Erasmus Experience in Milano, Italy by Valent

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

Italy? Who will not love it? Particularly Milano, the most developed part of Italy where you can find many cultures blend in one place :)

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I got Alta Scuola Politecnica scholarship offer for EUR 5,000 a year, however this one is very demanding, you have to attend additional courses, do projects, and maintain a very high average score! To be honest, the total amount of money is not enough for living here, so still need extra money from your own deposit, or find part time job here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

Study hard, eat hard, drink hard, and play hard, too :)

Would you recommend the city and the University of Milan to other students?

sure!

What is the food like?

It's not hard to find good food to eat, but you need to pay relatively expensive, compare to other cities in Italy like Naples (where all the delicious food come from)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Milan?

Yes - nothing cheap here in Milano, but the quality and standard of living is fair with the price you pay. You pay peanut, you get peanut, you pay pearl, you get pearl :)

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

One month accommodation in double bed room near the city center or university cost around EUR 300-400, while single room varies from EUR 500-700. And for living starts from around EUR 150/month (this is when you cook your own food and party less).. well, I must say it depends on what you eat, if you cook or buy prepared food (cost around 5-10 EUR per pan of pizza or standard meal), and how often you go for party (aperitivo/all you can eat + drink cost more or less 10 EUR)

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Luckily the university gives all the international student free language course. Interacting with relatively old local people is not so easy as they usually don't speak English. However, based on my experience, you can always find help and get things done here. Just need a lil' bit extra effort to "push" people to get what you need.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Milan from your city?

of course by flight! I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia sometimes give a good promotion.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Milan?

Many places - Navigli, Corso Como, Corso Buenos Aires, Duomo, many else, but the best is when you got a dinner invitation from a very warm Italian family where they cook a very good food.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Milan?

You can find aperitivo in most of restaurants in the city.
For pizza, go for Sorbillo near San Babila, for Chinese food go to Xier near Centrale Station. Or, if you are confused of what to eat, go to Eataly and you can find a lot of choices - i like their gelato, compare to the other stores I have visited. Also for gelato, I opted Grom for the unique, natural and freshness.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Well, not so much, but you can go to Duomo, some museum and churches, also a very big and beautiful Cimitero Monumentale close to Chinatown.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Milan in the future?

Be positive, be brave and get ready for the challenge, also to have a lot of fun! Be prepared for the grey sky of Milano also the rainy days. However, there is always buona giornata (good day) here in Milano :)