Valencia

The first thing that comes to mind is the sunlight.

Compared to Turin, in Valencia it is almost always sunny. I remember very few days with rain or bad weather, and for me this meant having much more energy. Waking up with the sun every morning gave me a spike of energy to start the day.

Another interesting aspect is that in Valencia the sun goes down later than in Italy. I think this contributes to a happier lifestyle. Having more sunlight in the evening encourages people to stay outside, meet friends, and spend time together rather than staying at home. This can have a direct influence on people’s mood.

Another important factor is the presence of the sea.

Living near the seaside can strongly influence your way of living. It lowers stress levels and gives you, in some way, the feeling of always being a little bit on holiday. Maybe this is because of the meaning we associate with the sea — a place connected to relaxation and freedom.

Another aspect that impressed me was how national festivities such as Las Fallas can unify a city.

The spirit of being part of a community was something I had never seen so strongly in Italy. During Las Fallas, people are divided into different communities that also compete with each other. This makes people feel part of smaller communities inside a larger one.

I think that this kind of celebration really strengthens social bonds and encourages friendship and social interaction, which are extremely important for society.

In Valencia I also noticed that experiences outside academia are strongly encouraged.

There are many events such as hackathons, presentations, and initiatives that help students understand the job world. These activities allow students to explore ideas beyond what they learn in class and open their eyes to possible paths after university.

At the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia there was also an incredible opportunity to do sports. The university offered large sports facilities, including a big stadium, and many activities were free for students and professors.

I believe sport is extremely important not only for physical health but also for socializing and for the general happiness of people.

And last but not least, the importance of going out even during the week.

There is often the idea that going out is something that should only happen on weekends, and that going out during the week could negatively affect work. However, I think that socializing at night can actually be a great way to release stress after a long day.

Disconnecting from work for a few hours and spending time with friends can give you more energy and motivation for the following day.

Living in Valencia made me realize how strongly the environment around us can influence our lifestyle and happiness. Sunlight, the sea, strong community traditions, opportunities for students, sport, and an active social life all contribute to creating a city where everyday life feels more balanced and enjoyable.