Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Daniel

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

Because University of Bologna was the first university in whole Europe and I though that it could be a good reason to go there, furthermore, I was looking forward to live in Italy.

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

I just spent 6 months there, but the university year begins in October and ends in June. I received at the begining 100€ per month from Univeristy of Santiago de Compostela, but at last it was a little bit more because my average rating during my degree.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

It gives to you the chance to know people from all over the world because its great heritage and prestige. But, it's also quite easy create a "spanish gheto", for example, if you don't take care about meeting diferent people.
Bologna is an amazing city to being a student. Everything is focused towards student but, to be honest, this fact has its adventages and cons.

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

Yes, definetly.

What is the food like?

AMAZING, It's Italy!! :)
In every single corner of Bologna you are going to find some take away pizza and most of them are going to be amazing!!! Also I found the best kebab ever, but, when I left Bologna it was closed down! :(

The variety is awesome. You'll find: "trattorie" where you can find a good selection of italian food (they are more like restaurants), tiny "osterie" where you can bring your own food, take a sit in a big table with strangers while you share a bottle of wine or as I told you before, wonderful take away "pizzerie" where you can buy really tasty "pizza al taglio". But, guys, mind your meals, I earned more than 8kg in just six months!! :p

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

For me it was a little bit difficult because I had a lot of handicaps: male, just 6 months, spanish and erasmus. To be honest it is not a good convitation of elements! But at last it took a week and a half.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

A lot!!! It's a really expensive city. Italy is expensive and Bologna is a city which moves a lot of money, and the main motive are the students.

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

The lenguage is easy for people who spoke spanish or french, I think. The University of Bologna has language courses but they have a lot of demand, so you have to be very alive!

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

I from Galicia (north west of Spain) so I had to travel to Madrid and then pick up a plane.

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

I recommend run away to the main university area.

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

Osteria del'Orsa, Lab16, and Osteria Broccaindosso.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

"Le due torri", the higest medieval towers in Europe and the main builiding of the University.