Experience in Milano, Italy by Margherita

What is it like to live in Milan? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I think Milano is a beautiful city, every part of it can be also very different: the city center is the "antique" zone, with it's faboulos Duomo and very famous shopping streets. But just a few underground stops away there is the very new and modern part, with it's tall buildings, clubs and fashion cocktail bars.
Peolple are ok, it's not like going in the south of Italy where you find the classic italian stereotype. Here in Milan people can be less friendly, but still we are italians.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

I reccommend it for students, because there is quite a lot of entertainment and partying and during the day transport is ok to get you to the universities, that are mostly in the city center. There is really anything you need.

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

It can be quite expensive to rent out a room, but for the rest it's all reasonable prices.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Milan? Is there any advice you can give?

It can be difficult if you are trying to not spend much money. The only advice I can give is to always look near your university because you find that many people rent out flats and rooms. If you look further out, always check there is pubblic transport, and that it doesn't take you ages to get where you have to go. Also remember prices of the pubblic transport raise the futher you go, and you get less and less services.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is obviously excellent, we are italians so we know what is happening in the kitchen. You can find really cheap places where you can eat all our typical dishes, and also there are more and more places with foreign cousines.
My favourite dishes are obviously pizza (nothing like the ones made in other countries, here you will eat the REAL pizza), pasta al forno, fritto misto, risotto alla milanese...

What places would you recommend visiting in Milan?

In Milano you have to visit the city center: Duomo, Piazza la Scala, Via Torino, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione. But also visit the Navigli (where you always find night life), Colonne di San Lorenzo (where after supper you can get something to drink and just sit around with other youngsters), Arco della pace (cocktail bars), Triennale and Palazzo reale (exhibitions).... really it is just full of places to visit.

Is it good to eat out in Milan? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is very good, you must go to Gnocco Fritto 2 (near the Navigli), or to Spontini (delicious "high" pizza) or really just look on trip advisor and you will find millions of places where to go.

Is the nightlife good in Milan? Where is good to go?

Really good nightlife, go to the Navigli, Arco della pace, Colonne di San Lorenzo, Corso Como.

What advice would you give future students heading to Milan?

You will have so much fun! Just one thing: learn a bit of italian, unfortunately many italians still don't speak a word of english so better have the basis before coming.