Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Macarena

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

To be honest, it was my last option. I thought that Italy was only party and I wanted more than just party for my Erasmus. But now I feel so happy I went there, it's a very international, open-minded city. Full of live and students and also perfectly connected to travel and visiting the rest of Italy.

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

I received just €300 a month for 7 months, so €2100 in total for a 10 months stay. Absolutely not enough.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

It depends on you. If you want to party, you can, but you can also have culture, sports, and whatever you want really. The same with the language, Bologna is full of international students, so you can (and you will) speak a lot of English, but also Italians are very open so it's easy to go with a "local" group, which is the best way to learn Italian and everything about Italy (my favourite choice). However, if you want you can just go with people of your country, I absolutely do not recommend it, but unfortunately a lot of people do it.

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

Yes! Living in Bologna is fantastic, the people, the buildings... everything!

What is the food like?

Italian food is not just pasta and pizza, but in Bologna you can have a homemade margherita pizza for just €2. 50 at Pizza Casa, or a more gourmet one at Pizza Napoli (they're huge, I recommend to order a pizza to share between 2 people, with a beer it would be 10€/person). If you want to eat good and cheap pasta, Osteria Dal'orsa is the best place. I like to cook, supermarkets have a huge variety of fresh food. Don't go to the supermarkets in the city center, they are all really expensive, the best (and cheapeast) in my opinion is Lidl.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

Absolutely yes, start your search early, don't come in September without a rent contract, Bologna is full of homeless students in September looking for an accommodation and usually they end up paying very high prices for small and old shared rooms. Come to Bologna in June-July and go to Bussolacasa, an organization that helps students find an accommodation. I also recommend Facebook groups and Hausinganywhere Internet website.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

I spend €100-120 a month in the supermarket, €420 for a single room in the center with bathroom and bills included (it's expensive you can find a similar accommodation for €350), and then it depends on how much you travel, how much you party or the sports you practise. This will determinate the final amount.

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

There are free Italian courses at university. For Spanish people it's very easy to learn Italian, but you must go with Italian people or you'll come back without having learnt a word of Italian.

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

Ryanair is the best option, depending on the month you'll travel, you can book a roundtrip plane ticket for €32-36. However, in September, December, January and June the price is usually around €120 which includes a 20kg luggage, the cabine bag and a handbag.

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

Qubo, Millenium, The Irish Pub or Empire and predrinking at Via Petroni.

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

Pizza Casa makes pizza very quickly, Osteria Dal'orsa for affordable pasta but very tasty, and Pizza Napoli for a good pizza restaurant.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You must visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, the 7 secrets of Bologna, Giardini Margherita, Piazza Maggiore, the Towers of Bologna and I also recommend you to get lost in the center to find a lot of marvellous places.

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