Erasmus experience in Bari

Hey! I am on Erasmus in Bari and to tell you the truth, it's the best decision I've ever made.

The climate is similar to that of the south of Spain although here (now it's winter) it's a bit colder, but in Summer it is very similar to Malaga's climate for example.

The University is absolute chaos, sometimes the teachers don't turn up to class or to exams (of course there are exceptions). It's true that I would say it's the worst in general in Southern Italy, the teachers are a bit incompetent and the paperwork is an adventure, you always have to be on their backs to get them to sign things and talk to them. But undoubtedly, it's a small problem compared to the rest of Erasmus.

The people here are amazing (sometimes a bit crazy and awful), but very generous. In general, they are prepared to help you when they see you don't speak the language well. From what I've heard, it's better than Northern Italy for this, the atmosphere here is closer and you can adapt easily.

Apartment prices are between 220-270 euros, I pay 250 and that includes everything except water bills and Internet. The prices are quite good although don't wait to find a flat in good condition, they are all pretty old. It's not very common to stay in a residence, everyone I know from Erasmus live in flats.

In general, life is cheap in Bari. There's not a big economic difference between Spain and Southern Italy (from what I've heard about the North, it's quite a bit more expensive). There are things which are more expensive such as tuna or cold meats, and other things which are cheaper like cheese.

In the outskirts is where you find the nightlife and parties, it's where the nightclubs are but it doesn't pose a problem, there are associations that help Erasmus students get to the parties by putting on buses. Although you can always organise a party in someone's flat. The average price to get into the nightclubs is 5-10€.

Regarding food, panzerotti are the most traditional and focaccia, without a doubt you will eat these if you come here, they are traditional and really nice. I know 2 pretty well-known places here which are worth going to: the first is called "Rustico", it's an all-you-can-eat buffet, there are dishes such as olives, cheese, ham, focaccia (a type of bread covered in herbs and other flavours), potatoes, etc. you can ask for anything you want to drink wine and beer included), and when they are finished bringing you these plates, you can ask for whichever pizzas you want (yes, really, whatever you want), and to finish, they will serve you a shot of Limoncello (traditional Italian liqueur). All of this costs 10€. The second place is called "Rino", a woman who runs it has changed her house into a kind of restaurant that also serves dishes such as: Stuffed aubergines, pasta, etc... What's unique in this place is that you can go to her fridge and take whatever you want to drink, and all of this costs 15€.

What doesn't really need mentioning, because it's (almost) the first thing you do when you get to Bari, is to drink Peroni, Bari’s typical beer. You will spend evenings and nights in Piazza Mercantile, drinking Peronis, because there are machines just next to there, which sell them and it will surely be one of your best memories.

You mustn't forget to try the cornettos (croissants), you will find these in every bakery and usually cost about 1-1. 50€ and you can get thousands of flavours: Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, berries... Delicious!

There are lots of things to see, perhaps not everything is in the centre of Bari (you will see the San Nicola Basilica, Piazza Mercantile and thousands of things you will have to wait to discover when you arrive) but there are a great deal of towns with a special charm such as: Polignano, Alberobello and many more. I would also recommend you to go to Matera, it's a town about an hour from Bali, and in the old town, its streets and caves are worth visiting.

One of the scariest things was not being able to speak Italian very well. Although it's rather similar to Spanish, it's quite difficult to conjugate the verbs. Understanding it is pretty easy, but when it comes to speaking, it can be hard. Before I went, a girl recommended that I watch some videos so as to get a bit of an idea and honestly it was very useful. I'm leaving the link to the first video below; )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy_ueBYpCG4

Without a doubt, I do not regret choosing Bari in the slightest, it's not a huge city with lots and lots of things to see but it will greatly surprise you. In the beginning you will be lost, very scared, barely able to speak Italian, not knowing anyone but within two weeks you will have completely adapted. Personally, I'm living the best experience of my life and I encourage you to choose it, or at least go on Erasmus, because you will not want it to be over.

If you want to know more, you can ask me and I will be happy to help. I also know what it's like to go alone to a foreign country and any help would be appreciated! :)

Enjoy the best experience of your lives!