Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Inès

Why did you decide to go to Bologna, Italy?

To learn Italian. Before going to Bologna I didn't speak the language. Now, after two months, I can say that I've improved. Please, do not pay too much attention to my spelling... I'm trying!

As a matter of fact, I managed to find communication courses which seem very interesting.

How long is the exchange? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My scholarship lasts 4 months. Normally, I should receive 800 euros from Erasmus+ and also 1200 from AMI, the scholarship for French students that have social assistance.

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What is student life like in Bologna?

The atmosphere is perfect! Everything is organised well to help foreign students integrate, and to discover Italy (cooking courses, trips, parties, spot, tandems to learn languages, etc. ). Also, there are many foreign students so it's easy to make friends.

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

YES! All the students I speak to here tell me that they don't want to leave, and that from the start they feel at home. I have the same feeling. The university is good. Professors are interesting and they do everything they can to help foreign students. There is also the possibility to take exams three times to make sure you pass.

How is the local food?

It's Italy so the food is great! And it's not too expensive which is very good.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Bologna?

Yes, I felt that it was very difficult. It's my biggest difficulty of the experience. But my advice is to start searching as much as you can before getting to Bologna. Rooms are often shared with other people and they cost a lot... They're also a bit old. So, to find a good place it's important to start looking before!

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

Life here isn't too expensive compared to France. But for an Italian city, I can say that it costs a lot. The highest cost is the rent (between 350 and 600 euros). For transport, there is a monthly ticket for 30 euros. To eat, I can say that vegetables are expensive in the supermarkets, but there are many small markets in the city where you can find less expensive meat, vegetables and cheese. However, pizza and pasta don't cost anything!

How's it going with the language? Did you attend some courses at the university?

With the language, as I'm French it was a bit easy for me. The language seems very similar to mine.

I should have taken, minimum, five courses to validate my year, so I have more or less 10 hours a week. I have also three hours a week for language courses.

What's the cheapest way to get to Bologna from your city?

The cheapest way from Grenoble to Bologna is Blablacar (20-30 euros). There are many Eurolines coaches. They cost a bit more (50 euros) and the journey lasts 10 hours.

What places do you recommend for going out at night in Bologna?

There are so many places to have a night out in Bologna! It depends what you fancy! I prefer to go to Via Del Pratello, where there are so many Italian bars, that cost nothing! Otherwise, Via Zamboni is a place full of students during the evening. Near this street, there are many clubs like L'Alteria (free) o il Soda Pop's to dance a bit with friends.

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And to eat in Bologna? Can you tell us about your favourite places?

To eat around lunch, I usually eat a slice of pizza for 2 euros from the Pizzeria Due Torri. At night, I go to Spacca Napoli to eat a pizza, o Via Del Pratello where there are many restaurants that serve pasta (5 euros a plate) or a kebab to take away. At the start I went often to have an aperitif on Via Zamboni. Italians do this often. The idea to pay for a drink (7 euros) and have unlimited access to a large buffet!

What about cultural visits?

For the moment, the most beautiful museum that I've visited is MAMBO, the museum for contemporary art.

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Any advice for future students in Bologna?

To meet friends, I think it's important to arrive a bit before courses start, because there is a week full of organised parties, tandems, many important trips to do! For 5 euros you can sign up to an Erasmus association that is really worth it! They organize everything for us! And they are kind and available. They do a great job!