Erasmus Experience in Rome, Italy by Alejandro

Why did you choose to go to Rome, Italy?

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I wanted to learn a new language and living in a place where people were going to be open minded. Finally I decided that Rome could be a nice place considering I have never been there before. It was also the only option that allowed me to learn a new language, since the other good options for developing my thesis were London and Dublin.

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

Scholarship is for 6 months. I received 1800€.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

It's perfect, at least for me. There are so many opportunities: parties, trips, culture, sports and so many other kinds of events.

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

Yes, without any doubt.

What is the food like?

Perfect. And please: don't eat only pasta and pizza! Despite the fact that pasta and pizza here in Italy are simply the best, and even if they are always the easiest option, there is an incredible amount of different typical dishes to taste. As to the supermarket's food: good quality and good prices. Food it's definitely not a problem here.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rome?

Yes anyway, that's only a matter of being lucky or not.

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

It depends on the person. Among 750€ and 1000€ per month depending on the way of life.

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

That also depends on the person. If you are Spanish, Portuguese or French, you are not probably going to have any kind of problem. Anyway, the solution is easy: study. And yes, there are language courses in the University.

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

Plane: Valencia - Rome (Ryanair or Vueling).

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

• Bars and clubs: "Circolo Degli Artisti" (closed right now), "Yeah! ", "Ventotto di Vino", "Black Market"
• Neighbourhoods: Monti, San Lorenzo, Trastevere, Piazza Bologna, Testaccio
• Disco: "Qube", "Piper", "Boheme".

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

• Restaurants and food: Pompi (Tiramisu), CarloMenta (Trastevere, really cheap but good pizzas), Cool (but expensive) restaurants on "Tridente" neighbourhood (Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Spagna... etc, etc, and surroundings), Margutta RistorArte (vegetarian), Brillo (hamburgers), Tazza d'oro (coffee), Giolitti (ice cream), Pizzarium (pizza al taglio)



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• There are so many cheap but good places on Monti
• In Trastevere you can find lots of genuine restaurants (non-touristic restaurants)
• Great Chinese restaurant near Manzoni's metro stop (Piccolo Hong Kong? I can't remember the name)
• There are so many sushi buffets: Generally, they are really good! There is an old theatre in San Lorenzo where you can have homemade dinner while listening amateur jazz bands

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everything in Rome should be visited! However, it's impossible to visit everything (mostly if you also consider the surroundings... ). I think the best option is to discover Rome by yourself.

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

Consider that the public transport in Rome is horrible.