Is there good quality access to the Internet and WiFi?

Will I feel safe and secure?

Will I feel welcome and at home in Huelva?

What is the average cost of living in the city?

What kind of climate does Huelva have?

Are there plenty of cultural attractions to see in the Province?

What makes the Huelva Province unique compared to other areas of Spain?

Can I study subjects in English?

What kind of outdoor recreation and sporting activities are available in Huelva?

What links does the city of Huelva have with other destinations?

What kind of services and facilities does the University offer to students?

What should I do on arrival?

What languages can I study?

How easy is it to get accommodation in the city?

Am I entitled to Health Care in Spain?

 

Is there good quality access to the Internet and WiFi?

The University of Huelva Wireless Network is available free to staff, students and visitors alike and offers a flexible way to access online resources from wireless hotspots across the University campuses using a laptop or PDA. The computer centre is located in the Perez Quintero building on the Campus de El Carmen, where students have access to computers and internet connection from Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Students should go to this building with their TUO (University Student Card). Problems with e-mail or laptops will be solved in Alan Turing building on the Campus de El Carmen. The library, an essential part of any university, supports high quality integrated computing and media services, with 24/7 availability of study rooms. Student computer workstations all with integrated access to Email, Internet, are also available with access to the university’s on-line learning environment.

Will I feel safe and secure?

Being a small city (population 145,000) not only can you easily walk from the centre to the outskirts but you can also do it in safety. Huelva has one of the lowest crime rates in Spain. However, if you prefer there is an excellent urban bus service to and from the different university campuses. The International Office has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and students can be sure to feel their needs are being met.

Will I feel welcome and at home in Huelva?

At the International Office you will receive a warm and friendly welcome and a place to come to with your problems. The International Student Association (ISA) has been created to help incoming Exchange and visiting students at the University of Huelva to help students to get the most out of their time in Huelva. Integration activities are also organised to help the exchange student settle in and make friends with Spanish students.

What is the average cost of living in the city?

Bus

€0.90

Cinema

€6.00 - special prices on Wednesdays and Thursdays and after midnight

Three-course lunch in the Univ. canteen

€4.50

Room in a shared apartment, water and maintenance charges included

€180-220

Coca Cola / Beer in a bar

€1.50

Coca Cola / Beer bought in a Supermarket

€0.50

Cappuccino or Café latte

€1.10

What kind of climate does Huelva have?

The city and province of Huelva has typical Mediterranean weather, there are approximately 300 days of sun annually, with an average of 11 hours of sun during the summer. The winters in Huelva are extremely mild, with an average of 5 hours of sun a day throughout the winter. The temperature rarely drops below 3ºC in Huelva. It is worth packing warm clothes for the evening in the winter as not all accommodation has central heating in Huelva. On average, the warmest months of the year in Huelva are July and August. During this time, the daily temperatures will hover around 35ºC, considerably cooler than other cities in the south of Spain

Are there plenty of cultural attractions to see in the Province?

The Province of Huelva, deep with richness of culture and history, has a wide range of different cultural attractions to see. The most popular places to visit within the province are:

  • The Sierra de Aracena – Sierra is the Spanish word for mountain range, the Sierra de Aracena is home to magnificent sites, forests of chestnut trees, typical Andalucian “white villages” suspended on the mountain side, a range of nature activities and amazing cuisine.
  • Columbus sites – In the year 1485, Columbus arrived at the La Rabida Monastery looking for welcome; he found not only hospitality but much more. The Columbus sites, which were declared to be sites of Historical and Artistic interest in 1967, are sites that played a major role in the journey of Christopher Columbus discovering the “New World”. Sites such as the La Rábida and Santa Clara Monasteries, the Moguer and Palos de la Frontera are a must see for anyone interested in one of the most significant moments in history.
  • The Doñana National Park - Is one of Europe’s largest and most important wetland reserves. Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and later put down on the World Heritage List in 1994. This park was once a favourite hunting reserve to a few Spanish Kings such as Alfonso XIII. The park is home to a wide range of different species some of which are rare and endangered such as Iberian Lynx and Egyptian mongoose.

Other well known cultural attractions within the province include, El Rocio Pilgrimage, El Condado de Huelva, Minas de Riotinto, The castle at Niebla and the many cultural attractions within Huelva City such as Cathedral La Merced, Provincial Museums, The Parque Moret and much more.

What makes the Huelva Province unique compared to other areas of Spain?

Huelva is home to many unique places and attractions to explore. A key and well known part of the province is the Parque Nacional de Doñana, one of Europe’s most important wetland areas, which is the home of many different kinds of wildlife throughout its diverse natural environments. Which includes one of Europe’s last remaining habitats for endangered animals such as the Lynx and Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Huelva is also the home of miles of unspoilt beaches, that are a peaceful and uncrowded alternative to the busy tourist beaches available elsewhere. The beaches are part of the well known Costa de la Luz that continues into the province of Cadiz, there is a rich sense of history with the numerous religious sites as well as being the location in which Christopher Columbus formed his crew and set sail for the “New World”.

Can I study subjects in English?

We have offered a range of subjects taught in English since 2005. To find out more see:
(http://www.uhu.es/english/erasmusStudents/doc/EHUELVA01_Subjects_in_English.pdf)

What kind of outdoor recreation and sporting activities are available in Huelva?

