Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Jessi

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Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I was always really interested in going to south-europa, since the culture is very different.

There, in Bologna, was a partner-university of my hometown-university, so I decided to learn Italian and go to Italy

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

The Erasmus- semester was about 5 months. From the Erasmus-programme I received 270€/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

Since the oldest university of Europe is located in Bologna, there are really a lot of students, especially international students.

Besides finding a home, living in Bologna as a student was very easy and (compared to Hamburg, where I come from) not so expensive. There are a lot of events for students, especially Erasmus students, organizations to help foreign students, nice discounts and a lot of Italian-classes.

I would recommend though to learn some Italian beforehand!

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

I definitely recommend the city, because Bologna is a small, but still very authentic city with its very own characteristics. Especially in spring living in Bologna is beautiful and the city has a lot to offer. If you want to study in Bologna, definitely learn some Italian beforehand and take a chill pill! Not everything might be as organized here as you may used to be.

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What is the food like?

There is a big variety of food in Bologna. But of course, everyone knows that the Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world.

Bologna is famous for its Mortadella and Tortellini, so I definitely recommend trying out these dishes. Outside of the city-centre, you can find really nice and cheap restaurants.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

Finding accommodation in Bologna, especially before university starts, is very hard!

So I recommend traveling to Bologna about one month before Uni starts, just to get to know the areas and go to a lot of flatmate-castings.

I didn't do that and had to live one month in a hostel, which was ok but kind of annoying.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

I'd say the most expensive thing is accommodation. If you want to live within the city Walls and don't want to share a room with someone, you have to pay around 400€ for a short period. If you stay for longer than 5 months, you can find something cheaper.

Eating on the go and having some drinks is not very expensive.

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

If you already know latin-based languages, learning Italian will seem easy to you.

Otherwise, as mentioned, you should start early. My partner-uni supported Erasmus-students to learn Italian and shared the costs for one language-course. There are a lot of language-schools in Bologna with quite moderate prices. Its also a great way to connect with people.

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

The easiest and most economical way, if you book wisely, is by plane. There is a direct connection from HH to BO and if you're lucky, you will pay under 50€ for one flight.

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

Piazza Verdi is a spot you should, at least for once, definitely see around nighttime. Be careful!

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

Not far from Piazza Verdi is a nice pizza-place called "Spacca Napoli". Very nice pizza.

Also if you want to eat the best ice-cream of Bologna, go to "Le tre gemme" located in via Marsala.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The basilica Santo Stefano is a very characteristic, old complex of 7 churches. Also going up to San Luca by feet is a must!

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

Don't be in Bologna from June-August. Its way too hot!