We are Moguer Rugby Union. If you’re landing in Huelva “ready to live it all”, here’s a straight-talker to fit in from day one and make this your best year.
1) How Erasmus works at the University of Huelva (UMove, coordinators, essential deadlines)
If you’re coming to the University of Huelva (UHU), your three pillars are: deadlines, the Learning Agreement (Study Plan), and help channels. In practice—what we see every year with students who join the club:
- Before arriving: bring your Learning Agreement draft signed and make sure your coordinator knows it exists. Avoid last-minute changes in week one (that week is already busy with flat hunting and basic paperwork).
- UMove and admin: keep your login handy and take screenshots of anything important (enrolment, subjects, receipts). That saves calls when Wi-Fi fails.
- Learning Agreement changes: prepare them in one go (not one by one) with a short explanation: “equivalence”, “timetable clash”, “mirror course”.
- Where to ask for help: International Relations replies, but peak season means queues; combine email + front desk and, if you get stuck, ask us which door to knock on (which document, who to, in what order).
Locker-room tip: when you sit in class, introduce yourself to both sides with “hey, I’m Erasmus—any tips for this course?” Ice breaks instantly and, if you want, we’ll swing by to pick you up for your first training.
2) Living in Huelva: areas, costs and getting around
Neighbourhoods our players pick most often:
- El Carmen / Campus: walk to class, strong student vibe.
- City Centre: bars, squares and buses to everywhere.
- Isla Chica: local feel and budget-friendly prices.
Housing: share a flat and agree house rules from day one (cleaning, guests, noise). If you don’t own boots yet, prioritise a place with a decent washing machine—beach sand and pitch mud will happen.
Transport: for daily life, walking + bus works. For beaches and trips, we car-share within the team. If you ride a bike or scooter, use lights: some avenues are long and not well lit.
Budget (rough guide; depends on flat and habits): a room in a shared place, weekly groceries at market/discount stores, and some weekend treats. With the team we rotate great value bars and solid set-menu spots.
Pro tip: build a personal mini-map on your phone with: cheap supermarket, hardware store, cobbler, urgent care clinic, copy shop, and the “corner bar” that will keep your backpack when you go straight to training. Lifesaver in the first two weeks.
3) Real integration: make friends in week one (sport, events and community)
No fluff: you walk into the locker room and walk out with plans. Rugby is the excuse and the social glue. In the first session you’ll see:
- Simple ritual: names, positions (if you know them) and an ice-breaker game.
- Spontaneous plans: “toasts tomorrow?”, “beach on Saturday?”, “VO cinema?”. This is not a tour: it’s your new crew for discovering Huelva.
- Language mix: if your Spanish is rusty, we switch; if you want to improve, we’ll help (with friendly jokes).
Beyond sport, we connect you to Erasmus events, city activities and province trips. Coming alone? Perfect. Coming with friends? Even better.
“I didn’t know anyone in Huelva and on day one I already had weekend plans.” — Erasmus student, Italy
4) Erasmus + sport: why joining a club transforms your year
- Instant friendships: team chemistry turns weeks of adaptation into days.
- Physical and mental well-being: trainings de-stress you and give you routine. You hit exams sharper.
- Confidence boost: learning something new (or playing again) lifts your self-esteem.
- Support network: stuck with admin, doctors or cheap food tips? Someone solved it before and shares the hack.
- Third half: a culture of respect and humour. Friendships that outlive the academic year.
“I had never played rugby. I learned, got fit and found my best friends of the year.” — Erasmus student, France
5) Moguer Rugby Union: trainings, values and inclusion for Erasmus
Who we are: a mixed, welcoming and LGTBIQ+ friendly club, open to absolute beginners and to experienced players. Our pride: no one gets left out.
What trainings look like:
- Progressive warm-ups, core/advanced technique, games and real match scenarios.
- Designed so you enjoy without injuries and can balance university life.
- If you’re new, we teach you step by step; if you’ve played, we help you level up.
Practical support: we can lend boots/gear if needed; we add you to the team group and guide you with health care, transport, shopping and the tiny daily bureaucracies.
Real inclusion: “we’re mixed and inclusive; we keep a safe environment for everyone.” Simple rules: respect, teamwork, effort… and a good dose of laughs.
Clear call to action:
- Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram (we reply fast).
- Free trial: join a training this week, no strings attached.
- If you love it (usually happens), we help you sort the basics and you’re set.
6) Top plans around Huelva: beaches, Sierra and Algarve getaways
- Beaches: Punta Umbría and Mazagón for quick afternoons; long sandy stretches and epic sunsets.
- Sierra de Aracena: autumn/winter playlist—trails, white villages and great food.
- Algarve (Portugal): day trips or weekends—coves, caves and turquoise water.
- In the city: tapas, terraces and cultural events; there’s always a post-training plan.
We run on car-sharing, light backpacks and a rugby ball that appears in every park. Never fails.
7) Admin and express checklists (enrolment, health, transport, SIM, banking)
First 72 hours checklist
- Local SIM or eSIM with data.
- Temporary address and a digital copy of your rental contract.
- Card/bank with low fees.
- Maps app + pinned locations for campus, supermarket and health centre.
- Bus timetables and a simple, safe night route home.
- First contact with your coordinator and a quick check of rooms/timetables.
First month checklist
- Adjust your Learning Agreement (if needed).
- Know your nearest clinic/urgent care.
- Basic sports gear (if you join the club, we advise or lend you some).
- Simple study plan (45–50’ focuses + trainings).
- A shortlist of trusted cafés/bars and budget markets.
Small hack: keep a phone album called “Erasmus Docs” with sharp photos of passport, health card, enrolment and rental contract. In admin, speed = peace of mind.
8) FAQ Erasmus Huelva
Do I need previous rugby experience?
No. If you’ve never played, we teach you from scratch at your pace.
Can I balance it with university?
Yes. We adjust training load and attendance to your busy weeks. First goal: enjoy and make it to everything.
What do I need to start?
Sportswear and motivation. If you don’t have boots, we’ll advise you or lend you a pair temporarily.
How do I meet people fast if I arrive alone?
Text us and we’ll add you to the team group before your first training. Within 24–48 hours you’ll already have plans.
Is it a safe and inclusive space?
Yes. We are mixed and inclusive; zero tolerance for disrespect.
Conclusion
Your Erasmus in Huelva can be organised, fun and very “you”. If you want a team, your people and your best year, come try: “walk into the locker room and walk out with friends.” We’re waiting for you at Moguer Rugby Union.
Join us? Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram, come to your free trial training this week and make Huelva your home.