Because of Huelva’s proximity to the coast the obvious answer is sun, sea and (wind) surf. The city is a short drive away from the province’s spectacular 120-kilometre coastline of fine sandy beaches. A recent survey found that the Spanish were among those Europeans who spend most time studying. On the other hand it is said and widely agreed that Spain has one of the best lifestyles in the world. So in Huelva our students both work and play hard. Huelva as a city offers a host of opportunities for leisure and entertainment from cinema, concerts and theatre, to bowling, restaurants, and tapas bars. Lunch and dinner are usually later than in other countries. Visitors should not expect to get lunch before 1pm or dinner before 8:30pm and in the hotter months even later! Huelva has something to offer everyone whether you like spending your weekends trekking along mountain footpaths or clubbing till dawn you are sure to find something.

What links does the city of Huelva have with other destinations?

Huelva is well served by both national and international transport links. The airports of Faro (Portugal) and Seville are an hour’s drive away. There are train and bus links to all major Andalusia provincial capitals as well as Madrid.

What kind of services and facilities does the University offer to students?

The university understands that students need the best services and facilities in order to have a rewarding student life free from stress. We understand that most of your time at university will be dedicated to spending time with in your own academic faculty, yet you may want access to other services and facilities that we offer to all students. Here is a list of services and facilities we have to offer:

  • Study Services - The Universidad of Huelva has excellent study services available to all members of the university, from traditional learning resources such as the University Libraries to more modern electronic educational facilities such as Campus Virtual.
  • Social Life - Huelva as a city offers a host of opportunities for leisure and entertainment from cinema, concerts and theatre, to bowling, restaurants, and tapas bars. The University also has a range of extracurricular activities for to take part in, such as flamenco classes shown in the picture.
  • Sports Activities - The Universidad de Huelva provides a wide range of different sporting activities and facilities for its members to enjoy. Whether you are into playing games like Football and Basketball or like to keep fit, with the use of the gym at a fraction of the cost of what it would be elsewhere.
  • Cultural Services - The Universidad de Huelva prides itself on the promotion of culture. The University provides it’s students with the opportunities to attend different cultural promoting events, to help diversify the interests of its students and to promote the Spanish culture of Huelva.
  • Careers Services - Looking for a job in your chosen career, or looking for help in finding a career path to follow? – The Universidad de Huelva´s, Employment Service, the SOIPEA (Servicio de Orientación e Información, Prácticas, Empleo y Autoempleo) may be able to help you out.

A full list as well as more in-depth information about services and facilities can be found here:
http://www.uhu.es/sacu/

What should I do on arrival?

Our office is Pabellón 8 on the Campus del Carmen, between the Paulo Freire Building and the Faculty of Humanities. If you enter the Campus from the Avenida de Andalucía you will pass the School of Social Work (Trabajo Social), School of Nursing (Escuela de Enfermería), the Law Faculty (Facultad de Derecho) and Sports Pavilion on your left as you come towards our office.

If you come to the Campus from the Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas, you will pass the Canteen (Comedor) and the Faculty of Humanities on your Right before coming to our office.

When you have left your luggage at your temporary accommodation contact the Erasmus Student Network Huelva (ESN) located in the International Office (Pabellón 8 Campus de El Carmen) and you will receive help in finding a flat, as well as information about the next International Student party and if you are an Erasmus or Exchange student your student ID card. They are available to attend students from 10:00 till 13:00. The accommodation service operates from the end of August until mid October and during the months of January and February. Any specific queries regarding accommodation can be sent to our local  ESN by email info@esnhuelva.org or contact them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/esnhuelva

What languages can I study?

For students who do not have sufficient Spanish to follow a degree course the Language Centre (Servicio de Lenguas Modernas) offers Spanish language courses all year round.

Other language courses are available university-wide, including English, German, French, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, and Chinese. For more information:
http://www.uhu.es/lenguasmodernas/
email: serv.lenguas.mod@uhu.es  

Central administration offices: University of Huelva, C/ Dr. Cantero Cuadrado 6, Huelva 21071 – Spain.

How easy is it to get accommodation in the city?

Accommodation is available in student residences off campus but most students prefer to rent shared accommodation privately.

The International Office provides an updated list of arranged appointments to see available rooms and flats from 11 AM daily during peak arrival times in both semesters and will help students arriving at other times. A single room in a shared student flat usually costs about 200 euros/month per room including gas and water.

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Huelva keeps members informed of Erasmus and Exchange student parties and outings. All students are strongly recommended to join.

The ESN is located in the International Office: Avenida de Las Fuerzas Armadas S/N, Campus de El Carmen, Pabellón 8, Huelva 21007 – España. For more information see the International and Exchange student Guide.

Am I entitled to Health Care in Spain?

Most European students are entitled to health care during their stay in Huelva but even so all exchange students should check if there is a bilateral agreement with Spain which entitles you to Public Health Care while studying in Spain, in order to know whether or not to take out a private Medical Insurance before leaving your country. You should prepare the necessary documents for receiving medical attention in Spain i.e. E128, E111 or European Health Card. The following companies operate in Huelva: Sanitas, Adeslas, Caja Salud, Asisa and Mapfre. Please make sure your medical insurance deals with a company with private Health Centres in Huelva. Your private insurance policy should inform you where to go in order to receive medical attention. Please see Exchange Student Guide for more detailed information.