Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Natalia

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I've always wanted to live in a little city, specially a student one.

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

Since I was Erasmus overseas, I didn't receive any money from my government. But it's okay since it's a city made for students, prices are amazing and you can have a really comfortable life for less than 600 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

Everything in Bologna is really near, I bought a bike for 15 euro and I found a beautiful apartment near the train station.

Bologna gave me everything that I was looking for. Every day I just woke up being the happiest person ever, because I met the nicest Erasmus and non-Erasmus students, I loved my faculty (Social Communication), and the weather was amazing. Plus, Bologna is really good located, so I could travel really easy. Italian is an amazing language and I learned it in less than 2 months.

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

I would definitely recommend it. I fell in love with it since the first moment I saw it and for having an Erasmus experience, I wouldn't look for anything else.

What is the food like?

It's ok, you can find really cheap and nice places. Gelateria Iani and Pizza Due Torri and amazing places.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

I found my accomodation in two weeks. At first I stayed in a hotel, but the day after I arrived to Bologna, I met amazing people who let me stay with them for free while I found something for myself. They became my family and they were the first ones to teach me some italian.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

Less than 600 or 500 euro.

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

It was so easy to learn. I didn't find a course because when I arrived to the city, there were no spots left for me. But going to classes and meeting italian people made me learn really easily.

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

The only way is by plane. I come from Colombia, so at least you wanna kayak through all the Atlantic Ocean, it´s better if you book a flight.

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

For Erasmus experience, you should definitely go to Kinki, Chalet and Soda Pops. For others kinds of party, go to Link and Arteria.

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

Go to the restaurants located in Montagnola. Amazing!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Due torri, secret bakery, piazza maggiore, seven churches, santo stefano, etc. Every corner in Bologna is just amazing. And don't forget to know the 7 secrets of the city! Find them out by asking people.

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

If you're looking for the best semester of your life, go to Bologna. And please, while being there, don't spend any second inside your house. Enjoy each moment there and get to know the amazing people.