Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Elise

Why did you choose to go to Bolognia, Italy?

Bologna is a town well known for its University, and I wanted to discover Italy. After having done that, I can confidently say: Italy is for certain one of the most beautiful countries!

The city of Bologna

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How long did you stay there for? How much was your grant?

I stayed for 10 months, and my Erasmus grant was 160 euros per month, plus 250 euros from CROUS, 800 for the whole year from the mobility grant, and 600 thanks to the grant for my region where I come from.

University of Bologna

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What is the student life like in Bologna?

It's great! It's a student city where there are a lot of Erasmus students, so it's really good.

What is the food like in the country?

Really good, however there is little variety (mainly pasta and pizza).

Food in Bologna

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Pizza is, of course, very popular in Bologna

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Did you have much difficulty looking for accommodation in Bologna?

No, I looked online prior to arriving and found accommodation that way, however I knew many people had a lot of difficulty. I advise you to get it sorted early.

What is the cost of living like in Bologna?

Quite expensive as far as accommodation goes (because there isn't a lot of help in comparison to France), otherwise it is quite similar to the cost of living in France.

Bologna

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What is the language learning like? Did you take a language course offered by your University?

Yes, I was able to obtain level A2 despite not being able to speak any Italian before arriving. There are also a lot of organised language tandem groups.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Bologna from your city?

I take the train to Paris and afterwards a plane Paris to Bologna with Ryanair.

A street in Bologna

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What places would you recommend for a night out in Bologna?

Kinki, Quobo, Lab16, Corto Maltese... there are student nights every day of the week.

What cultural visits do you recommend?

In Bologna there are a lot of museums but I never had the chance to go to them. On the other hand I did go to all the nearby towns more or less (Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona...it's fabulous).

Venice

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Verona

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Do you have any advice to give to students coming to Bologna?

Hurry up! It's simply great. On the other hand, if you do not speak Italian make sure that your classes will be taught in English... otherwise prepare yourself for classes taught in Italian, you must be motivated.

There are a lot of students in Bologna

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