Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I wanted to experience Italy and Bologna seemed like a good choice. It was an ancient and recognized university, as well as it had a good cultural offer.

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

Initially it was for 5 months, although I am staying for the whole year. The scholarship is an european one and it only covers one semester and, in the case of Italy (as it is a "Level 1" country), you can receive 400 a month for 5 months -although this money won't come until, at least, december, so you can't count on it before leaving.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

The lifestyle of a student doesn't differ very much from other countries, technically. You have your lessons -although the italian system is very particular and you will have to choose each one of your lectures, as well as the can long for one month and a half (6 credits) or three/four months (12 credits)- and you live your life according to your plans, you can go out every day because there would be people outside and the places are open until late.

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

Yes, absolutely. The city has a lot to offer, architectonically it offers a good historical centre full of "palazzi" from the Risorgiment, as well as it is very calm. Besides, in the weekend the historical centre gets closed to the cars so you can walk along the streets (very nice!). The University of Bologna is, technically, the "oldest" one in the Occidental world, as well as the first one in Italy. It is a good place, although the formation you receive always depend, in an 80%, on the teacher. In my case I am actually quite happy with the subjects I took and the things I learned, although it lacks laboratories.

What is the food like?

The food is, obviously, quite good. The pizza you can achieve anywhere is always good (and, in many cases, you can find a margherita for 2,5).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

More or less, if you want to find it online you have to be very patient and careful, and not jump to any sudden house you might find good. There are many webs (like Bacheca), the University has a place that helps you find accomodation (Sais), and one other place recommended by them (Housing Anywhere). Moreover, there are several facebook groups in which people post its offers and it gets on quite well, in my opinion you can find it easier. If you want to find in Bologna, without the online negotiation, it could take you about a week. The thing is that Bologna is like a bubble because of the students and it has become the second most expensive city in Italy, the houses are not always in excelent conditions and the rooms get parted in half to make more business. As it is not regulated it is easy for the people who loan to make you pay more than it actual market price.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

It depends. A "stanza doppia" could be around 200/300 euros, while a single one doesn't get down 300 (although it usually never goes up 400). The supermarkets are expensive, and it depends on a lot of things. There are three main chaines in the centre: COOP, PAM e CONAD. This last one is the cheapiest, the Coop offers a better selection on the meats, but the PAM is more variated. In general, you can buy 500g of pasta for 50 cents. The take away food you can buy depends, but it's not expensive if you don't take it every day. The coffee always costs 1 euro, although you have to order it on the bar (not sitting on the table) and take it to your table, because they usually cover that service.

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

The University offers periodical free courses in which to improve your Italian, although it is hard to get in and there are two each semester. Italian is an easy language to learn if you start to speak it every day, for a person who already speaks a latin language is obviously easier.

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

From Galicia the easiest way would be travel from Barcelona, Madrid or Porto with ryanair. To get there it depends. The price of the aggregation tends to be a little less of 100 euros per trip.

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

Everyone gathers in Piazza Verdi to drink and it also may offer music. Piazza San Francesco is also a good place to get with your friends, more calm and less "mainstream".

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

PizzaCasa, in Via delle Belle Arti - a good margherita only costs 2.5.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I wouldn't say that Bologna is a place in which you shoud have to see this monument or this other one, its charm is inside the streets and the walks around it, so I only recommend to get to know each one of the streets inside the "wall". Obviously la Fontana di Nettuno e Piazza Maggiore is an obbligated stop. Moreover, the Cineteca di Bologna is the perfect place to go to the movies (4€ with the student card).

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

You won't get bored if you go to Bologna.