Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Mathieu

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I wanted to go to Italy as I love the country; I had already gone there several times before, as a tourist. In my university, an Italian teacher helped find me a place in Bologna (as my department had no links between my town and Italy). My teacher advised me to go for this city for the atmosphere and both the student and cultural aspects. In addition to this, the department of arts and music there is renowned.

Bologna, Italy

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How long did you stay there for? How much was your grant?

My stay lasted ten months. I received 400 + 160 + 250 (or thereabouts).

A street in Bologna

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What is the student life like in Bologna?

It's great. There are people from all over the world, there are numerous places where you can eat and drink, until very late, there are loads of parties and clubs...it is also possible to sign up to the organisations dedicated to international students (ESEG and ESN) who organise trips, parties, film screenings etc...

ESN Bologna organises lots of events for students

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

Of course, yes! The city is really great, I like it a lot, I highly recommend it.

Bologna town centre

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What's the country's food like?

A lot of pasta, pizza, kebabs and ice cream! Of course you can find some more fancy restaurants, but they will be more expensive, serving the specialities of the region. You can eat really good food there, in large quantities.

Of course, ice cream is very popular in Bologna!

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Did you have much difficulty finding accommodation in Bologna?

Yes and no. By the time I arrived there, I had received very few responses so I was having to contact a lot of people asking to see their apartments, with little success. Finally, my connections worked to my advantage and I was able to find an apartment in the centre, near to the station. You could say I got lucky!

What is the cost of living like in Bologna?

On the whole it's similar to a town in a French province. Certain things are more expensive, other things less so. I think a food shop should add up to between 20 and 30 euros per week.

What is the language learning like there? Did you take a language course offered by your university?

I learnt Italian on my own, and I chose not to enroll in language courses, but there are some organized ones. No problem.

The University of Bologna

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What is the cheapest way of getting to Bologna from your city?

I can't really say as I chose to go by train, for ease of travel, and this is quite expensive. Alternatively, you can go from Beauvais to Bologna by plane for as little as 30 euros. Thereafter, you have to take the train.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Bologna?

I am not a huge party animal, and I tend to just follow my friends to where they are going without knowing where it is. I can't really respond to that question. But there are definitely many places to go out, don't worry.

A concert in Bologna

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What about eating out in Bologna? What are your favourite places?

I often went to the same pizzeria and the same kebab/Indian restaurant, as they were on my street, but they were not the best places. There are very good restaurants in the centre, which are more expensive but delicious. I can't remember the specifics off the top of my head, but there you will find many.

Pasta in Bologna

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And what cultural sites would you recommend?

Bologna is a very cultural town. In Italian, it is nicknamed 'la dotta' (the cultivated) for this very reason. The numerous museums are very accessible, especially for students, and they are very interesting. There are many churches which sometimes host free concerts, plus several theatres. The music scene is very active, I went to numerous concerts, and I even missed some, because I didn't have the time to go to them all.

Museum Palazzo Pepoli

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Bologna?

Be open, approach people, they are really friendly. You shouldn't be scared, they are ready to help you. Have fun, but remain clear headed and concentrate on your studies!

St. Bartolomeo church

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