Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Ivona

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

Actually it wasn't my first idea but then I've got the scholarship and I come here :)

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

Im in bologna for one semester, that means 5 months. University gives me 2000 euros for those 5 months, 1600 before I come here and the rest they will pay me when I come back. Offcourse if everything with credits is ok.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

The lifestyle is totally different than in Croatia. They have passion for eating but also talking, drinking good wine and having fun. The only times during the day that the piazzas and streets around Italy may be deserted are around 12.30-14.00 and 19.30-21.30. These are the times when Italians are home enjoying a meal. At around 2 o’clock people start to emerge from their houses and populate the streets again until around 19.30 when it is time for dinner. Having a cup of coffee at the bar is a daily Italian ritual, at breakfast, mid-morning or after lunch. Whether it is an espresso coffee, a cappuccino or one of the many other versions of coffee in Italy, it is generally consumed standing at the bar rather than sitting down at a table. Dressing is a matter of personal pride and expression of personality for both men and women who pay a great deal of attention to their appearance. Italian design is more than just fashion and clothing; it is also leather, home design, ceramics, jewellery, gold, silver, lace, glassware, crystal, chocolates, food items, art, sculpture, woodworking and even automobiles, all products where Italy holds great pride in being recognised as one of the best.
Im not the person who wants to party all day and night so I really dont prefere the places and that kind of people who can not wait to go out and listen comercial music.
Anyway I prefere to go to the concerts, on some clubs with rap music or psy music, so for that is good.

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

I study Ornamental plants on School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine which is a little bit out of city but the landscape is beautiful.

What is the food like?

Ice cream is the best here in Italy. And pizza also, but every kind of pasta is must-try option.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

Not really. I find good couchsurfer from Blogna and the guy helped me so much with accomodation till I find something to stay. It was 10 days searching for place. Hard but I find it. :)

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

316 for renting flat in center, double room + around 30,40 euros for food for 1 week. But always depend on person offcourse. 54 euros monthly ticket for train to Imola (because I have lessons there) + 29 euros for monthly ticket for bus. I think around 500,600 euros per month for normal living.

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

I knew something when I come here so after 3 weeks I already knew something what is important. Language is not really problem. And good thing is that 3days in week you have free italian lessons for every stage.

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

The easiest and also economical was is train in combination with bus.

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

At this time I really dont know because every place wher I went out with my foommates was bad.

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

Due Torri Pizzeria :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

San Luca

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

The town is small, and you will know every street in 2 weeks. So travel a lot because there are so meny beautyful place to visit. Florence, Pisa, Imola, San Marino....etc. Also, plane ticket are so cheap, travel and improve yourself. And offcourse HAVE FUN AND ENJOY.