Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Daniel

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Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

It's part of my doctoral program, which is 1/3 in Rotterdam, 1/3 in Hamburg, and 1/3 in Bologna.

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

I took part in the Erasmus Mundus program during 3 years for my PhD, and I received € 2300 per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

I'm not a party guy, so some of the charm is lost on me, but Bologna is definitely a party school for people interested in that lifestyle. For those more into culture and history, Bologna is a beautiful, historically significant city, home to the oldest university in the world. It is also the "belly" of Italy -- the food is not gourmet, but the quality of ingredients is second to none, and the "everyday" food is unbelievably fresh and delicious.

In particular, Bologna is famous for its meats, pasta, and gelato.

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

Yes and yes. But one has to either be a bit of a hippie, or else very tolerant of that sort of thing. If one enjoys it (or can get past it), Bologna is amazing.

What is the food like?

Wonderful. Not fancy gourmet stuff (there is only one restaurant in the city with a Michelin star), but the hearty everyday food is better than anywhere else I've visited. The tagliatelle and tortellini are particularly famous here. It is worth it to try to visit every gelato place in town -- there's so much variety (and high quality), you won't soon get bored.

As for price: delicious, fresh, local cuisine can be had for just a few euro.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

I used an agency. In theory, housing can be cheap. For people accustomed to a bit more luxury, it can be a bit difficult. Student housing (i. e., low quality) is abundant. Fancy housing can be found. But it is not easy to find stuff in the middle.

Also, living with roommates is the norm, and if this is not acceptable (it is not for me), then it can be difficult to find solo accommodations. Also, Italy's reputation for being pet friendly is not to be relied upon in the short-term housing market.

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How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

I'm on a relatively large budget (€2300/month) due to the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, but I think that in theory, one could live very cheaply in Bologna, if frugal. I tend to spend like a drunken sailor.

Food is surprisingly cheap. Everything else is comparable to the rest of Western Europe/USA. Electronics in Italy are generally expensive. Clothes also, except during sales periods.

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

Depends on the program. My PhD program paid for lessons outside of the university. Italian is fairly easy for anyone with prior experience with Latin-based languages.

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

Airplane, unless one is willing to swim the Atlantic. Most transport within Europe is rail. Bologna is a major rail hub, so that makes it very, very convenient for seeing the rest of Europe.

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

I don't do that sort of thing.

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

For cheap eats, pretty much every place is fine. Almost nothing bad in the entire city. For expensive, I liked Diana. The Hotel i Portici restaurant and Drogheria della Rosa are supposed to be amazing.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The two towers, of course. And the nasty Neptune fountain.

I really liked walking the 666 porticos, but it's not for everyone (i. e., if you don't like walking).

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

Italy is famous for clothes, so I assumed I would do a lot of clothes shopping here, and left the bulk of my wardrobe at home. Bad move. Clothes are generally a lot MORE expensive in Italy. Pack all the clothes you'll need when you come. Plan to buy a few doodads just as souvenirs.

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