sciences: the futuristic buildings you’ve probably seen on every postcard
- A real paella: Valencia is where it comes from, so you have to try it!
And keep an eye out for the local festivals, Valencia knows how to celebrate.
6. Learn some Spanish (even a little)
You can get by with English, but you’ll get so much more out of your stay if you speak some Spanish. Locals appreciate the effort, and ordering a coffee or chatting with your neighbour becomes part of the adventure. Even a few classes at the start make a big difference. Want to know more? Read our guide on how to learn Spanish in Valencia.
Learn Spanish in Mislata
Want to make the most of your time in Valencia? At Koyot Academy we offer Spanish classes in small groups with native teachers, so you start speaking from day one. We’re in Mislata, just a few minutes from the centre of Valencia.
Your first class is free. Come by the academy and we’ll tell you everything you need to know. We’d love to meet you!
