Erasmus experience in Bologna, Italy by Louise

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I chose to go to Italy to learn the language because I want to pursue my studies in this country, especially in fashion, as the fashion schools here are well respected. Also, Bologna "the Learned, the Fat, the Red" had a lot to offer given that it is the very first university in the Western world.

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How long is your stay? How much aid do you receive?

I am staying here for one year and the total amount that I will receive is €1700.

What is student life like in Bologna?

The student life here is great, we get to know one another very quickly through Tandem nights (in the bars, students of all nationalities come to speak English, Italian, Spanish, French, etc.. ), Erasmus associations are the best way to start then bit by bit you form a core group. Erasmus friends are friends for life, we share the same first experiences, we travel and we learn from each other.

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

Yes, I would recommend it 1000 times! It is a different way of learning but the classes are interesting! I only have 4 subjects per semester which may not seem like a lot but they are worth 9 credits and I have 6 hours of each per week. Being in Economics, I have the opportunity to sit mid-term exams and thus cut the semester in two. Lastly, the computer support here is very present which is very useful and we also are lucky to frequently receive guest speakers (Ducati, Ferrari, Bulgari, etc. ).

What is the food like in this country?

At first sight, we are very quickly defeated by Italian food, there is little difficulty here in finding a huge pizza slice for €1. 50 or an entire pizza for €3. But above all here we have aperitifs! Here is the concept: bars/restaurants offer a glass of any alcohol (spritzer preferably please we are in Italy haha) with an all-you-can-eat buffet, here it can range from €2. 50 - €12, so pretty soon we don't want to eat at home anymore.

On the other hand, in restaurants we soon realized that they lack variety in their menus, essentially they are often the same choices, a perfect example: all kinds of pasta still and always declined. For meat-eaters, I warn you that it is very difficult to find a good meal. Italians are good for many things but meat is very complicated and fish too given that the city is not near the sea. Finally, I will finish on a good note in telling you the delicious specialities of Northern Italy: mortadella, piadine, tortellini al ragu (never say with bolognese), balsamic vinegar of modena, milanese escalope, saffron risotto, gorgonzola... and many more!

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Have you had difficulty finding accommodation in Bologna?

Yes, enormously, I found a first apartment on Facebook where I got scammed out of my deposit (here the deposit is 2 months rent so €790(charges included), after that I tried very hard to find another apartment, which I did but for January 1st in two months, so I alternate between airbnb and my friends' houses (It is in these kinds of moments where you realize that the Erasmsus experience isn't all fun and games, but we all pulled together). So a tip: get there really early and come visit beforehand!

What is the cost of living like in Bologna?

The cost of living in Bologna is okay I think, some stores e. g: Via d'Azeglio you have a 10% discount on your shopping with your student card. One can easily eat cheaply especially with the aperitifs. If you are lazy you can also order online on a very good website!

Otherwise, try not to give in at the end of the month to the beautiful Italian leather boutiques, Zara, Oysho, Muji, etc.. I highly recommend Tiger, you will see this store is a delight!

How is the learning of the language? Have you been to language classes organized by the university?

Learning Italian takes time but it is a Latin language close to French, listening to Italian music and watching films in the language helps, also buy a notebook to write down words and vocabulary! Don't hesitate to try to speak in the supermarket, in the tobacconist, etc.. At worst if you can't, speak English! Young people speak it very well but it is harder with adults.. I never went to language classes in the university but an intensive course is given in September which I strongly recommend!

What is the most economical way to get to Bologna from your city?

I come from Montpellier so:

• Mtp - Lyon by train and Lyon - Bologna by plane
• Mtp - Barcelona by train and Barcelona - Bologna by plane
• Otherwise by car but it takes 9 hours..

What places would you recommend to party in Bologna?

• Estragon for Halloween
• Parco Norte la random party, it's twice a year and it's great!
• Hobby One, Millenium are small clubs but they're nice
• For Erasmus parties: Toga Party, Tandem at Cluricane Pub, etc.
• Qubo for "Just Wine" nights
• Lab 16 for a drink
• Mercato di mezzo for the best spritzers!

Never go to Soda Pops or Kinki unless you are very drunk and with good friends!

And to eat in Bologna? What are your favourite places?

Aperitivo on Oberdan Street, Scapa Napoli, La gazetta, all of la Pescharia street, Mercato delle Erbe, the Coop, Mercato di Mezzo, Zerocinquantellino, sushi Piazza Otto di Augusto - €10 all-you-can-eat, aperitivo via Zamboni, etc.

And what cultural visits do you advise?

The Museum of the History of Bologna, the first ever university, la piazza Maggiore with the San Petronio cathedral, the MAMBO, Neptune's fountain. (tip: if it is not open when you arrive, contact the tourist office which opens it occasionally), a night at Palazzo Re Enzo, etc.

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Advice for future students in Bologna?

Do not miss any moment, it is a beautiful and charming city with its arches in the city center.

If you are superstitious, do not go up Due Torri before the end of your mobility, legend has s that you will never graduate!

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One last tip: travel! Bologna is very well serviced by buses and trains, I have already gone to Milan, Ravenna, Florence and I organized Rome, Cinque Terre and Venice(for the carnival, enjoy) for the next two months!